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You can often do simple things yourself to ease an itchy bottom (anus). Get medical help if the itching does not stop.
gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before bed
wash with water only, or use unscented soap when washing
wear loose-fitting cotton underwear
keep cool – avoid clothing and bedding that makes you overheat
eat plenty of fibre – such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread, pasta and cereal to avoid constipation
do not dry your bottom after washing by wiping or rubbing it, instead pat it dry using a towel or cotton wool
avoid wiping or rubbing your bottom too much with wet wipes
do not scratch, but if you cannot stop, keep your fingernails short and wear cotton gloves at night
do not strain when you go to the toilet
do not use scented soaps, bubble bath or bath oil
do not use perfumes or powders near your anus
do not eat food or drink that makes your itching worse, for example caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruit or spicy foods
You can ask the pharmacist if they have a private area where you can speak.
They can suggest:
Do not use steroid creams or ointments for longer than 1 week because they can irritate your skin and make things worse.
Get medical advice if the itching is not going away after using a steroid cream or ointment for 1 week.
A GP will try to work out the cause of your itching. They may need to check your bottom (rectal examination).
Depending on the cause, the GP might:
Tell the GP immediately if a cream, ointment or other medicine makes the itching worse.
You can also go to a sexual health clinic if you think your itchy bottom might be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI) – for example, if you've had unprotected sex. They can provide the same treatments you would get from a GP.
Many sexual health clinics offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment.
There's not always a clear cause of an itchy bottom. If it gets better quickly, it might have been caused by something that does not need treatment, like sweating a lot in hot weather.
If it lasts longer, you might be able to get an idea of the cause from any other symptoms you have. See a GP if you're worried or if your symptoms keep coming back.
| Other symptoms with itchy bottom | Possible causes |
|---|---|
|
Other symptoms with itchy bottom
Gets worse at night, worms in poo (they look like small pieces of thread) |
Possible causes
Threadworms, especially in children |
|
Other symptoms with itchy bottom
Bright red blood when pooing |
Possible causes |
|
Other symptoms with itchy bottom
Poo leaking or pooing you cannot control |
Possible causes
Diarrhoea or bowel incontinence |
|
Other symptoms with itchy bottom
Sores, swelling or irritation |
Possible causes
Fungal infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) |
|
Other symptoms with itchy bottom
Itching elsewhere on the body |
Possible causes |
|
Other symptoms with itchy bottom
While using long-term medicine |
Possible causes
Side effects of steroid creams, antibiotics, some gels and ointments for haemorrhoids or anal fissures, and peppermint oil |
It's unusual for an itchy bottom to be caused by something serious. But rarely, it may be a sign of conditions like diabetes or anal cancer, so it's important to get it checked by a GP.
