Anal itching and burning treatment

Anal itching, or pruritus ani, is a common symptom of a variety of conditions. Most cases of anal itching can be treated at home without needing to see a doctor. We go over the possible causes, along with at-home remedies to relieve itching. The causes of anal itching are often related to skin or internal medical issues. Skin-related causes of an itchy anus include:. Other causes include taking laxatives or other medications that cause diarrhea.

The itching may become worse at night or after a bowel movement. Scratching the area results in further irritation and makes the itching worse instead of relieving it. Scratching with the fingernails may result in skin damage or an infection. If the itch-scratch cycle persists, it can lead to extreme discomfort, soreness, and burning. Pruritus ani is about 4 times more likely to occur in men than in women. The anal area may become dry and irritated due to the use of harsh soaps, sanitary wipes, or rough toilet paper to clean the area after a bowel movement.

Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your itching simply by asking you questions about your symptoms, medical history and personal care habits. If pinworms are suspected, your doctor may suggest doing a test for pinworms. You may also need a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam.

A persistent need to scratch your bottom, also called pruritus ani, is a relatively common complaint. There are a number of reasons why anal itching occurs and, more often than not, it can be successfully treated. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of anal itching, medical treatments, and home remedies. Here are some key points about pruritus ani. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.