Itchy bottom

Itchy bottom is a strong urge to scratch the skin around your anus. The anus is the opening at the lower end of your digestive system, where solid waste leaves your body.

Doctors don't always find the cause of an itchy bottom. If it clears up quickly without any treatment, it may have come from something short term, such as sweating more in hot weather.

It's rare for an itchy bottom on its own to be a sign of something more serious.

If the itching goes on for longer, other symptoms you have may give you some idea of the cause. But don't try to diagnose it yourself. If you're worried, speak to a doctor.

An itchy bottom that gets 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

If that's you, speak to a doctor or midwife instead. A health visitor can help too.

An itchy bottom can sometimes be a symptom of another problem or condition. These include:

• skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, if you have itching elsewhere on the body too
• threadworms (especially in children), where symptoms get worse at night and there are worms in the poo (they look like bits of thread)
• haemorrhoids (piles), which are swellings in and around the anus, along with pain and blood when pooing
• bowel incontinence or diarrhoea, which can cause poo to leak or make you poo without being able to control it
• a sexually transmitted infection (STI) like genital warts, which can cause sores, swelling and irritation
• ringworm, which can cause sores, swelling and irritation

Some long-term medicines can also cause an itchy bottom. Steroid creams and peppermint oil are two examples.

A pharmacist can often help you treat an itchy bottom. You can ask whether they have a private area where you can talk about your symptoms.

They can suggest treatments like:

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

See a doctor 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
• comes with other symptoms, like itching elsewhere on your body
• is caused by an underlying condition like piles

The doctor might need to check your bottom (a rectal examination) to help find out what's causing the itching. You may feel awkward, but there's nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. It's one of the most common examinations doctors carry out.

At your appointment, the doctor 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

The doctor 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 medicine, cream or ointment

• use soft toilet tissue
• have a bath or shower every day, but keep them shorter and cooler
• keep your bottom clean and dry
• wear loose-fitting cotton underwear
• change your underwear every day
• put your underwear on only when your bottom is completely dry
• use a light duvet at night so you don't get too hot
• wash and dry your bottom gently after pooing and before bed
• keep your fingernails short, so scratching doesn't damage your skin
• wear cotton gloves while you sleep, 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 wear tight clothing
• Don't use scented soaps, bubble bath or perfumes
• Don't use scented powders near your bottom
• Don't scratch if you can
• Don't have any food or drink that makes the itching worse, for example caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruit or spicy foods