pharmasites logo
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By clicking 'I Understand and Accept', you consent to our use of cookies.
I understand and accept
No, I don't want to use cookies
My Account
Control Panel
An example toast message
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Do Something
Login
en
en
Pharmasites logo.
Menu
en
en
Change Language
Login
My Account
Control Panel
Free Upgrade
What You Get
Pricing
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Log Out
Login
Login
en
en
Itchy bottom

You can often do simple things yourself to ease an itchy bottom (anus). Get medical help 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

  • wash with water only, or use unscented soap when washing

  • wear loose-fitting cotton underwear

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

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

Don't

  • do not dry your bottom after washing by wiping or rubbing it, instead pat it dry using a towel or cotton wool

  • avoid wiping or rubbing your bottom too much with wet wipes

  • do not scratch, but 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 food or drink that makes your itching worse, for example caffeine, alcohol, citrus fruit or spicy foods

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, such as steroid creams
  • medicine and things you should do at home if it's caused by threadworms – children under 2 and pregnant or breastfeeding women need to see a GP, midwife or health visitor instead

Important

Using steroid creams and ointments for an itchy bottom

Do not use steroid creams or ointments for longer than 1 week because they can irritate your skin and make things worse.

Get medical advice if the itching is not going away after using a steroid cream or ointment for 1 week.

See a GP if:

  • you have an itchy bottom that is not going away
  • the itch keeps coming back
  • you have pain in your bottom
  • you have blood in your poo, which might be dark red or black
  • you're bleeding or leaking liquid from your bottom
  • you've noticed a change in your bowel habits
  • you have an itchy bottom and feel itchy on other parts of your body
  • you notice a change around your anus that is not usual for you
Treatment from a GP

A GP will try to work out the cause of your itching. They may need to check your bottom (rectal examination).

Depending on the cause, the GP might:

  • suggest trying things to ease it yourself
  • prescribe medicine, such as stronger steroid creams, or ointments

Important

Tell the GP immediately if a cream, ointment or other medicine 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.

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. See a GP if you're worried or if your symptoms keep coming back.

Itchy bottom and possible causes
Other symptoms with itchy bottom Possible causes
Other symptoms with itchy bottom

Gets worse at night, worms in poo (they look like small pieces of thread)

Possible causes

Threadworms, especially in children

Other symptoms with itchy bottom

Bright red blood when pooing

Possible causes

Piles (haemorrhoids)

Other symptoms with itchy bottom

Poo leaking or pooing you cannot control

Possible causes

Diarrhoea or bowel incontinence

Other symptoms with itchy bottom

Sores, swelling or irritation

Possible causes

Fungal infection or a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Other symptoms with itchy bottom

Itching elsewhere on the body

Possible causes

Skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis

Other symptoms with itchy bottom

While using long-term medicine

Possible causes

Side effects of steroid creams, antibiotics, some gels and ointments for haemorrhoids or anal fissures, and peppermint oil

Important

It's unusual for an itchy bottom to be caused by something serious. But rarely, it may be a sign of conditions like diabetes or anal cancer, so it's important to get it checked by a GP.

Last Reviewed
05 October 2023
NHS websiteNHS website
Pharmasites footer logo.
Store Hours Unavailable
No store selected for opening hours
Loading Open Hours...
With over a decade's experience working with UK pharmacies and supplying software that manages over 1,500 UK pharmacy websites, you're in safe hands with Pharmasites. Get in touch today!
Menu
Home
Free Upgrade
Pricing
Referrer Rewards
About Us
Contact Us
Book a Chat
Features
Easy Website Updates
Interactive Maps
Book NHS & Private Services
Pharmacy First
eCommerce
Built-in NHS A-Z
NHS App Integration
See more features
Pharmasites
11 Anderson Way, Lea, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, DN21 5EF
matt@pharmasites.co.uk
01904 349 316
No store selected for contacts
No contacts at this store
Pharmasites © 2024
Cookies Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms and Conditions