Why does my back passage itch

Some foods may make your itchy bottom worse. If the urge to scratch your bottom is greater after eating certain foods, try cutting them out of your diet completely or reducing the amount you eat. This means your stools won't be loose runny , but you won't need to strain when you go to the toilet.

Loose stools can irritate your anus. Straining to pass hard stools may cause haemorrhoids piles to develop. Piles are swellings that contain enlarged and swollen blood vessels in and around your anus.

Including more fibre in your diet will make your stools softer and easier to pass. Fibre can be found in:. While waiting for the above self-care measures to take effect, your GP may prescribe medication to help ease your itchy bottom. However, you shouldn't use topical treatments those applied directly to your skin for more than 2 weeks, because they may start to harm your skin if used for long periods. Your GP may prescribe an ointment or cream to soothe the skin around your anus.

You'll usually have to apply it in the morning and at night, as well as after each bowel movement. If the skin around your anus is sore and inflamed due to itching , your GP may prescribe a mild topical corticosteroid an ointment that contains steroids.

Applying this directly to the affected area will help relieve the inflammation and ease the urge to scratch. In most cases, using a topical corticosteroid will help ease the itch. However, it can sometimes make the itching worse. Speak to your GP immediately if your itchy bottom gets worse after using topical corticosteroids.

Antihistamines are medicines that work by counteracting the action of histamine a chemical released during an allergic reaction. Some antihistamines also have a sedating effect they make you drowsy. Your GP may prescribe chlorphenamine or hydroxyzine. These should be taken at night and shouldn't be used for longer than 2 weeks, because after this time the sedating effect may no longer work. You need to be aware that sedating antihistamines can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and the sedating effect may be stronger if you drink alcohol.

If they identify the cause, such as a bacterial infection or skin condition, it will also need to be treated for your itchy bottom to be properly managed. For example, a bacterial infection may need to be treated with antibiotics. If the underlying cause is left untreated, your itchy bottom may return. An itchy bottom in children is often caused by worms. If treatment for worms is recommended, other family members with the same symptom should also be treated.

Go back to your GP if your itchy bottom doesn't improve after following self-care measures, such as keeping your bottom clean and dry, and using medication to provide relief from the itching.

Your GP may then refer you to a dermatologist a specialist in treating skin conditions or a colorectal surgeon who specialises in conditions that affect the large intestine and anus. Home Illnesses and conditions Skin, hair and nails Itchy bottom. Itchy bottom See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1.

About itchy bottom 2. Causes of itchy bottom 3. Page last reviewed: 28 September Next review due: 28 September Itchy bottom. How to ease an itchy bottom yourself Do gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before bed wear loose-fitting cotton underwear keep cool — avoid clothing and bedding that makes you overheat have cooler, shorter showers or baths under 20 minutes eat plenty of fibre — such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread, pasta and cereal to avoid runny poo or constipation.

Find a pharmacy. Important: Threadworms An itchy bottom that's worse at night is often caused by threadworms , especially in children. Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have an itchy bottom and:.

Important Tell the GP immediately if a medicine, cream or ointment makes the itching worse. Find a sexual health clinic. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Anal itching is a common condition. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Breen E, et al. Approach to the patient with anal pruritus. Accessed Sept. Causes of pruritus ani can be either primary, meaning that there is no sign of another condition, or secondary, which means that there is an identifiable underlying cause. Foods that may contribute to anal itching include :. Sometimes, a problem with the gastrointestinal system can cause itching.

Potential issues include:. Psychological causes can sometimes trigger anal itching. In turn, this symptom can lead to anxiety , stress , and depression. In some cases, a person may have trouble sleeping. Anyone with persistent itching should see a doctor.

To identify the cause, the doctor may ask about:. They may also carry out an internal examination called a digital rectal examination. The doctor will insert a gloved and lubricated finger through the anus into the rectum.

There are four stages of primary pruritis ani:. Aqueous cream is available to purchase online.