Itchy bottom

The anus is the opening at the lower end of the digestive system, where solid waste leaves your body.



It’s rare for an itchy bottom on it’s own 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 you’re worried.

An itchy bottom that’s worse at night can be caused by threadworms. This is often the case for children. You can’t take medicine for threadworms if you’re: 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:

skin conditions 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.

Symptoms

An itchy bottom that’s worse at night can be caused by threadworms. This is often the case for children. You can’t take medicine for threadworms if you’re: 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:

skin conditions 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.


skin conditions 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.


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: doesn’t 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 what’s causing your itching. You may feel awkward, but this is nothing to be embarrassed or worried about. It’s 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 what’s causing your symptoms. They may suggest: things you can do yourself to ease an itchy bottom a stronger medication, cream or ointment