Why do anus itch

But rarely, it may be a sign of something like anal or bowel cancer, so it's important to get it checked by a GP. Page last reviewed: 28 September Next review due: 28 September Itchy bottom.

How to ease an itchy bottom yourself Do gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before bed wear loose-fitting cotton underwear keep cool — avoid clothing and bedding that makes you overheat have cooler, shorter showers or baths under 20 minutes eat plenty of fibre — such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread, pasta and cereal to avoid runny poo or constipation.

Find a pharmacy. Important: Threadworms An itchy bottom that's worse at night is often caused by threadworms , especially in children. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have an itchy bottom and:. Important Tell the GP immediately if a medicine, cream or ointment makes the itching worse. Systemic conditions affect your whole body and can sometimes make your bottom feel itchy.

Systemic conditions include:. Some types of medication, including those applied directly to your skin topical , may make your bottom feel itchy. For example, if you use a cream to treat haemorrhoids, it may irritate the sensitive skin around your anus and make the itching worse. Some topical medicines may also cause contact dermatitis red, itchy skin if used for long periods.

If a medicine you're taking is causing an itchy bottom, your bottom should itch less after you've completed the course of medication. Never stop taking a prescribed medication unless advised to do so by your GP or other qualified healthcare professional responsible for your care. Speak to your GP if you're taking a medicine on a long-term basis and it's causing an itchy bottom. They may be able to prescribe an alternative. In rare cases, itchy bottom can be a symptom of a gastrointestinal cancer, such as anal cancer or bowel cancer.

Most cases of itchy bottom aren't caused by cancer , but it's important that your GP rules out all possibilities. Possible symptoms of bowel cancer include:.

Treatment for itchy bottom usually involves following simple self-care measures for a few months. If necessary, medication may be prescribed to help ease the symptoms. If you still have an itchy bottom after 2 months, or if it returns, you may need to follow this self-care advice for longer.

The best way to do this is to use water to gently clean your anus and the surrounding skin. Clean your bottom in this way after every bowel movement and before going to bed each night. You can use soap to clean your bottom, but make sure it's mild and unperfumed so it causes less irritation to your skin. Wash all of the soap away afterwards.

After washing, gently dry your bottom. Avoid rubbing the area vigorously, as this may irritate your skin. Instead, gently pat the skin dry using a soft towel. You can also dry your bottom using a hairdryer on a low heat setting. When you're away from home, you can use damp toilet paper after passing stools, before gently patting your bottom dry.

If you have a tendency to sweat, or if your bottom becomes very moist, putting a cotton tissue in your underwear will help absorb the moisture around your anal area.

As well as keeping your bottom clean and dry, there are a number of other self-care measures you can undertake. For example, you should:. It may be difficult, but you should try to resist the urge to scratch your bottom, as scratching will only make the problem worse. Some foods may make your itchy bottom worse. If the urge to scratch your bottom is greater after eating certain foods, try cutting them out of your diet completely or reducing the amount you eat.

This means your stools won't be loose runny , but you won't need to strain when you go to the toilet. Loose stools can irritate your anus. Straining to pass hard stools may cause haemorrhoids piles to develop.

People should limit their use to two applications a day for no more than 7 days. Some people have suggested the following, although there is not enough evidence to confirm that they help:.

Anal itching is a common problem, and lifestyle choices or over-the-counter medications can usually resolve it. If treatment does not resolve the itching within 3—6 weeks , the doctor may refer the person to a specialist. If the itching is persistent or severe, or it happens alongside other symptoms, a person should see a doctor. In rare cases , there may be an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

Treating an underlying condition can help stop the itching, and it may prevent further complications. Different skin types require different skin care products. Read on to learn more about the best skin care products for each skin type.

A look at crepey skin, a common complaint where the skin looks thin and wrinkled. Learn more about how to prevent and treat this condition. Sebaceous hyperplasia causes small, inflamed bumps to appear on the skin. Other causes include taking laxatives or other medications that cause diarrhea. Certain foods are also linked with anal itching. These include:. Symptoms of an itchy anus are rarely a medical emergency. An exception is when you experience bleeding from your rectum.

Bleeding may signal recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding. Make an appointment to see your doctor if your itching disrupts your daily life and is getting worse even after self-care treatments. If the itching is due to an infection, a doctor can prescribe an antifungal, antibacterial, or antiparasitic treatment to get rid of the infectious organisms. Prescription ointments that have higher steroid doses can also lessen itching and reduce inflammation.

Hemorrhoids that cause anal itching may require more invasive treatments, such as banding to shrink the hemorrhoid or surgical removal of the hemorrhoid. You may also want to consider a sitz bath. In a sitz bath, you place your butt and hips in warm water for up to 20 minutes. Sitting in a sitz bath after a bowel movement can help reduce irritation and itching.

Always gently dry the anal area after the bath. You can also purchase several over-the-counter topical creams to treat anal itching. These include zinc oxide , hydrocortisone cream , or topical capsaicin cream.