When itchy buttocks, we quickly think of hemorrhoids. But there can also be completely different triggers behind the tormenting symptom. Here are five causes of anal itching.
Anal itching – medically referred to as pruritus ani – is usually found to be extremely annoying by those affected and is still associated with a certain stigma and feelings of shame. The itching is often of a harmless nature and can be quickly remedied with appropriate medical treatment. However, if we avoid going to the doctor and try to get the problem under control with creams or even moist toilet paper, we can even cause damage. Therefore, you should always overcome your shame and see your GP or proctologist for a diagnosis. The following five causes are particularly often responsible for the nagging anal itching.
Table of Contents
Anal itching: 5 causes of butt itching
1. Hemorrhoids
First of all, hemorrhoids are not a bad thing and we all have them . Because the small nodules serve as an elastic cushion around the sphincter muscle of the anus and help prevent our stool from escaping unintentionally. Hemorrhoids usually only become visible and a problem when they become abnormally large and bulge outwards. Then one speaks of a so-called haemorrhoidal disease , which arises as a result of chronic constipation, straining during bowel movements, lack of exercise, obesity, pregnancy or frequent heavy lifting.
In addition to anal itching, enlarged hemorrhoids can ooze and cause burning pain during bowel movements. However, you should not make the mistake of assuming hemorrhoids without a medical diagnosis and applying a hemorrhoid ointment on your own. Because the unpleasant itching can have numerous causes, some of them serious, which is why a visit to the family doctor or proctologist is definitely recommended.
2. Improper hygiene
Due to the high germ density, it is quite natural and makes sense that we attach particular importance to cleanliness in the anal area. However, some hygiene products bring us more harm than good. For example, wet wipes, moist toilet paper or aromatic toilet paper irritate the mucous membranes and skin barriers on the anus. Frequent wiping and strong soaps can also irritate and damage the skin and cause symptoms such as itching or burning pain.
Tip: Wash the anal area once a day with clear water or a pH-neutral detergent and pat dry instead of rubbing.
3. Analekzem
Since the skin and mucous membrane of the anus are extremely sensitive, potential irritants such as care products, ointments and also faeces can easily damage the skin there. Therefore, both excessive and neglected hygiene can lead to the development of anal eczema. With such perianal dermatitis , irritated areas of skin in the anal area become inflamed, causing soreness, weeping and, above all, excruciating itching. Allergic reactions or excessive sweating can also cause anal eczema.
4. Madenwürmer
Another – somewhat unappetizing – cause of an itchy buttocks can be pinworms (oxyures). However, this mainly affects children of kindergarten or primary school age , since their hygienic behavior is not very pronounced and the worms spread through toys put in the mouth or close social contact. In rare cases, however, the maggot-like parasites also attack adults. At night, the itching is particularly severe in those affected, since this is where the female worms lay their eggs. These cannot be seen with the naked eye, but must be identified in the laboratory using a microscope.
5. Inflammatory bowel disease
Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis mainly occur in the small or large intestine. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms can develop that lead to itching and pain in the anus. These include diarrhea, fistulas and bloody or purulent discharge. Since these are chronic diseases with serious consequences and a reduction in quality of life, not only the itching should be treated symptomatically, but the disease as a whole with the help of close medical care.
Important: In addition to those mentioned here, there are a number of other potential causes of anal itching, such as anal fissures , infections, diabetes and liver or kidney diseases . Timely medical diagnosis and therapy is all the more important.
Tips against anal itching
The treatment of anal itching always depends on the underlying cause and should be carried out under medical supervision. Soothing zinc pastes or, if necessary, medication are often used. In addition, you should heed the following behavioral tips and consider soothing home remedies and foods:
- Try not to strain when you have a bowel movement and avoid sitting on the toilet for long periods of time.
- Always wash your anal area with clear water or a pH-neutral cleaning agent.
- Sitz baths with sea salt or tannins can help.
- Drink at least two liters a day to soften your stool consistency.
- Eat a diet rich in fiber – it should be at least 30 grams per day.
- Use bulking agents such as psyllium regularly to improve your digestion and increase your stool volume . This speeds up the intestinal transit, softens the stool and allows for a quick bowel movement without straining.
