Itchy bottom

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

Contact your GP practice 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
• is caused by an underlying condition like piles

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

Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.