Pruritus ani
The cause of itchy bottom isn't always known. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of another problem or underlying condition.
An itchy bottom may be a signthat your body is trying to deal with an infection. The infection may be:
An itchy bottom can sometimesbe a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) .
If you've had unprotected sex and think you could have an STI, visit your localsexual health clinic . Theycan offer advice and provide testingand treatment.
Gastrointestinal conditions affect your digestive tract (your mouth, throat, stomach, intestines and anus).
Gastrointestinal conditions that may cause an itchy bottom include:
Some skin conditions can affect any area of skin on yourbody, including the skin around your anus.
Skin conditions that can be associated with an itchy bottom include:
Systemic conditions affect your whole body and can sometimes make your bottom feel itchy. Systemic conditions include:
Some types of medication, including those applied directly to your skin (topical),may make your bottom feel itchy.
For example, if you use a cream to treat haemorrhoids,it may irritate the sensitive skin around your anus and make the itching worse.
Some topical medicines mayalso cause contact dermatitis (red, itchy skin) if used for long periods.
Medicines that maycause an itchy bottom or make your symptoms worse include:
If a medicine you're taking is causing an itchy bottom, your bottom should itchless after you've completed thecourse of medication.
Never stop taking a prescribed medication unless advised to do so by your GP or other qualified healthcare professional responsible for your care.
Speak to your GP if you're taking a medicine on a long-term basis and it's causing an itchy bottom. They may be able to prescribe an alternative.
In rare cases, itchy bottom can be a symptom of a gastrointestinal cancer, such as anal cancer or bowel cancer .
Most cases of itchy bottom aren't caused by cancer , but it's important that your GP rules out all possibilities.
Possible symptoms of anal cancer include:
Possible symptoms of bowel cancer include:
Read about itchy bottom (pruritis ani), a symptom that produces a very strong urge to scratch the skin around your anus
The cause of itchy bottom isn't always known. However, it can sometimes be a symptom of another problem or underlying condition.
Read about treating itchy bottom, which usually responds well to simple self-care measures and, if necessary, medication.