It is estimated that 1 to 5% of the US population suffers from butthole itching once in their lifetime. Contrary to public belief that people who suffer from butthole itching have STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) or are involved in anal intercourse, this is absolutely wrong. STI is one of the causes of butthole itching, but it isn’t only the reason. There are a lot of reasons why your butthole may itch.
Today we will be looking at some of the reasons why your butthole itch.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Butthole Itch
Diet
Certain foods irritate the buttholes when eaten always. However, some individual systems are incompatible with these sets of food, which can immediately cause them to visit the toilet and cause itching afterward. They are:
- Spicy food
- Pepper
- Citrus fruits
- Coffee and tea
- Cola
- Dairy products
Remedy: Cut off these foods from your diet when you notice you get butthole itches after eating them. You can try out OTC ointments such as diaper rash cream containing zin oxide and a bit of menthol to relieve the itching.
Hygiene
Bethany Malone, a colon and rectal surgeon, stated that hygiene practices account for the most common cause of anal itching. It is not bad hygiene practice, but over clean hygiene practices of the anal area. Constantly using wet wipes that contain fragrances, alcohol, or witch hazel can cause itching in the area.
Remedy: If you must use wipes, go for water-based wipes that do not contain alcohol and fragrance. You can also try it out using a bidet.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea entails your stooling more than normal. It is acidic and requires regular wiping. This wiping, coupled with the fact that your butthole is now acidic, can irritate the skin and cause itching. This is mostly found in individuals that suffer from chronic diarrhea. Diarrhea is said to be chronic when it is over four weeks.
Remedy: If your diarrhea is short-term, you can try out OTC antidiarrheal medication for relief. Also, ensure you drink plenty of water. You can also dilute drinks rich in electrolytes and consume them.
For chronic diarrhea, you will have to visit the hospital for treatment.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
Sexually transmitted infections that can cause your butthole to itch are:
- gonorrhea
- HPV
- herpes
The butthole itching might accompany symptoms such as painful urination, blisters in the pubic region, thick and smelly discharges, painful sex, and unusual vaginal bleeding. When you observe any of these symptoms, consult the doctor to diagnose you and know the STI you are suffering from to prescribe the proper medication.
Remedy: Visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Gonorrhea and chlamydia can be treated using antibiotics. In contrast, HPV or herpes has no cure but can be managed using antivirals.
Pinworms Infections
Pinworm infections are among the most popular intestinal-worm infection in the United States. It is most common in children aged between 5 and 10. It is estimated that half of the children in the United States suffer from Pinworm once in their lifetime within that age grade.
Sometimes these pinworms mature and lay legs around the anal region at night, and this cause a lot of itching and are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- stomach pain
- Vaginal discharge
- restlessness
Pinworm infections are mostly gotten through sharing the toilet. For example, if a person with the infection finished using the toilet and does not flush and lean the water properly, the pinworm will lay eggs on the sit, and the next person that sits on the water closest gets infected.
Remedy: Pinworms are treatable using anti-parasitic tablets, and everybody in the house must take them to ensure they are safe.
Yeast infection
Typically, the fungus lives on your skin without causing issues, but when the fungus candida in the body overgrows, it becomes a problem and may result in yeast infections.
It is stated that three in four women will have yeast infections once in their lifetime. These infections can occur in any part of the body, including the anal area, which causes the region to be red, itchy, and sometimes painful rashes.
Yeast infections are not sexually transmitted and can’t be transferred from one individual to another.
Remedy: You can treat yeast infections using OTC topical antifungal medications.
Skin conditions like Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis can appear anywhere in the body, including the face and anal region. It causes itching when located in the anal region. Eczema and Psoriasis look alike and cause the skin to be itched, red, and slightly raised, but there are triggered differently. The exact cause of eczema remains eczema, but it is said to be triggered by environmental factors such as allergies, stress, or cold. On the other hand, Psoriasis is caused by an autoimmune condition.
Remedy: You can treat Eczema and Psoriasis using Eczemaal light therapy, corticosteroids, and biologics.
Tight or Synthetics Underwear
Tight or synthetic underwear prevents moisture and air from moving freely around the under legs, which may cause redness, soreness, and itching around the anal region. In addition, they can be very uncomfortable.
Remedy: You should wear comfortable cotton underwear that allows your anal region to breathe well. Also, change your underwear daily, and avoid repeating them. Wash them in fragrance–free detergents.
Sitting in an Uncomfortable Furniture
Sitting on furniture made of hardwood with no cover can make your buttocks soul and cause temporary itching.
Remedy: Apply a cold sensation, like pressing an ice block against your buttocks can relieve the effects
Health Problems
Health problems such as Kidney failure, liver disease, Type 2 diabetes, hyperthyroidism, anemia, anxiety, or stress can cause itchy around your anal areas.
Remedy: If itching becomes severe and consistent, consult a doctor to diagnose the underlying cause.
Conclusion
Anal itching is not something you should be worried about or not be comfortable seeing the doctor about. The good news is that most anal itching issues are just temporary and response to an action, and most can be treated permanently too.