Itching in the anus: main causes and treatments (includes test)

Itching in the anus is a very common symptom that usually lasts for a short time and that happens due to excessive sweating or the presence of feces in the region, especially in children, who still do not know how to clean their buttocks properly.

However, when this itchiness is very intense or does not disappear with the correct hygiene of the place, it may be caused by other conditions, such as the presence of worms in the intestine or hemorrhoids, for example. Read more about the main type of worms that usually itch the anus.

Itching in the anus is usually curable and its treatment must be done with the correct hygiene of this region of the body and the use of corticosteroid ointments or zinc oxide and camphor ointment to relieve discomfort, in addition to the specific treatment for each cause.

What can cause itching in the anus

When the itching in the anus does not improve after 3 days, even with the correct hygiene of the region, it can be a sign of other problems that need specific treatment. If this is your case, select what you are feeling in order to identify the possible cause for your itch:

1. 1. Pain or difficulty defecating Yes No
2. 2. Presence of blood on toilet paper Yes No
3. 3. Peeling and redness in the anus Yes No
4. 4. Presence of small white dots in the stool Yes No
5. 5. Itching that appeared during or after using antibiotics Yes No
6. 6. Itching that appears or worsens after epilation, after wearing some type of underwear or absorbent Yes No
7. 7. Itchiness that arose after unprotected anal sex Yes No

In addition, it is also important to remember that the constant use of toilet paper to clean the anus and the constant intake of more irritating foods from the digestive system, such as coffee, soft drinks, milk, pepper, acidic fruits or chocolate, especially in people with hemorrhoids., can also cause anal itching.

Remedies for itchy anus

The remedies for itchy anus may vary according to the cause. Thus, some most used remedies include:

• Ointments with anesthetics, such as Proctyl; Propolis ointment; Antiseptic talc with zinc oxide; Antifungal ointments, such as thiabendazole, in case of mycoses; Remedy for worms such as Albendazole, in case of infestation.

The treatment for itching in the anus should be directed to cure the underlying disease, if any, such as hemorrhoids or oxyuriasis, for example.

Learn more about proctyl, one of the most used ointments to treat itchy anus.

Home remedy for anal itching

A good home remedy is to use a witch hazel ointment because it has an astringent and anti-inflammatory action that soothes irritation.

Ingredients

• 60 ml of liquid paraffin4 tablespoons of witch hazel bark60 ml of glycerin

Method of preparation

Place the paraffin and witch hazel in a pan and boil for 5 minutes. Then strain and add 30 ml of glycerin to the mixture. Place in a container with a lid and store in the refrigerator. Use daily, 3 to 4 times a day.

In addition, some strategies that help are:

• Give preference to cotton or linen underwear and avoid synthetic products; Always wash the anal area with soap and water, avoiding toilet paper as much as possible; Avoid spicy foods, with pepper, garlic or wine, for example. Do not apply irritating products containing alcohol, dyes or perfume on the anal area, such as a wet wipe;

Treatment for oxyurus should be guided by a clinician and should always include the use of medicine and hygienic care with the anus. Read more details in: Treatment for oxyurus.

When to go to the doctor

If the anal itch persists for more than 15 days or is accompanied by pain and bleeding, it is essential to make an appointment with a proctologist to make the correct diagnosis and start the indicated treatment to relieve symptoms.