Itchy bottom

Itchy bottom | NHS inform Home Illnesses and conditions Symptoms and self-help Tests and treatments Healthy living Care, support and rights Scotlands Service Directory 0 Home Illnesses and conditions Skin, hair and nails Itchy bottom Itchy bottom Itchy bottom is a strong urge to scratch the skin around your bottom (anus). The anus is the opening at the lower end of the digestive system, where solid waste leaves your body. Causes of itchy bottom The cause of itchy bottom isnt always known. If it gets better quickly without treatment, it may be the result of a short term issue. For example, sweating more in hot weather. Its rare for an itchy bottom alone to be a sign of something more serious. If an itchy bottom lasts longer, you may be able to get an idea of the cause from other symptoms you have. But, you should not self-diagnose. Speak to your GP if youre worried. An itchy bottom thats worse at night can be caused by threadworms. This is often the case for children. You cant take medicine for threadworms if youre: pregnant breastfeeding a child under 2 This means you should speak to a GP, midwife or health visitor instead. Conditions with itchy bottom Sometimes an itchy bottom can be a symptom of another problem or condition. This includes: skinconditions like eczema or psoriasis  if you have itching elsewhere on the body too threadworms (especially in children)  symptoms will get worse at night and there will be worms in poo (they look like bits of thread) haemorrhoids (piles)  swellings in and around the anus, as well as pain and blood when pooing bowel incontinence or diarrhoea  can cause poo leaking or pooing you can not control sexually transmitted infection (STI) like genital warts  can cause sores, swelling and irritation ringworm  can cause sores, swelling and irritation Some long-term medications can also cause an itchy bottom. For example, steroid creams or peppermint oil. 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 Find your nearest pharmacy Speak to your GP if: You have an itchy bottom that: doesnt 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 You should also speak to a GP if your itchy bottom is caused by an underlying condition like piles. What to expect at your GP appointment Your GP might need to check your bottom (a rectal examination) to help find out whats causing your itching. You may feel awkward, but this is nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. Its 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 whats 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 dont 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 Dont 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 Source: NHS 24 - Opens in new browser window Last updated: 01 March 2024 How can we improve this page? Help us improve NHS inform Thank You Your feedback has been received Dont include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions. Email Address e.g. you@example.com Message Maximum of 500 characters Send feedback Add this page to\n            Info For Me NHS inform About NHS inform Editorial policy Contact us Webchat Give feedback about NHS inform Info for Me tool Terms and conditions Privacy and cookies policy Freedom of information (FOI) Accessibility Other languages and formats  2023 NHS 24  v1.1.1.17852