Pruritus ani

Why does my bum feel irritated and need a scratch? This time of year is a classic time for this unpleasant condition. Most of us will experience it in our lifetime. This year particularly there have been some nasty bugs circulating in the lead up to Christmas. Norovirus, Flu and COVID have been rife with many more hospital admissions that last year. If you were lucky enough to avoid any of these, you may still have experienced an upset stomach or perhaps constipation.

The festive food we all enjoy can be very stodgy – carbohydrate rich (roast potatoes, nut roast, stuffing), sugary (mince pies, yule log, marzipan treats) and high in meat content. The darkness outside and the temptation of staying inside with friends, relatives and a nice glass of fizz all adds to reduced exercise, fresh air and a sedentary time.

For most of us, an itchy bum is a transient condition usually associated with haemorrhoids. Hard consistency stool and straining on the loo can cause haemorrhoidal tissue in the anus to swell up. This can lead to discomfort around the anus and mucus leakage. The unfortunate consequence is an itchy sore bum.

For those with an upset stomach, loose stool and multiple trips to the loo can aggravate the anus leading to lots of wiping! This too can cause an itchy sore bum even if constipation isn’t to blame.

The added difficult at this time of year is the number of bank holidays means that getting to a chemist for some anal cream is very difficult. Don’t panic! These simple measure can be followed without needing a chemist;

• increase your water intake up to 2 litres per day
• increase fruit and vegetable intake
• limit sugary treats unless figs/dates
• use Vaseline or a petrolium based jelly as cream for the anus. Any natural based lip balm will do. Use this before and after a bowel motion.
• try to avoid wiping your anus after the toilet, water/bidet with a shower head instead.
• vigorous exercise – try and increase your heart rate every day. Start with a small amount and build up.

If simple measure don’t work it is worth going to see a doctor for a check up. When the condition becomes chronic it is called pruritus ani. This is a condition we regularly treat in The McCarthy Clinic and would be happy to see you. More information can be found below;

Itchy bottom – NHS: Why do I have an itchy bum?