Itchy bottom

Itchy bottom

Itchy bottom is a strong urge to scratch the skin around your bottom (anus).

The anus is the opening at the lower end of the digestive system, where solid waste leaves your body.

Causes of itchy bottom

The cause of itchy bottom isn’t always known. If it gets better quickly without treatment, it may be the result of a short term issue. For example, sweating more in hot weather.

It’s rare for an itchy bottom alone to be a sign of something more serious.

If an itchy bottom lasts longer, you may be able to get an idea of the cause from other symptoms you have. But, you should not self-diagnose. Speak to your GP if you’re worried.

An itchy bottom that’s worse at night can be caused by threadworms. This is often the case for children.

You can’t take medicine for threadworms if you’re:

• pregnant
• breastfeeding
• a child under 2

This means you should speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor instead.

Conditions with itchy bottom

Sometimes an itchy bottom can be a symptom of another problem or condition. This includes:

• skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis – if you have itching elsewhere on the body too
• threadworms (especially in children) – symptoms will get worse at night and there will be worms in poo (they look like bits of thread)
• haemorrhoids (piles) – swellings in and around the anus, as well as pain and blood when pooing
• bowel incontinence or diarrhoea – can cause poo leaking or pooing you can not control
• sexually transmitted infection (STI) like genital warts – can cause sores, swelling and irritation
• ringworm – can cause sores, swelling and irritation

Some long-term medications can also cause an itchy bottom. For example, steroid creams or peppermint oil.

When to get help

A pharmacist can often help to treat an itchy bottom. You can ask if they have a private area to discuss your symptoms.

They can suggest treatments like:

• creams and ointments to relieve itching
• medication if the symptoms are caused by threadworms

Find your nearest pharmacy

Speak to your GP if:

You have an itchy bottom that:

• doesn’t get better after 3 to 4 days
• keeps coming back
• makes you anxious or depressed
• affects your sleep
• is painful
• is accompanied by other symptoms, like itching elsewhere on your body

You should also speak to a GP if your itchy bottom is caused by an underlying condition like piles.

What to expect at your GP appointment

Your GP might need to check your bottom (a rectal examination) to help find out what’s causing your itching. You may feel awkward, but this is nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. It’s one of the most common examinations GPs carry out.

At your appointment, your GP may ask:

• whether you use creams, powders or soaps around your bottom
• how long you have had the itching
• whether the itching gets worse at night or after eating certain foods
• if you have any other symptoms

Your GP will decide on the best treatment for you depending on what’s causing your symptoms. They may suggest:

• things you can do yourself to ease an itchy bottom
• a stronger medication, cream or ointment

How to ease an itchy bottom yourself

Do

• use soft toilet tissue
• bath or shower daily
• have shorter, cooler showers and baths
• keep your bottom clean and dry
• wear loose-fitting cotton underwear
• change your underwear daily
• only put underwear on when your bottom is completely dry
• use a light duvet at night so you don’t get too hot
• gently wash and dry your bottom after pooing and before bed
• keep your fingernails short to stop your skin from being damaged by scratching
• wear cotton gloves while sleeping to avoid damaging the skin if you scratch
• wear stockings instead of tights
• eat foods with fibre (fruit, vegetables and wholegrains) to help produce regular, solid poo

Don’t

• do not wear tight clothing
• do not use scented soaps, bubble bath or perfumes
• do not use scented powders near your bottom
• do not scratch if you can
• do not eat food or drink that makes your itching worse, for example caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruit or spicy foods