Anal itching, medically known as pruritus ani, is a common problem affecting both men and women, though it is more common in men. It can occur at any age, but seems to be most common between 30 and 50 years of age.
Anal itching can be due to skin or internal medical issues. Skin-related causes include atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, excess friction in the anal area, excess sweat and moisture around the anus, exposure to chemical-based perfumes and dyes, and improper wiping after a bowel movement.
Some of the medical causes are food allergies, anal fissures, anal tumors, diarrhea, constipation, fecal incontinence and hemorrhoids, along with parasite, sexually transmitted, fungal and yeast infections.
The main symptom is itching in the anal area, which is often intense causing a strong urge to scratch.
Other symptoms of pruritus ani are burning, dryness, soreness, redness, swelling, ulcers, and a rash in and around the anal region. The symptoms may be temporary or more persistent, depending on the cause.
You may find anal itching to be embarrassing and uncomfortable. You can treat it at home with simple lifestyle changes and easy-to-follow home remedies. However, seek medical advice if the itching becomes unbearable or persistent.
Here are the top 10 home remedies for anal itching.
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Both yeast and fungal infections can cause anal itching. In these cases, you can use apple cider vinegar to help control the infection. In addition, it helps alkalize the body.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in a glass of water. Drink it twice daily.
- Another option is to add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a hot bath. Soak in this bathwater for 15 to 20 minutes, once daily.
Follow these remedies for several days until anal itching and irritation subside.
2. Garlic
Garlic helps treat anal itching from the inside out. It helps eliminate intestinal worms, one of the main causes of this problem. In addition, the antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties in garlic help treat any kind of infection responsible for anal itching.
- Eat 2 to 3 cloves of raw garlic on an empty stomach daily for one week.
- Another option is to boil 2 crushed garlic cloves in ½ cup of milk. Drink it on an empty stomach for a week.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is one of the best remedies for anal itching. It soothes the skin and its antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties can treat any infection responsible for anal itching. Moreover, it can help expel intestinal worms.
- Eat 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil daily. You can also use this oil for cooking purposes.
- Rub some warm coconut oil in and around the affected area several times a day to relieve itching and burning sensations.
4. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has soothing and calming properties that can relieve anal itching, soreness and inflammation. Aloe vera also helps reduce the irritation of hemorrhoids, one of the main causes of anal itching.
- Slice away the thorny edges of a fresh aloe vera leaf, then cut it open.
- Extract the gel and rub it in and around the anus for 5 minutes.
- Reapply the gel every few hours to get rid of the itching and soreness.
5. Oatmeal
You can also use oatmeal to treat an itchy anus. Oatmeal contains anti-irritating, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties that help heal irritated, inflamed and itchy skin.
- Mix 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal or unprocessed oat flour in a bathtub filled with lukewarm water.
- Soak in this water for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- You can take an oatmeal bath 1 or 2 times a day.
6. Yogurt
For treating yeast infection, which may cause anal itching, you can use yogurt. Not all types of yogurt will be beneficial. You must use probiotic yogurt with live active cultures (good bacteria). These bacteria can help control the growth of the infection. For treating anal itching, use plain, unsweetened probiotic yogurt only.
- Rub some plain yogurt on the affected skin. Let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. Then rinse it off with warm water and dry the area thoroughly.
- Also, eat 2 to 3 cups of plain yogurt daily.
7. Epsom Salt
An Epsom salt bath is great for skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis, two key causes of anal itching. It helps relieve itching and burning sensations.
- Mix 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a bathtub filled with warm water.
- Soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Finally, pat dry your skin thoroughly.
- Enjoy this soothing bath 2 or 3 times a week.
Note: People who have kidney problems or diabetes should not use Epsom salt remedies.
8. Licorice
According to Ayurveda, licorice can also help treat anal itching. Licorice is good for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis that cause anal itching. It helps reduce itching, redness and irritation.
- Slightly roast a mixture of equal amounts of licorice, rind of Chebulic myrobalan (also called haritaki) and cardamom.
- Grind them into a fine powder.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon of this powder and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of water.
- Drink it once daily until you get relief.
You can also apply an over-the-counter licorice cream on the affected area a few times daily.
9. Increase Fiber Intake
A common cause of anal itching is constipation. When the constipation is treated, anal itching will automatically resolve. To treat constipation, the best option is to increase fiber intake. Fiber promotes healthy digestion and can soften stool and increase its bulk.
- Eat high-fiber foods like beans, potatoes, carrots, brown rice, quinoa, prunes, buckwheat, fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli and peas.
- You can also opt for fiber supplements after consulting your doctor.
10. Avoid Food Allergens
Certain foods can cause irritation during a bowel movement, leading to anal itching. Moreover, there are certain foods that can increase itchiness and inflammation. So, it is best to choose foods wisely and avoid food allergens for some time.
- Foods that can increase rectal itching are coffee, tea, soda, alcoholic beverages and chocolate.
- Avoid spicy foods like peppers and jalapenos.
- Avoid citrus fruits like grapes, lemons and oranges.
Avoid these foods for at least 2 weeks, then reintroduce them into your diet gradually.
Additional Tips
- Avoid scratching, as it will only exacerbate the condition. To get temporary relief from itching, apply a cold compress.
- To prevent unconscious scratching while sleeping, wear cotton gloves at night until the symptoms subside.
- Use damp toilet paper to clean yourself thoroughly after a bowel movement. Then give a final wipe with dry paper to soak up any excess moisture.
- Avoid using scented or colored toilet paper, as these may aggravate the condition. Always use white, unscented toilet paper.
- Always make sure that you dry your bottom well after using the bathroom.
- For anal itching caused by excessive sweating, apply talcum powder on the affected area to absorb moisture.
- Do not sit in the same position for hours, as it may lead to a buildup of moisture or sweat in the anal area, causing more itching.
- Avoid using scented soaps on the affected area, as these may cause irritation.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting underwear. Choose underwear made of cotton, rather than synthetic fabrics.
- Never use cornstarch on the affected area, as it may worsen the skin infection.
- Manage stress. This will help overcome anal itching.
If you apply room temperature buttermilk to your anus, itching decreases significantly. It works better than whole or skim milk because it’s thicker. Apply 4-5 times a day and throughly before bed. Some assistance may be required.
for how long do I need to keep the butter milk on before I wash it?
Which butter milk do h buy
I have had this problem for eight years, I had tried everything and had a number of tests from the doctor but the problem kept coming back, annoying anal itching (Anus Puritus). It was interrupting my sleep and I was getting depressed about it. I was skeptical at first but I was desperate to get rid of it and was willing to try anything and everything to sort it, I found that Simply Soothing Wipes really sorted me out, they have made me feel normal again. Within a day the itch had subsided and it had gone in 3 days.
Where do you buy these…I’m desperate!! Thanks
What did you had done for this
thank you for let the herbal treatment
have this same problem been to the doc and she said us a fungi infection. prescribed a topical cream which works fine in the day but at night the itching is really intense… HELP please!
My anal swelling and itching what I have treart
My dad uses hand sanitizer and says it works wonders.
Hi,
What kind white patches you have. I m getting patches on skin mostly on upper chest and stomach area and some dots on back..
I m very much worried, and hoping its not vitiligo.. Cold you please help me to inform the best way to treat them.
Thanks, awaiting for reply.
its already been a week .. should i visit the doctor ?
Here is my short story….I had a severe butt crack itch years ago that took months to get rid of, 2 days ago it flared up again and I was in panic mode. So this time I decided to use coconut oil, the itch was again like it was years ago, intense and crazy. So I lubed my entire area and went to bed, the relief happened almost right away, short lived though, the itch was back in 3 hours, so I re-applied after cleaning off the old stuff and Back to bed, 3 hours later same thing. So in the morning it was overall a bit better so the routine continued throughout the day, by the end of the day at 10 pm I would say a 40 percent improvement which was amazing. During the night same routine, coconut oil every 3-4 hours, by the morning another 30 percent better, by the evening I can say I’m at 95 percent better, I’m going to continue with the treatment for a few days more but I am in awe as to how fast this worked. So I say just try it and re-apply every 2-3 hours and don’t give up. So why did I have this flare-up in the first place? Well, I was under company stress and I had 3 bowls of onion soup on an empty stomach the evening before, plus 3 beers before the onion soup. Was that the trigger? Who knows…. I hope this helps you, do research on coconut oil and skin rashes.
where do you get this wipes (simply soothing wipes)
Do you apply the aloe vera for 5 minutes only if you’re gay and one minute if you’re straight?
Other cures for anal itching include natural probiotic yogurt, sea weed (iodides), sitting in salty sea water for 30 mins at least, diet change to more vinegar based drinks, apple cider, sider-garlic etc. Avoid all chemical soaps/shampoos on anus when washing. Clean your anus with warm water, your saliva and natural wet-wipes after pooing, also last thing at night and first in the morning. (no chemicals). Common creams like Anusol, Bepanthen also provide quick relief. Don’t wear itchy-scratchy underwear. Detox using cider-vinegars/sparkling water. Give up beer drinking or other yeast alcohols. They cause itchy anus. Give up alcohol and the itching stops after a few days (C2H5OH Alcohol promotes anal itching). Give up all heavy sugar-based foods/drinks as (like alcohol) they also promote the bacteria that causes itchy anus. Avoid high heat or over heating. Your anus needs to be cool. If you have worms or you are not sure take a wormer anyway to eliminate the possibility. Try all the above and you will have relief. if not (after trying the above for 2 or 3 weeks) see a doctor who may refer you to a IBS specialist. Get an enema – flush out your pipes, start afresh.
I tried the oats and so far so good. I soak rolled oats in purified water in a container and keep it in the fridge. Note I do not cook the oats. Morning and evening after washing the area around anus with spring water (purified water, not tap water) I apply the liquid from the oats using toilet paper. Itchyyess gone! It also help my husband with his itchy back and legs!
I took a hot bath with oats in cheese cloth or tea bag which I squeezed in tub and rubbed on itchy area, 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar and drank a table spoon of it and ate one garlic clove which I still Taste and drank lots of water and added a cup of epsom salt in bath and soaked for 20 minutes. Then I air dried my hiney for a while with legs and cheeks spread. I feel like I healed it already, worked great and no itching.
My anus is itching very much what medicine can I use?