Anal Itching : Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies

Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Itching in the rectum is a fairly common problem which is also called prutitis ani. This problem creates an unbearable itching around the anus and it is worse at night.

Anal itching is mainly due to the diet problems of our modern lifestyle . Too much spices , hot sauces and peppers could easily lead to anal itching . Anal itching also can be caused by the irritation of continuous moisture in the anus caused by frequent liquid stools, diarrhea, or escape of small amounts of stool. Other problems that can cause anal itching include pinworms,hemorrhoids,tears of the anal skin (fissures), and skin tags.

Many over-the-counter products are sold for the treatment of anal itching. These often contain the same drugs that are used for treating hemorrhoids. Home remedies can be used as an alternative way to treat anal itching. Home remedies for anal itching or pruritus ani are simple yet effective solutions for this embarrassing problem.

. It is important to clean and dry the anus thoroughly and avoid leaving soap in the anal area.

. To keep the anal region dry use cornstarch powder.

. Change the underwear (preferably soft cotton ones) 2-3 times a day.

. Include fiber rich foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, sprouts and pulses in your daily diet to avoid constipation which can lead to itching.

. Soak a cotton pad in apple cider vinegar and place it on the itching area. If the area is raw; be prepared for a temporary burning sensation.

. Before bedtime, take a shower , then pat dry the itchy area and apply wheat germ oil. To avoid messy bedclothes and sheets, put a sanitary napkin over the oily area.

. Pumpkin seeds have been used as a folk treatment to control and prevent intestinal parasites which may result in an itchy bottom. Buy the shelled and unsalted seeds, and eat a handful daily.

. Dip a cotton ball in the infusion made from witch hazel or chamomile and clean the area with it.

. Apply Aloe Vera skin gel to the itchy area. Aloe Vera soothes and heals the irritated area.

. Apply tea tree oil antiseptic cream to the itchy area.

. Eat 2 cloves raw garlic, taken 2x per day at the beginning of a meal.

. Put 3-5 drops of tea tree oil on a cotton ball, hold to the area for 1 minute. Wait five minutes then apply some corn starch to the area.

. Petroleum jelly is the quickest way to pacify itching. Whenever,it itches apply the petroleum jelly carefully to soothe it.

. Add some oatmeal to your bath water. Oatmeal has naturally soothing qualities that help soften and heal irritated and itchy area.

. Avoid foaming gels in bathtubs and perfumed soaps - rather try a handful of kitchen salt in your bath.

. Sitting in a tub of warm (not hot) water can be one of the easiest ways to soothe the anus.

. Put 3-4 tablespoons of baking soda into a warm sitz bath (a few inches of water) and sit for about 15 minutes. Make sure that you bring your knees up to your chest so that as much water as possible reaches the area.

. Boil some water, add a tea bag, let it seep for a few minutes, then let it cool to a comfortable temperature. Apply a warm, wet tea bag to the area.


If home remedies for anal itching does not work as intended or the itch prolongs, you should consult your doctor for treatment to rule out a more severe underlying problems such as bleeding or tumors.



~source:home-remedies-for-you.com~