What is anal itching?

If you often feel the urge to scratch your bottom, you may be one of the many people who suffer from pruritus ani, a more appealing, Latin term for chronic anal itching. Whatever you call it, the symptoms of this unappealing but common condition can range from mild to intense.

Scratching because it itches only makes the problem worse and can in turn lead to a red, burning and painful anus. In the worst cases, an itchy anus can lead to a reduced quality of life and even depression. Pruritus ani affects 1-5 percent of the population and is four times more common in men than in women. Most often, a painful, itchy anus is caused by hemorrhoids or anal fissures , but this is certainly not always the case. ^1,2

A very itchy anus can be very embarrassing, but don’t hesitate to seek help. The sooner you treat the symptoms, the greater the chance of success.

Causes of anal itching

An itchy anus can have a hundred causes, or the cause may be unknown. The most common cause of anal itching is hemorrhoids and anal fissures. But why do hemorrhoids itch? When hemorrhoids heal, they often leave behind flakes of skin that can later become itchy. Hemorrhoids can also cause mucus or stool to leak out and irritate the skin around the anus. ³

Other causes of an itchy anus include: ^4,5,6

Excessive washing. Intensive scrubbing with soap or other skin cleansers can dry out and irritate the skin around the anus. Instead of making the anus cleaner, excessive hygiene practices have the opposite effect as the skin will try to compensate by producing more oil.
Irritants. The use of moist wipes, intimate sprays, perfumed toilet paper and other hygiene products sometimes trigger a local allergic reaction around the anus that causes itching.
Infections. Pinworms, scabies, yeast infections, or sexually transmitted diseases can all cause an itchy anus.
Skin conditions. Psoriasis and eczema are two examples of skin conditions that can cause a sore, itchy anus.
Antibiotic treatment. Some broad-spectrum antibiotics disrupt the intestinal flora, which in turn can trigger anal itching.

How to Treat Anal Itching

If hemorrhoids are the culprit, you may experience immediate relief by treating them with an over-the-counter ointment that you can purchase over the counter from your local pharmacist. If you experience severe symptoms or an itchy anal ointment does not relieve your symptoms within 1-2 weeks, you may need to see a doctor. You should also seek help if you have persistent symptoms and do not know what is causing them, if you suspect an infection, or if you experience anal bleeding or leakage. ^7,8

Preventing an itchy anus

Keeping your anus clean without overdoing it can go a long way in preventing your anus from itching. Here are some helpful tips to prevent an annoyingly itchy anus: ^9,10,11

Do not use soap and do not scrub the anal area thoroughly.
Instead of wiping yourself clean with toilet paper, dab gently with a wet cloth or use a bidet to splash a little water on the anus. Then pat dry.
Avoid perfumed creams, bath oils or hygiene products that can cause irritation.
Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear that you change regularly.
Follow a high-fiber diet to promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation and diarrhea.
Avoid foods that can make itching worse, such as caffeinated drinks, strong spices, and alcohol.
Try to resist the itch to scratch. If you are most bothered by an itchy anus at night, wear cotton gloves to bed to prevent yourself from scratching your skin while you sleep.

References

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2647235/ 2020-10-20
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anal-itching/symptoms-causes/syc-20369345 2020-10-21
www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/digestive-gut-health/haemorrhoids. 2020-10-29
www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/anal-itch-pruritus-ani-a-to-z 2020-10-21
health.clevelandclinic.org/itchy-bottom-shouldnt-blame-hemorrhoids/ 2020-10-21
www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/itchy-bottom#causes-of-itchy-bottom 2020-10-21
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anal-itching/symptoms-causes/syc-20369345 2020-10-21
www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/anal-itch-pruritus-ani-a-to-z 2020-10-21
www.nhs.uk/conditions/itchy-anus/ 2020-10-21
www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/anal-itch-pruritus-ani-a-to-z 2020-10-21