Itching in the anus: home remedies, causes and prevention

Itching and pain are always unpleasant, but if the symptoms occur in the anus, many affected people are also embarrassed. Simple hygienic measures often help to eliminate discomfort. In this article you will discover what’s behind anal itching: its causes and most effective natural treatments.

Itching in the anus: most frequent causes

There are many circumstances that can cause itching in the anus. These are the most common.

Itching in the anus due to inflammatory irritation. The most common cause of itching in the anus is inflammatory irritation of the mucosa and the skin, which usually occurs due to friction and humidity after exercising, especially cycling or horseback riding.Insufficient or excessive hygiene. The other frequent cause is hygiene, whether it is insufficient or excessive. The remains of feces cause irritation, but soaps can also attack the delicate skin of the anus. If anal inflammation is not treated, there may be a risk of anal eczema or fistula, which may require surgical intervention.Itching in the anus from hemorrhoids or inflammation of a blood vessel in the anus. These can cause itching and pain. The blood vessel may rupture and red stains will be seen on toilet paper or underwear.Itching in the anus by worms. It is not uncommon in young children.The parasites leave the body through the anus, and then lay their eggs, which sometimes leads to severe itching and persistent scratching of the child.A tear in the skin or anal fissure it can also stain blood.Anal abscess or fistula. If a purulent discharge is observed, it may be an anal abscess or fistula that has become infected.Contact allergy. The origin of the itching in the anus can also be a contact allergy (the material of the clothing can be the trigger) or an autoimmune process (psoriasis).Thyroid disease and diabetess can present with itching, also in the anus.Other causes. In rare cases, more serious diseases should also be considered, for example an inflammation of the last part of the intestine (inflammation of the rectum or proctitis), inflammatory bowel disease or even an anal tumor. In some cases it is not possible to discover the cause.

Itchy Anal: Natural Home Remedies (According to Symptoms)

Below we offer you a basic guide to alterations that can occur in the anal area. The presence of any of the symptoms described in a problem does not allow for an accurate self-diagnosis, since different disorders can present with similar symptoms. In case of doubt or if the measures do not bring improvement, you should always go to the doctor.

Sharp pain in the anus when walking, a feeling of humidity, swelling and redness of the skin

The cause is usually an anal inflammation. To avoid it, if you practice horse riding or cycling, you can wear special underwear with pads. If you sweat a lot, change your underwear several times a day. After cleaning you can apply a greasy ointment to the anal area (a natural baby diaper cream with zinc oxide and calendula extract is ideal).

Itching in the anus at night, mainly in children or people in contact with children

The causes are most likely pinworms (parasites). It is necessary to go to the family doctor as soon as possible. Treatment is effective and resolves in a few days.

Intense itching that comes and goes

This type of itching, which does not appear in connection with defecation, can appear more frequently at night and is usually due to a skin reaction to moisture, anal eczema, or an allergic reaction.

Pay attention to good anal hygiene Use only water, without gel, to wash Avoid scratching Use undyed and fragrance-free toilet paper Wear cotton underwear

If the symptoms persist, it is necessary to see a doctor for a diagnosis.

Itching or pain, pus, palpable lumps in the anal region, blood

If blood appears, it is red and the discomfort worsens with bowel movements. It may be a hemorrhoid or a chronic fissure (tear in the mucosa). You need to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. In the meantime, you can take the following measures:

Warm sitz baths with chamomile or oak bark extract Pay attention to good anal hygiene Keep stool soft (drink plenty and eat high-fiber foods)

Stabbing pain in the anus during bowel movements

It is usually accompanied by hard stools that require straining. There is a feeling of pressure. The causes are a recent anal fissure, a fold (plicoma) or an anal narrowing (anal stenosis). A visit to the doctor is necessary. Meanwhile, you can take the same measures as in the previous point.

Sudden and very intense anal pain, large lump

Pain can prevent you from walking or sitting. The lump may be as large as a cherry on the anal verge, and the blood is bluish-red in color. Don’t worry, most likely it is a perianal thrombosis that does not carry a greater risk, but it is necessary to see a doctor to treat the pain and carry out adequate care.

Very painful swelling of the anus, often with fever

It may be an anal abscess. Go to the ER.

Itching in the anus with purulent discharge

Pus stains can appear on underwear. It can hurt when defecating and deposits of pus can be seen in the stool. The cause is an anal fistula, a complication of an anal abscess. It is necessary to go to the doctor.

Persistent anal pain, burning, itching and pus

In addition to these symptoms, the pain increases during defecation and after. Bright red blood may appear. The causes can be:

Inflammation of the rectum (proctitis). Chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Chemical or mechanical aggressions, for example, application of suppositories, frequent enemas, laxatives, etc. Infections with viruses, fungi or bacteria.

It is necessary to go to the doctor to make a diagnosis.

Itching and/or pain in the anus with the sensation of a foreign body when defecating

Bright red blood or mucus may also appear in your stool: You may have trouble keeping your stool down if you try. The causes can range from hemorrhoids to rectal or anal prolapse. It is necessary to go to the doctor. Meanwhile, keep your stool soft (drink plenty and eat high-fiber foods).

Dull pain that increases and fever

The pain affects the anal and perineal region and the groin. There is frequent urge to urinate (burning). It may be an acute prostatis. You need to go to the emergency room.

Stabbing pains in the anal area and tailbone

The discomfort may present as contractions that last 10-20 minutes and may be an anal sphincter spasm. It is necessary to go to the doctor. Meanwhile:

Take sitz baths Apply moderate heat Practice a relaxation technique

Continuous pain with pulling or burning

The discomfort affects the anus and the coccyx, which is very sensitive to pressure. It may be coccygodynia (inflammation of the coccyx). It is necessary to go to the doctor. While you can apply the measures in the previous point.

How to relieve itching in the anus?

proper cleaning

If feces remain around the anus, they can quickly inflame the skin. Repeated cleaning is just as irritating, because the friction from toilet paper and the ingredients in soaps and wet wipes stress the skin.

Therefore, avoid wiping too hard. If you have discomfort, use a cotton pad or a washcloth dipped in warm water. It is best to never apply soap.

wear appropriate clothing

Sweat, humidity and rubbing can irritate the skin, causing or aggravating the discomfort. Acute triggers are often long walks, horseback riding, or bicycling, especially when sweat is not removed from the skin due to tight clothing and synthetic garments.

Therefore, wear loose-fitting clothing made from natural materials such as cotton and linen, and change sweaty underwear several times a day if necessary. If possible, shower more often. If you’re traveling, a wipe will do the trick to remove dried sweat.

If you ride a bike, you can use padded pants, whose pads distribute the pressure.

avoidance diet

Do you know the saying “andchili always burns twice?” Some foods not only cause a burning sensation in the mouth due to their spiciness or acidity, but also They also irritate the mucous membranes of the anus. during bowel movements.

In addition to chili, high-grade alcoholic beverages, coffee, cola, chocolate, tomatoes, citrus fruits, or milk can cause discomfort in some people. Allergic reactions can also make themselves felt in the anus.

To find out if you react to certain foods or care products, you can try to avoid them for a while to see what happens.

Laxative drugs can also cause irritation. It is better to control constipation with hydration and adequate nutrition.

Relieve inflammation

If you already have symptoms, you know the origin of the problem and it is mild, you can treat the inflamed or irritated areas. Warm sitz baths with anti-inflammatory chamomile extracts have been shown to be effective.

Then dry gently, but thoroughly, because persistent moisture fuels the inflammatory process. It is good to walk without clothes for a few minutes, that way the skin dries better. If you suffer from oozing eczema, white clay baby powders help keep affected areas dry.