Overview

You can often do simple things yourself to ease an itchy bottom (anus). Get medical help if the itching does not stop.

How to ease an itchy bottom yourself

Do:

• gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before bed
• wash with water only, or use unscented soap when washing
• wear loose-fitting 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

Don't:

• 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

A pharmacist can help with an itchy bottom

You can ask the pharmacist if they have a private area where you can speak.

They can suggest:

• creams and ointments you can buy to help ease itching, such as steroid creams
• medicine and things you should do at home if it's caused by threadworms - children under 2 and pregnant or breastfeeding women need to see a GP, midwife or health visitor instead

Find a pharmacy

Using creams and ointments for an itchy bottom

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.

See a GP if:

• you have an itchy bottom that is not going away
• the itch keeps coming back
• you have pain in your bottom
• you have blood in your poo, which might be dark red or black
• you're bleeding or leaking liquid from your bottom
• you've noticed a change in your bowel habits
• you have an itchy bottom and feel itchy on other parts of your body
• you notice a change around your anus that is not usual for you

Treatment from a GP

The GP will try to work out the cause of your itching. They might need to check your bottom (rectal examination).

Depending on the cause, the GP might:

• suggest trying things to ease it yourself
• prescribe medicine, or stronger creams and ointments

Important - Tell the GP immediately if a medicine, cream or ointment makes the itching worse.

Sexual health clinics can help with an itchy bottom

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 also offer a walk-in service, where you don't need an appointment.

Find a sexual health clinic.

Causes of an itchy bottom

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 for 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 and possible causes

• Gets worse at night, worms in poo (they look like small pieces of thread) - possible cause could be threadworms, especially in children
• Lumps, bright red blood and pain when pooing - possible cause could be piles (haemorrhoids)
• Poo leaking or pooing you cannot control - possible causes are diarrhoea or incontinence
• Sores, swelling or irritation - possible causes could be fungal infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)
• Itching elsehwere on the body - possible causes could be skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis
• While using long-term medicine - possible causes could be side effects of steroid creams, some gels and ointments for anal fissure, and peppermint oil

It's unusual for an itchy bottom on its own to be related to something more 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.