An itchy anus is a common problem. People just don’t talk about it.
Why does the anus itch?
Your anus has to be tough enough to stand regular cleaning, yet sensitive enough to tell wind from stool with perfect accuracy. Thorough cleaning can injure the sensitive anal skin. When it heals, it itches. Scratching causes further injury and a cycle of itch-scratch-itch follows.
Creams seldom help much
Creams containing local anaesthetic stop the itch briefly, but the anaesthetic can cause an allergic reaction which irritates the skin. In addition, creams keep the skin wet and susceptible to infection. Dry skin heals better.
How to stop the itch
- Don’t wipe after a bowel action. Just wash with water.
- Wash with your fingers. They are gentler than anything else.
- Use no soap on the anus. It removes the protective greasy layer from the skin. Soap is only for washing your hands afterwards.
- Pat the skin dry. Don’t wipe or rub it.
- Don’t put cream on. Keep the skin dry.
- If possible, don’t wear underpants or panties for a while, so that air keeps the anus dry.
Practical problems
A bidet is ideal for washing your anus. A portable alternative is to buy a a small plant spray, and fill it with water, or to use Wet Wipes.
- Don’t expect an instant cure. Your skin will take a week or so to heal.
- The problem may recur. If it does, treat it in the same way.
- If you have minor leakage which keeps the skin moist, this may need to be corrected first.
- Occasionally an anal itch is caused by a skin disease, so if these suggestions do not help at all, you may need to see a dermatologist.