Chronic Itchy bum can be a socially embarrassing condition but you can really do a lot to get rid of it fast. Don't ignore it casually, understand the causes to cure it.
Anal itching or Pruritis ani as it is medically termed, is an unpleasant skin sensation around the rectal opening (Anus). The itching sensation may occur only after a bowel movement or may be persistent depending upon the causes of the itchy bottom.
You may feel irritation, burning or soreness. The skin around the itchy bum hole may turn red. All these anal itching trouble can be eased and removed by home remedies.
What Causes Itching on Your Bum and How to Stop It?
There are a number of causes that lead to anal itching.
- Lack of Proper Hygiene-Not cleaning the anal area enough after the bowel movement can cause infections or cleaning too vigorously can irritate the skin. So be careful and ensure that you don't self create the itching.
- Loose feces - Either due to diarrhea or old age some fecal elements may seep out from time to time and cause irritation of the skin around the anus.
- Constipation or Hemorrhoids - Straining during bowel movement due to constipation can cause temporary skin irritation and can cause hemorrhoids. The presence of hemorrhoids can cause persistent irritation around the rectum skin.
- Allergies - Allergic reactions to detergents used for underwear, or chemicals/perfumes used in the moisturized wipes can cause irritation.
- Psoriasis or Eczema - Skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema can be one of the reasons for persistent itching.
- Infections - Even fungal infection also can be a cause or chronic anal itching. Sexually transmitted infections such as hpv (genital warts) can spread to anus by fingers during the wiping process.
- Anal Fissure - Is an elongated ulcer in the but crack or anal canal. This may cause itching.
- Threadworms (Pinworms) - These tiny worms ( a little longer than a centimeter in length ) may have developed inside the stomach due to eating unhygienic food may live inside the intestine and lay eggs at the anus opening causing irritation.
Though rectum cancer can also cause anal itching but you may have other symptoms such as bleeding and weight loss etc. Check it out with your doctor if you have the slightest doubt.
But in most cases, don't be too concerned, just put your act together to combat the condition which can easily be managed at home.
Here is What You Can Do at Home to Heal Anal Itching
Basic precautions, habit changes and some simple remedies can help you relieved from anal itching.
1. Cleanliness to stop Anal Itching
Whatever methods you use to clean your rectum after completing the bowel movements, make sure that you do it right. Maintain proper hygiene by cleaning the anus area gently without leaving any traces of feces behind.
Don't do hard and aggressive wiping that may hurt the sensitive rectum skin.
Don't use any chemicals to wipe your bottom.
2. Wear Comfortable Undergarments
Tight undergarments can cause skin irritation, particularly in humid conditions. Wear comfortable soft underwear.
Sometime the detergent used for washing the underwear may not be compatible with your skin. Any traces of detergent on the clothing will cause skin rashes.
So if your bum is itching as well as other parts of the body also have got skin rashes, then it is most likely the detergent. Change to another brand and see if you get better.
3. Do Not Scratch
Itching sensation usually tempts you to scratch the affected area for instant relief. Scratching will irritate the skin further and you will be in a vicious cycle of scratching and itching. Avoid all temptation to scratch. Apply natural ointments or creams to soothe the itch.
Aloe Vera gel can be a good option, but use what you have and what suits your specific case. Do not use any oily cream to avoid sogginess around the area.
Do not use steroid creams. They may give you instant relief from the anal itch but will impact the sensitive skin of anus in the long run.
4. Dust the Anus Area With Baby Powder
What suits baby should suit you too. In order to keep the anus and anal canal dry you can dust the area with baby powder gently. Take the powder on a cotton ball and dab the area.
You can do it every time you visit the toilet for bowel movement or just make it a habit to do it twice a day. One after the bath and second before going to bed.
5. Take Shower/Bath Daily
Keep yourself clean daily. Taking shower early in the morning is a good hygiene practice from every angle. You not only feel refreshed after shower, you get rid of the waste which our skin excrete.
If you have skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, anal fissure or fungal infection then treat them. If by taking all the above precautions and remedies if your anal is still itching, then pay visit to a doctor.