This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
No one likes an itchy anus, it's uncomfortable, and if you scratch it, you can irritate the skin, which can cause infections. Itchy butt, or pruritis ani as it is medically known, is itching or irritation of the skin surrounding the anus. An itchy butt or anus can happen because of diet, hemorrhoids, diabetes, and more.
(8) things that cause your butt and/or anus to itch
Your Diet
Sugary foods, caffeine, spicy foods, and dairy can irritate your digestive system and poop, causing itching or irritation to your anus. To alleviate these symptoms, try to eliminate these foods from your diet for several weeks to see if your symptoms improve. You should also include more fiber in your diet - eat plenty of fruit and vegetables - to help regulate and ease your bowel movement.
Diabetes
People with diabetes can sometimes suffer from nerve damage. This nerve damage can cause itchiness around the anus because diabetes raises the sugar levels in the blood, and this can damage the nerves and blood levels around the anus. Eat whole-grain carbohydrates, low-fat animal proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables to regulate blood sugar levels.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the lower rectum or the anus; they can cause anal itching, pain, and bleeding. This condition can happen because of pregnancy, sitting for long periods, being overweight or frequent constipation, and straining while pooping. You can prevent hemorrhoids by eating a high-fiber diet, exercising often, staying hydrated, not waiting to poop or straining while pooping, and more.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can cause anal itching because they can negatively affect the natural balance of bacteria in the gut by killing the 'good bacteria' that help with digestion. When taking antibiotics, take prebiotics or probiotics supplements; you should also eat foods rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics, like apples, bananas, chia seeds, and fermented foods like kimchi.
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Sweating
Excessive sweating around the anus while working out or living in a hot and humid climate can cause your anus to itch. You can prevent this type of anal itching by applying a protective skin balm around your anus, wearing cotton underwear, wearing moisture-wicking clothes, and showering regularly.
Chafing
Chafing happens when the skin around the anus rubs against clothing or itself, causing friction, irritation, and itching. You can prevent anal chafing by applying a protective skin balm to prevent anal rubbing or friction, wearing loose clothing, and properly-fitted underwear.
STD's
Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea, anal herpes, anal warts, and crabs can cause your anus to itch. If you had unprotected sex and are now suffering from anal itching, talk to a doctor immediately so they can schedule an STD test for you.
Diarrhea
Too 'many' frequent trips to the bathroom can irritate your anus, causing it to itch; this is especially true for those suffering from chronic diarrhea. You can prevent or manage your symptoms by eating a high-fiber diet, reducing your dairy intake, or eliminating it from your diet - if you are sensitive to dairy - and staying hydrated.
When to see a doctor
Anal itching is not usually a cause of concern, but if the itching persists for more than a week, gets infected, or you experience anal bleeding, consult a doctor immediately.
