What causes anal itching at night. How can you treat nighttime anal itching at home. When should you see a doctor for persistent anal itching. What lifestyle changes can help prevent anal itching

Common Causes of Nighttime Anal Itching

Experiencing an itchy bum at night can be both uncomfortable and disruptive to your sleep. While this issue is more common than you might think, it’s essential to understand the potential causes to find effective relief. Let’s explore some of the most frequent culprits behind nighttime anal itching:

Bathroom Habits and Hygiene

Your wiping technique and overall bathroom hygiene play a crucial role in preventing anal itching. Are you wiping too hard or too gently? Improper wiping can lead to irritation or leave residue behind, potentially causing discomfort. To improve your bathroom habits:

• Use soft, two-ply toilet paper
• Wipe gently from front to back
• Consider using a bidet for thorough cleaning
• Avoid harsh soaps or wipes that may irritate the area

Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures

Preexisting conditions like hemorrhoids or anal fissures can cause itching that becomes more noticeable at night. These issues may be exacerbated by nighttime toilet use, certain dietary choices, or increased sweating during sleep. If you suspect hemorrhoids or anal fissures, consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment options.

Diet and Nutrition

Did you know that certain foods and beverages can irritate the anal area and trigger itching? Some common culprits include:

• Spicy foods
• Coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated)
• Tea
• Soda
• Milk
• Alcoholic beverages (especially beer and wine)
• Chocolate
• Citrus fruits
• Vitamin C tablets
• Tomatoes

To determine if your diet is contributing to nighttime anal itching, try eliminating these items for 48 hours and observe any changes in your symptoms.

Sweating and Moisture

Excessive sweating, particularly at night, can lead to skin irritation and itching around the anal area. Night sweats can be caused by various factors, including room temperature, bedding materials, and certain medical conditions. To combat nighttime sweating and reduce anal itching:

• Keep your bedroom cool and well-ventilated
• Wear loose, breathable pajamas made from natural fibers
• Use lightweight, moisture-wicking sheets and pillowcases
• Avoid alcohol consumption close to bedtime

Medical Conditions That May Cause Anal Itching

While lifestyle factors often contribute to nighttime anal itching, certain medical conditions can also be responsible. Understanding these potential causes can help you determine when it’s time to seek professional medical advice.

Skin Conditions

Various skin conditions can affect the anal area, leading to persistent itching and discomfort. Common skin issues that may cause anal itching include:

• Psoriasis
• Eczema
• Contact dermatitis
• Lichen sclerosus

If you experience symptoms such as redness, flakiness, or persistent irritation around your anus, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Parasitic Infections

Threadworms, also known as pinworms, are parasitic worms that can infect the human digestive system. These tiny parasites are particularly active at night, when females lay their eggs around the anus, causing intense itching. Threadworm infections are more common in children but can affect adults as well. Symptoms of a threadworm infection may include:

• Intense anal itching, especially at night
• Restless sleep due to discomfort
• Visible worms in stool or around the anal area

If you suspect a threadworm infection, consult your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment, which typically involves medication and strict hygiene measures.

Yeast Infections and Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Yeast infections can occur in and around the anal area, leading to itching and discomfort. Additionally, some sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may cause anal itching as a symptom. If you’re sexually active and experiencing persistent anal itching, it’s essential to consider the possibility of an STD and undergo regular testing.

Medications and Their Role in Anal Itching

Certain medications can contribute to anal itching as a side effect. Understanding the potential impact of your medications on anal discomfort is crucial for managing symptoms effectively.

Common Medications That May Cause Itching

Several types of medications have been associated with anal itching as a side effect. These include:

• Blood pressure medications
• Antibiotics
• Some pain relievers
• Certain antidepressants

If you’re taking any of these medications and experiencing persistent anal itching, consult your healthcare provider to discuss potential alternatives or strategies to manage the side effects.

Antibiotics and Gut Health

Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of beneficial bacteria in your gut, potentially leading to diarrhea. This change in bowel habits may exacerbate anal itching symptoms. To support gut health while taking antibiotics:

• Consider taking probiotic supplements
• Consume fermented foods rich in beneficial bacteria
• Stay hydrated to prevent constipation

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Nighttime Anal Itching

Various lifestyle choices and habits can contribute to or exacerbate anal itching, particularly at night. By addressing these factors, you may be able to find relief from persistent discomfort.

Clothing and Fabric Choices

The clothes you wear, especially your underwear, can significantly impact anal itching. Tight, restrictive clothing made from synthetic materials may trap moisture and heat, creating an environment conducive to irritation. To promote comfort and reduce itching:

• Opt for loose-fitting, breathable underwear made from 100% cotton
• Avoid tight pants or leggings, especially when sleeping
• Change out of sweaty clothes promptly after exercise

Menstruation and Anal Itching

For individuals who menstruate, the added moisture during menstruation can contribute to increased itching and irritation around the anal area, especially at night. To manage this discomfort:

• Use extra-absorbent menstrual pads or menstrual cups at night
• Change pads frequently, ideally every 4 hours
• Wear fresh, breathable underwear
• Consider using unscented, hypoallergenic menstrual products

Home Remedies and Treatments for Nighttime Anal Itching

While persistent anal itching may require medical attention, there are several home remedies and over-the-counter treatments that can provide relief for mild cases.

Soothing Topical Treatments

Applying certain topical treatments can help alleviate itching and promote healing of irritated skin around the anus. Some effective options include:

• Witch hazel: Apply with a cotton ball to reduce inflammation and itching
• Coconut oil: Its antimicrobial properties can soothe irritated skin
• Aloe vera gel: Provides cooling relief and promotes healing
• Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream: Use sparingly and as directed for temporary relief

Hygiene Practices for Relief

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for managing anal itching. Consider these practices:

• Use plain, warm water to clean the anal area after bowel movements
• Pat the area dry gently instead of rubbing
• Apply a barrier cream or ointment to protect the skin
• Avoid using scented toilet paper or wet wipes

When to Seek Medical Advice for Anal Itching

While occasional anal itching is common and often resolves on its own, persistent or severe symptoms may indicate a need for professional medical evaluation. Consider consulting a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Anal itching that lasts for more than two weeks despite home treatments
• Severe discomfort that interferes with daily activities or sleep
• Bleeding or discharge from the anal area
• Visible skin changes, such as rashes or lesions
• Unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits

A healthcare professional can perform a thorough examination, identify underlying causes, and recommend appropriate treatments tailored to your specific situation.

Prevention Strategies for Nighttime Anal Itching

Taking proactive steps to prevent anal itching can significantly improve your comfort and quality of sleep. Incorporate these strategies into your daily routine to minimize the risk of nighttime anal discomfort:

Dietary Modifications

Adjusting your diet can play a crucial role in preventing anal itching. Consider these dietary changes:

• Reduce consumption of spicy foods, caffeine, and alcohol
• Increase fiber intake to promote regular bowel movements
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day
• Keep a food diary to identify potential trigger foods

Sleep Environment Optimization

Creating a cool, comfortable sleep environment can help reduce nighttime sweating and itching. Try these tips:

• Use breathable, moisture-wicking bedding materials
• Set your bedroom temperature between 60-67°F (15-19°C)
• Consider using a fan or air conditioner to improve air circulation
• Wear loose-fitting, breathable sleepwear

Stress Management Techniques

Stress and anxiety can exacerbate anal itching symptoms. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques into your evening routine:

• Practice relaxation exercises or meditation before bed
• Engage in gentle stretching or yoga
• Establish a consistent sleep schedule
• Limit screen time before bedtime

By implementing these prevention strategies and maintaining good overall health habits, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing nighttime anal itching and enjoy more restful, comfortable sleep.

Causes, Treatments, When to See a Doctor

We all know how elusive the perfect night of sleep can be. From a room that’s too hot to the millions of thoughts that might be running through your mind, there’s no shortage of potential interruptions. That’s why it’s important for us to determine which annoyances we can control. If you find yourself kept up at night by an irritating itch around your backside, you are not alone.

There are steps you can take to identify the cause of any nighttime itching you may notice around your bum. Whether these symptoms are more noticeable at night, or specific to nighttime, there are plenty of ways to treat this discomfort.

Itching may be more common at night due to activities that typically precede sleep: dinner, drinking, use of the toilet, and showering, for example. Additionally, we may become more sensitive to irritants at night since there is less stimulus to distract us than throughout the rest of the day.

So what could be the root of your nighttime itch?

Bathroom habits and hygiene

Be sure to wipe correctly following the use of the toilet. You may notice that wiping too hard can cause irritation and over-dry the area around the anus. Alternatively, wiping too gently can leave some fecal residue, which might contribute to additional irritation and the potential for infection in any areas where the skin might be chapped or broken.

For the most success in the bathroom, consider using two-ply toilet paper and wiping gently from front to back. You also might also find a bidet useful, as water pressure can produce a better clean.

Hemorrhoids or anal fissures

If you find that your anal area is itching at night, it’s possible that you might be experiencing hemorrhoids or anal fissures. These are preexisting conditions that may cause itch and could be exacerbated by nighttime use of the toilet, diet, or nighttime sweating.

Diet

A number of foods can irritate the anus and produce an itch. This includes, but is not limited, to:

• spices and spicy foods
• coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated)
• tea
• soda
• milk
• alcoholic beverages (especially beer and wine)
• chocolate
• citrus fruits
• vitamin C tablets
• tomatoes

If you’re experiencing an itchy anus, consider temporarily cutting the above food and drink from your diet for 48 hours to see if you notice a difference.

Sweat

In general, sweat can irritate the skin because it contributes to heat retention and dryness of the skin.

Itchiness at night can be more prevalent because of night sweats. Combatting the cause of night sweats can relieve itching around the bum and anus.

Some tips include:

• keep your bedroom cool
• wear loose, breathable fabrics to bed
• opt for breathable sheets and pillow cases
• avoid alcohol right before bed time

Medications taken before bed

A side effect of some medications can be itchiness. Read and understand the side effects of any medication you’re taking.

Examples of medications that may contribute to nighttime anal itching are blood pressure medications and antibiotics. When antibiotics kill the “good bacteria” in your gut, you may experience diarrhea. Diarrhea may worsen the symptoms of anal itching

Clothing fabric

Fabrics that are tight and restrictive can cause irritation. Try wearing 100 percent cotton, loose underwear to combat itching around your bum at night.

Threadworms

Threadworms (pinworms) are parasitic worms that infect human digestive systems. They cause the most itchiness at night when females are laying their eggs around the anus. Threadworms are able to survive on clothing and bed sheets, which provides the opportunity to transfer the worms from one person to another.

They are most common in children and can be detected by doing a stool sample. Threadworms can be treated with medication and a routine of strict hygiene measures.

Skin conditions

Many people experience skin diseases on their bodies. This includes your buttocks and anus, which are not exempt from psoriasis, eczema, and others.

Consider seeing a dermatologist to rule out skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema if you have the following symptoms around your anus:

• pain
• redness
• itchiness
• flakiness
• irritation

When menstruating, it’s considered safest to sleep with a menstrual pad. The added moisture from menstruating at night can contribute to increased itch and irritation around the anus, vagina, and buttocks.

Throughout the day, remember to change your pads every 4 hours and to keep your underwear fresh. At nighttime, opt for extra-absorbent pads or menstrual cups to keep added moisture or discomfort at bay.

Yeast infections may occur in and near the vagina, penis, or anus, and may contribute to nighttime itching.

Additionally, common symptoms of several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may include itching of the vagina, penis, and anus. If you’re sexually active, participate in regular STD testing.

Nighttime sex can also be a contributor to vaginal itchiness at night. If you are noticing extra itchiness after intercourse, consider the following tips:

• regulate your vaginal pH
• use lubrication to combat dryness

Children can be particularly susceptible to experiencing itchiness around their bottoms at night. The following items are likely causes:

• threadworms
• poor hygienic practices (including improper washing of hands and wiping of anus)
• toy sharing (which can contribute to the spread of bacteria and threadworms)

While a lot of symptoms of an itchy bum at night are mild, see a doctor if:

• you have persistent itchiness that doesn’t go away with home remedies
• you have persistent bleeding, scabbing, or other symptoms around your anus and bum
• if you suspect that you might have an underlying skin condition, STD, or hemorrhoids
• if anyone in your family has threadworms

A doctor will be able to help you determine the cause and improve your symptoms.

Bum itchiness can be aggravating when you’re trying to sleep peacefully. You should start seeing improvements in your symptoms by making changes in your day-to-day routine.

By being mindful of your hygienic practices, diet, and sleep environment, you should be able to determine the cause of your nighttime itching. If your nighttime itching persists or worsens, schedule a visit with a doctor for additional advice.

Itchy bottom – NHS

You can often do simple things yourself to ease an itchy bottom (anus). See a GP 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

• wear loose-fitting cotton underwear

• keep cool – avoid clothing and bedding that makes you overheat

• have cooler, shorter showers or baths (under 20 minutes)

• eat plenty of fibre – such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread, pasta and cereal to avoid runny poo or constipation

Don’t

• do not wipe your bottom after pooing – wash it with water or pat it clean with moist toilet paper, then pat dry

• do not scratch – 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 spicy food or drink lots of alcohol and caffeine – these can make itching worse

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
• medicine and things you should do at home if it’s caused by threadworms

Using creams and ointments for an itchy bottom

Do not use:

• more than 1 cream or ointment at the same time
• any cream or ointment for longer than a week – they can irritate your skin and make things worse

Important:
Threadworms

An itchy bottom that’s worse at night is often caused by threadworms, especially in children.

Children under 2, and pregnant and breastfeeding women, cannot usually take medicine for threadworms – see a GP, midwife or health visitor instead.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

• you have an itchy bottom that does not ease after 3 or 4 days
• the itch keeps coming back
• the itch worries you or makes it hard to sleep
• you have an itchy bottom and itching elsewhere on your body

Treatment from a GP

A 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 offer a walk-in service, where you do not need an appointment. They’ll often get test results quicker than a GP.

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 longer, you might be able to get an idea of the cause from any other symptoms you have. But do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you’re worried.

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 something like anal or bowel cancer, so it’s important to get it checked by a GP.

Page last reviewed: 28 September 2020
Next review due: 28 September 2023

Why does itching appear in the anus

Likbez

Health

August 31, 2021

Worms are not the only reason.

Why itches in the anus

If this sensation occurs rarely, the person is absolutely healthy. It is worth worrying when the itching in the anus is repeated often, intensifies or does not allow to live. Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of the appearance of discomfort, but most often they are provoked by the following factors.

Improper hygiene

The skin in the anal area can be irritated by fecal residues, sweat or mucus that can be excreted from the anus. If you ignore the shower, itching will appear.

Sometimes the reason may be too thorough and aggressive hygiene, when a person uses a lot of detergents, lotions and fragrances that dry out the skin. In the United States, this condition was even given a name – “polished anus syndrome.”

Power supply

It has not been confirmed yet, but scientists suggest that some foods can cause itching in the anus. Here is a sample list:

• coffee with and without caffeine;
• tea;
• cola;
• energy drinks;
• chocolate;
• citrus fruits;
• tomatoes;
• beer;
• nuts;
• dairy products.

And spicy food can also be to blame.

Infections

A common cause of itching is infection with pinworms or worms, as well as scabies. But sometimes discomfort appears with bacterial or fungal infections. Viruses also cause itching if they provoke the formation of warts or genital warts in the anal area.

Diseases of the rectum

People with hemorrhoids, anal fissures or fistulas (passages that run from the intestines to the surface of the skin) also develop itching due to inflammatory changes. With these diseases, there will be other symptoms – blood and pain during bowel movements, bulging nodules or wounds near the anus. Sometimes discomfort bothers after diarrhea due to irritation of the anal area.

Medications

If illness requires long-term use of a steroid cream or ointment or topical anal fissures, especially with peppermint oil, itching may also occur.

Skin diseases

They irritate, damage and flake the skin. Including near the anus, if the disease appeared there. This can happen:

• with psoriasis;
• seborrheic, atopic or contact dermatitis;
• lichen planus;
• lichen simplex;
• scleroatrophic lichen – a disease in which the skin atrophies mainly in the perineum;
• Bowen’s disease is a rare type of skin cancer.

Endocrine diseases

In people with diabetes, itching, especially in the perineum, is sometimes the first symptom. Itching occurs due to poor blood flow, dry skin, or a fungal infection.

Also, itching in the anus often occurs with hyperthyroidism. It is possible that this is due to increased sweating and skin moisture.

Renal insufficiency

When kidney function is impaired, a lot of urea and phosphorus accumulate in the blood. They irritate skin receptors and cause severe itching, including in the anus.

Liver disease

In case of cirrhosis, inflammation of the bile ducts (cholangitis) or their obstruction, in Gilbert’s syndrome, bilirubin is not neutralized in the liver and enters the blood. From it, it penetrates the skin, makes it yellow and causes itching. The whole body can itch, including the anus.

Cancer

Any malignant tumor can cause itching in the anus. This may be due to dry skin, the accumulation of metabolic products in it, or impaired blood flow in microvessels. Often an unpleasant symptom appears with leukemia, or blood cancer, a tumor of the lymphatic system (lymphoma) and Paget’s disease (breast cancer).

Iron deficiency anemia

People with low hemoglobin levels in the blood can also experience itching in the anus. Perhaps this is due to a change in blood circulation and a lack of oxygen in it.

What to do with itching in the anus

It is better to consult a therapist. But you can try to reduce the discomfort on your own. To do this, do this:

• after urinating and defecation and before going to bed, gently wash and towel dry the skin around the anus;
• wear loose cotton underwear;
• avoid overheating;
• take shorter (up to 20 minutes) and cool showers or baths;
• Eat plenty of fiber in the form of vegetables, fruits, whole grain bread, pasta to avoid constipation and diarrhea.

What not to do when itching in the anus

In order not to provoke an increase in discomfort, observe the following rules:

• Do not use toilet paper after a bowel movement. It is better to replace it with a damp cloth or wash the anus with water and then dry it with a towel.
• Don’t scratch your anus, especially if you have long nails.
• Try not to push during a bowel movement.
• Do not use liquid soap, bubble bath or bath oil.
• Do not put perfume or powder on the skin around the anus.
• Do not eat spicy foods or drink alcohol or coffee.

Read also 🤨

• Why feet itch and how to get rid of itching
• Why nipples itch and how to get rid of itching
• 10 unexpected reasons why everything itches in you
• Why does the body itch and what to do about it?
• Where do itching and burning in the vagina come from and how to get rid of them

Why the butt itches | Cuprum

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Answered in science

Author: Nikita Balaba

August 30, 2022

14402 views

There are many reasons for anal itching. Fortunately, usually there is nothing serious behind it and you can get rid of it at home.

Only a doctor can determine the exact cause of itching. Some experience embarrassment and inconvenience when they have to go to the proctologist. But remember, this is the same doctor as the others. Everyone has problems, and going to a proctologist is not shameful.

Here are some possible causes of anal itching.

Due to an allergic reaction . It is caused by scented soaps, powders, lotions, creams and ointments. Sometimes skin irritation occurs if you wipe yourself with rough toilet paper or use a hard washcloth or too hot water during the shower.

Sometimes irritation results lack of hygiene . The anus may itch if feces remain in its folds. The frequency of bowel movements and their shape also play a role in the occurrence of itching. The risk of itching is higher if a person has constipation or diarrhea.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can also cause itching. For example, the fungus Candida , in addition to itching, causes discoloration of the skin, swelling of cracks in the skin in this area. And the human papillomavirus (HPV) is light bleeding, discomfort and burning. Other STIs also lead to itching.

Enterobiasis in which parasitic worms enter the human body. Pinworms live in the intestines and rectum of infected people. At night, they lay eggs around the anus, which causes itching.

Hemorrhoids is a condition in which enlarged veins form inside and outside the anus and rectum. External hemorrhoids can make it difficult to dry off after going to the toilet. Internal hemorrhoids cause bleeding, which leads to skin irritation.

Fissure of the anus in which there are tears in the anus. The main reason is trauma. It can occur due to constipation, straining during bowel movements, diarrhea, anal sex, or anal distension.

Some foods also cause itching:

• dairy products;
• carbonated drinks;
• caffeinated drinks – coffee, tea;
• alcohol;
• sour or spicy foods – tomatoes, citrus fruits, hot peppers and garlic.

Itching doesn’t have to go to the doctor. If he is not strong, then you can cope at home. To do this, you need:

• gently clean the anus after a bowel movement. Use a water bottle, unscented baby wipes, damp washcloth, or damp unscented toilet paper;
• avoid soaps with dyes or fragrances;
• Wipe dry with a clean, soft towel or unscented toilet paper. Do not rub hard on the itchy area;
• try over-the-counter hydrocortisone or zinc oxide creams, ointments, or gels that relieve anal itching;
• wear loose clothing and cotton underwear to keep the itch dry;
• try not to scratch this area, otherwise swelling and irritation may occur, and itching will only increase;
• avoid foods and drinks that may cause loose stools or irritation of the skin around the anus.

See a proctologist if:

• there is anal bleeding;
• the area seems to be inflamed;
• don’t know what caused the itch;
• itching is intense and lasts more than two months.

We understand that going to a proctologist is an awkward task. But sometimes it is simply necessary to find the cause of the condition. If it is inconvenient for the doctor to tell about the symptoms, you can write them in advance on a piece of paper and give it to him. Remember that there is nothing supernatural in your problem. The doctor must have seen her hundreds of times. So there is nothing to be ashamed of.

Treatment of anal itching depends on the cause. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antifungals, for example, if he suspects an infection is causing the itching in the anus.