Anal Itch – 16 Natural Remedies for Relief

November 11, 2019

Anal itch, also known as pruritis ani, is an embarrassing problem that can occur due to anal fissures, pinworms, or hemorrhoids. While home remedies work to alleviate the problem in most cases, sometimes, the issue could be due to a serious underlying medical condition. Let us take a look at some ‘itchy bum’ home remedies that really work.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar for Anal Itch

If ‘itchy bum after poo’ is causing you embarrassment, then you can try using apple cider vinegar. This remedy works in two ways:

Topical Application

Make a Sitz bath or fill up a tub with hot water.
Add a few capfuls of organic, raw apple cider vinegar to it.
Sit in the bath for up to 15 minutes or until the water cools.
Repeat daily after bowel movements to alleviate itchy bum after poo.
Apple cider vinegar works topically because of its astringent, anti-bacterial & anti-inflammatory properties.

Internal Use

Apple cider vinegar regulates your bowels and also balances the pH of your body. Drink apple cider vinegar daily on an empty stomach by mixing a capful (1 tablespoon) of organic, raw apple cider vinegar with 8 ounces of warm water. Slowly sip it and add honey or orange juice if you want to make it more palatable. Doing so will help keep your bowels regular and decrease the incidence of hemorrhoids or anal fissures.

2. Essential Oils for Anal Itch

The reason why hemorrhoids itch, typically at night, is because of dryness. To prevent the already inflamed skin from further irritation, use essential oils to relieve the itch, soothe the skin and also heal and moisturize it. The best essential oils for this job are: Tea tree oil, Peppermint oil and Lavender oil. Always use the purest of essential oils to see results. You will need to dilute the oil of your choice with some coconut oil or olive oil. Apply the blend to the anal region with a gloved finger tip. You can also sit in hot water bath (Sitz bath) mixed with Tea tree oil, Peppermint of Lavender oil after having a bowel movement. These oils disinfect the anus and also heal and soothe the skin.

3. Witch Hazel Helps Heal Fissures & Hemorrhoids

Witch hazel is an astringent that aids in tissue healing. It is particularly beneficial for soothing, cracked, dry and irritated skin and helps reduce pain. The ingredient is sold in bottles as well as saturated pads for cleansing and moisturizing. You can also combine aloe vera with witch hazel and wipe the affected region.

4. Corn Starch for Itchy Bums

To soothe the irritation and itchy bum cheeks caused by anal fissures or worms, sprinkle corn starch powder after each shower, bath or bowel movement. Corn starch reduces friction and prevents irritation.

5. Chamomile Tea Relieves Pain & Inflammation

Place two chamomile tea bags in a cup of hot/boiling water and steep for five minutes. Squeeze and remove the tea bags. Cool the tea down until it is comfortable to the touch. Soak a tampon or a sanitary pad in the tea and press it to the itchy bum. Chamomile tea instantly calms irritation and relieves pain and inflammation.

6. Sodium Bicarbonate/Baking Soda Soothes Irritation & Itchiness

Add a cup of baking soda to a bath tub and fill it up with warm water. Soak in this for 15-20 minutes. Sodium bicarbonate soothes irritation and stops itchiness.

7. Vitamin E with Aloe for Pain, Itch & Swelling

Vitamin E combined with aloe vera gel, can soothe the pain, itch and also bring down the swelling. You can also pierce a vitamin E caplet and apply the oil onto the anal region to soothe the itch.

8. Colloidal Silver Helps Heal Inflamed Tissues

Many times, itchy bum occurs after a bout of diarrhea due to excessive use of toilet paper. Spraying some colloidal silver onto the wipes and using them to clean the anal area after bowel movements can help. Colloidal silver is antibacterial and antiviral. It soothes irritation and speeds up healing of inflamed tissues.

9. Garlic for an Itchy Bum

Ever tried garlic for itchy bum? You can take garlic pills or increase your intake of fresh raw/roasted garlic. The natural antiseptic and antibiotic properties of garlic kill unwanted germs in the colon and intestine and heal the anal area from the inside.

10. Dietary Changes to Get Rid of Anal Itch

Many people have completely gotten rid of anal itch with a few dietary eliminations. Caffeine is the number one culprit and so is alcohol, as both are drying agents. If you drink either or both of them excessively, then limiting these beverages could reduce your symptoms. Wheat intolerance also may be a cause. Stop eating gluten and wheat as much as possible. Eat a diet rich in probiotics. Probiotic foods like Kefir, Miso, and Sauerkraut are natural pruritis ani treatment.

11. Eliminate Pinworms to Solve the Itch

Children with anal itch could have pinworms. A single tablet for pinworms can get rid of the issue and curb anal itching. If your child’s itchy bottom is not due to worms, please get him/her checked for ringworm or another underlying health condition.

12. Avoid Scratching an Itchy Bum

Anal fissures can turn itchy, but scratching them could worsen the problem. So, as tempting as it may be, avoid scratching the region. Sharp fingernails used on the already tender region can worsen the problem and lead to a vicious cycle in terms of itching. To relieve the itch, try soaking in hot water. This will boost circulation and also relax the sphincter muscles. The heat will also reduce much of the discomfort of the itch.

13. Watch the Wipes

Many harsh or rough textured toilet papers and perfumed or fragrant wipes can aggravate anal itching. So steer clear of these products and avoid the use of fragrant powders and perfumes in the genital area. Avoid wipes soaked in alcohol. Instead, go for soft, wet facial wipes with moisturizing lotion to reduce friction and irritation. Use gentle pressure to wipe the area; you can also pat the anus dry instead of rubbing back and forth. If possible, install a bidet or a valve with a water jet stream to wash with after bowel movements.

14. Avoid Constipation and Diarrhea for a Healthy Bum

While constipation can reopen the healing anal fissures, diarrhea can also be equally harmful and could worsen anal itching. Watery stools contain acid and can irritate the already tender skin around the anus. If you are taking fiber supplements for treating constipation, you can reduce your water intake to firm up the stools. Alternatively, change your fiber supplements to see if it makes a difference.

15. Lose the Extra Pounds to Heal Fissures Quickly

Obesity can put excess pressure onto the anus and could also lead to sweating which can cause anal itching. Regular exercise with proper diet can reduce obesity and heal anal fissures quickly.

16. Avoid Anal Intercourse During Fissures & Tears

Anal intercourse, despite generous use of lubricants, can increase anal irritation and pain and could reopen the fissures and tears. So until you are completely healed, avoid it.

References

¹ https://www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-for-hemorrhoids

² https://www.healthline.com/health/tea-tree-oil-for-hemorrhoids

³ https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/itchy-bottom-syndrome-aka-pruritis-ani-or-anal-itching/

⁴ https://dpca.org/BreedEd/colloidal-silver-rediscovered/

⁵ https://www.carepointhealth.org/relationship-hemorrhoids-obesity/

Medical Disclaimer

The content found on this website is for informational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Information and statements regarding health related benefits of certain ingredients are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information provided is not meant to substitute the advice provided by your personal physician or other medical professional. Do not use the information found within this website to self-diagnose any medical conditions or treat any health problems or diseases. The information provided is not intended to prescribe or be taken as medical advice.