Anal itching

Anal itching may be just an annoyance, or may be so troublesome that it dominates your life. It is usually made worse by warmth, and is often most troublesome in bed. The skin round the anus easily becomes irritated and inflamed. This is because it is difficult to keep the area round the anus clean and dry; the skin is crinkly and traps tiny faecal particles. It is also sweaty and airless, and it may be moist from an anal or vaginal discharge. When it becomes irritated, scratching is a natural reaction, but this damages the skin further – the itch/scratch cycle. Ointments and creams can cause further problems by keeping the area damp.

 

Although it is very unpleasant, anal itching seldom means anything serious. If you have pain as well as itching, look at the section on anal pain.

Washing too much or not enough. Poor hygiene can be responsible for anal itching, but so can excessive cleaning, especially if you use harsh soaps or a brush.

 

Leakage of faeces can lead to itching around the anus. Look at the section on faecal incontinence.

 

Pre-moistened toilet tissues (wipes), bought from chemists and supermarkets, can sometimes cause anal itching. The reason is probably perfume, alcohol or a preservative in the wipes.

 

Sensitivities and allergies to other chemicals, such as bubble baths and perfumed soaps, may be responsible.

 

Ointments and creams are notorious causes of anal itching. If you have itching, it is a natural reaction to buy an anaesthetic gel for the anal area. Most of these are labelled ‘for haemorrhoids’ and contain lignocaine, tetracaine, cinchocaine, pramocaine or benzocaine with other ingredients. At first they help, but then the itching may return because you have become sensitive to one of the ingredients in the cream or ointment and they are keeping the area moist. Do not use them for more than 1 week.

 

Skin conditions, such as psoriasis or eczema, can affect the skin round the anus and cause itching. Piles can sometimes be itchy, partly because of the slimy discharge they produce.

 

Fungal infections, similar to thrush or athlete’s foot, are another common cause. Fungi love warm, damp and damaged skin, so if you have an itchy anus for any reason and then damage the skin by scratching, fungi can take hold and make it worse.

 

Sexually transmitted infections are what many people worry about, but are not usually the reason.

• Genital warts (vulva or penis), caused by papillomavirus, thrive in warm, moist conditions such as the skin near the anus and can be very itchy.
• Genital herpes (caused by herpesvirus) can also infect the anus, and causes itching just before the sores appear and also during the healing stage.

Both these viruses are easily transferred to the anal skin on the fingers, and can therefore occur round the anus in anyone. The anus may be the only site of infection; the fact that you do not have genital warts or herpes elsewhere does not rule them out.

 

Threadworms (pinworms) are tiny worms, about 13 mm long, which live in the lower part of the bowel. They are very common – an estimated 40 million cases in the USA alone. The female worms creep out of the anus at night – how they know it is night, and why they come out only at night, is a mystery. They lay thousands of eggs on the skin of the anus, causing intense itching at night. When you scratch, the eggs lodge under your fingernails, and it is easy to transfer them to your mouth and reinfect your gut by swallowing the eggs.

 

Certain foods can irritate the anus during defecation. Beer and curry are obvious examples. Some people find that citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes, coffee or tea can cause problems.

 

Anxiety tends to make the brain hyper-alert to body feelings that we may otherwise be able to ignore. If you are going through an anxious period, a symptom such as itching can become magnified.

 

Pleasure. It is worth asking yourself whether you are deriving a perverse, almost erotic, pain/pleasure from scratching the itchy area, which is keeping the irritation going.

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Friday, February 26th 2010

Useful contacts for anal itching

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Comments on this article

Posted by Optional on 10/03/2010 at 01:18:27 pm

Doctors are very understanding that people don't want to be examined and so if you tell them you dont't want to be most doctors will tell you how you can help yourself with the problem!

Posted by Optional on 10/03/2010 at 12:28:00 am

try taking celastamine tablets,Take a bath twice daily, put fluocinonide cream on afected area hope this works for you

Posted by Relief on 06/03/2010 at 01:52:09 pm

I had a very irritating anal itch for 3 months then I was told about Wellspring Herbals in Ceredigion, W Wales. The clinic is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday from 9.30 to 4.00. I was sent a myrrh cream which after a few days began to have a powerful effect on my itching & now after 10 days the itch has stopped. What a miracle!

Posted by Optional on 03/03/2010 at 04:58:42 am

worked for me! I went to a new Doctor and he prescribed an antifungal/anti inflammatory cream called Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP. I hope it works for you--

Posted by Optional on 26/02/2010 at 08:07:57 am

I have had this anal itching for about 3 months now and driving me insane. I thought it was the piles causing it but think it's a skin tag. I've used every type of cream for piles, nappy rash creams, sudocrem (which is quite good) and now have been putting live yoghurt on (quite messy but does give some relief). They tell me when the skin tag is removed things will get better but I don't know!! I also have a medicine to stop my bowels being open so often. Something is causing the irritation but I just don't know what!!! - the yoghurt definitely is a help though - good luck all of you out there with this problem it's a pain in the backside to be sure!!!

Posted by Optional on 25/02/2010 at 06:03:05 pm

I've had all of these same symptoms around the anal area, itching, burning. All you need to do is go get some Thayers Original Witch Hazel w/ Aloe...works almost instantly. Thanks for the referrals everyone

Posted by Jeff9 on 25/02/2010 at 05:30:57 pm

Itching and pain be gone! I found a solution to Anal Itch in the Bathroom Bidet Sprayers they use in Thailand. Every doctor will tell you that you need to clean but the key is you need to do it without irritating the skin. Difficult to accomplish when you have an itch that is just begging to be scratched. But cleaning with a water spray does just that and it is easy, convenient and no one need know what you are using it for. Toilet paper irritates the skin and the more you rub, the more you itch. I bought mine at http://www.bathroomsprayers.com and installed it myself. Check out; http://www.bathroomsprayers.com/info/mypage.php?page=20

Posted by itchyscratchy on 23/02/2010 at 04:44:37 pm

I have suffered from anal itching for a while and fissures for a very long time. The itching has recently become very bad. After reading the comments here, I thought I would try using mouthwash which was recommended and it did temporarily take the itch away. I don't think it's a cure, but if you suffer from this problem you know how the itching can sometimes drive you mad. I am going to try to use the mouthwash after every BM so see if that helps. By the way, the brand I used was Oral B without alcohol

Posted by Weevie on 22/02/2010 at 12:57:16 am

I've had problems with itching for about 4 years now - it seems incredible thinking back on it! I've tried all sorts of things in the past, but a week ago I tried using Germolene, which is both an antiseptic and a local anesthetic. Suddenly everything has calmed down and gone back to normal. I've stopped using the cream for the last couple of days and everything is still good. I'm really optimistic that this is the end of the problem.

Posted by breelyn on 18/02/2010 at 01:37:11 am

I have been suffering from severe anal itching for about 8 months now and have tried every thing on the market, and then some... steroid cream didn't work...I am going to make an appointment with a dermatologist (something I should have done 6 months ago) and hope for the best. I was tested for everything including yeast. I was totally clean. Don't get it and can't really stand it anymore. I am getting sores from itching. I tried powder for the first time tonight. Still want to itch. The only thing that seems to work is vaseline and I am sure that is probably the worst thing for it....Feels like things are crawling around in that area....

Posted by ahmed on 17/02/2010 at 12:54:41 am

yes i did get some insight into the matter,but i m still desperate 4 some remedy, i am presently useing homeopathy treatment, it gives me some relife but after the medicene is finished i again go through a lot of pain.

Posted by Anonymous on 08/02/2010 at 10:05:00 pm

lady t in regards to stomach issues try not drinkin coffee or any fizzy drinks it has totally changed my life

Posted by ray on 08/02/2010 at 11:55:00 am

I've had this problem since last year, damn, it's irritating. I don't have a clue how did I get it!...but I've realised something...the more I don't drink beer, the more it gets better...but I love beer!

Posted by lady t on 08/02/2010 at 08:14:00 am

hey, ive a problem with my bowels... my anal area is very ichy and it becomes very irriating at times..im taking tablets for ibs but i feel that its not the problem as it is linked to my vaginal area also..i was treated in hosiptal 3 or 4 times i was treatened with appendixcitous..ive severe adobdomnial pain also bloating..it also gets very bad around my menstural cycle.. any ideas on what cud be wrong.. i wud appreciate ur help..:)

Posted by Anonymous on 07/02/2010 at 11:01:00 pm

what i found really helped was a cold damp cloth/ flannel applied to the affected area and squashed between buttocks to hold it there . i tried all sorts creams ointments ,nothing worked just this way

Posted by Anonymous on 07/02/2010 at 04:07:00 am

If you have anal itch try taking mouthwash and putting it on a cotton pad and rubbing the area. It may string for a bit, but it works!

Posted by lisa smith on 06/02/2010 at 11:58:00 pm

i have bleeding from the back passage today,and ive bin to doctors and they said see how the bleeding goes,im not happy with the oppinion at all and im worried

Posted by Jackie on 05/02/2010 at 04:12:00 pm

I have had anal itching for several years and am embarrassed to say I now just treat it as part of my life. I get very little sleep because I am scratching all night which then has a knock on effect the following day. I have tried every cream under the sun. I was referred to a dermatologist who prescribed a steroid cream and although I did see the specialist on several occasions after about 18 months she signed me off her patient list stating she didnt know what the problem was and advised me to go back to my GP. I didnt go back to my GP theres only so much one can take having a stranger prodding around the most sensitive area of your body.. I stumbled across this site by accident and decided to read on. I have to say although its a little selfish it makes you feel a bit better knowing you are not the only one suffering. I might after reading all of your comments go back to my GP. The reality is that there are probably millions of us suffering in silence and its good to hear of success stories. It is obvious that by reading all of the comments that there are clearly many different causes to the problem and many different cures so I suppose its trial and error. Im up to my 6th year now so hopefully 2010 might be my year....

Posted by Paul on 03/02/2010 at 09:38:00 pm

Canesten HC cream must be the HC version not the standard thrush cream,i have suffered for around 19 years & this is under control now, doesnt get rid of the problem, but as long as you keep using it it stays at bay, you are supposed to use this cream for 6 weeks but i use it permanently & it has been a godsend

Posted by Anonymous on 02/02/2010 at 04:14:00 pm

Looked at this site yesterday, had problem for 6 months tried Canasten cream and a an antihistiman tablet at night worked wonders best sleep for a long time. Hope it continues

Posted by octavia on 02/02/2010 at 11:09:00 am

i have that anal problem and itching,irritable and burning terrible vaginal odour discharge and after a lot of using this and that i found out that my problem was eating anything that has any kind of chills on it and also probiflora capsule heal me totally.

Posted by george on 01/02/2010 at 04:24:00 pm

itchy on inside of foreskine cant pull back foreskine or it will bleed

Posted by Anonymous on 31/01/2010 at 05:24:00 pm

I have suffered from intense anal itching for over three years now and have tried nearly everything (Methlene blue injections, diet changes, non floride toothpaste)with only moderate, temporary success. For me the itch is intensified with moisture (this is why many of the creams and ointments don't work.) I have to keep the area clean and dry. Capsaicin cream at .006 does work. It burns like crazy but it beats the unbearable itching. However, since it comes in a cream (moisture), the itching generally returns. I asked my doctor recently to write a prescription for 30GM of Capsaicin .006 in a powder. You will need to take this to a compound pharmacy (one that mixes drugs) This is the most effective thing I have found so far. The problem is not completely resolved, but I am making significant progess and as you all know, one day without this nightmere problem is a welcome relief. I can't tell you how many sleepless nights and crying spells I have experienced. Finally I pray to God that each of you may soon find some relief as I did and can get on with your lives without being consummed with this embarrising problem. I am also grateful I found this web-site with all of it's helpful suggestions from each of you. Don't give up.

Posted by frustrated on 31/01/2010 at 12:19:00 pm

I have had for the last 2 months itching in the anus especially at night. Doctors have said it is not pinworms (examined my stools) but I have noticed dark, hairthin, up to 4mm objects in the anus. I have had 2 lots of mebendizole over 4 weeks which had no effect. Would hydrogen peroxide or witch hazel help? Or diluted tea tree oil or citricidal?

Posted by helen on 29/01/2010 at 05:31:00 pm

I have had a severe problem with itching in my anus. I also have a problem with pain that feels like razor blades before and after faeces have been passed. The pain can last for many hours.

Posted by anon on 26/01/2010 at 03:23:00 pm

Having had a sore itchy anus for some weeks and tried all sorts of creams with no success, I decided that the real issue here was cleanliness. Wiping your anus with toilet paper not only doesn't clean it properly but the constant abrasive makes it worse. I therefore decided to use water to clean my anus rather then paper. I achieved this by taking a bottle of warm water to the toilet with me. After relieving my bowel, I used a sheet of toilet paper to remove most of the excrement. And then with one hand poured the water from above the anus so it went down the crack while using my 3rd finger of my other hand to encourage the water up the anus by pushing my finger in and out to a depth of 2 -3 inches, while continuing to pour the water. This gave immediate and lasting relief. If the anus is very inflamed cold water is very soothing. I have continued to use this method for a number of months with no reoccurance of the problem.

Posted by Anonymous on 26/01/2010 at 10:26:00 am

I have anal itching. It give me trouble. please suggest some medicine.

Posted by AnaNOitch on 25/01/2010 at 05:40:00 am

Anal or rectal itching (Pruritus ani) is a common ailment many people suffer from. The main symptom is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, causing the desire to scratch. For relief from this condition go to: www.ananoitch.com

Posted by anon on 22/01/2010 at 04:18:00 am

I'm glad I stumbled upon this forum. It's a relief that I'm not alone and that others have similar symptoms such as itching worse at night. It's hard to remember when this started, but I've had it for a few years at least. It's definitely induced by things like stress, but I wish I could narrow it down further. There are times when it stops and I have some relief--wish I knew what I did differently during that time. I believe it's something in our diets. With all the crap that's in our foods today, it's any wonder why more and more people are complaining about things like migraines, itchy skin, etc. I believe wheat is a problem and probably dairy. Humans are the only species to drink the milk of another species--what does this tell you? The fluoride and chlorine comment below is also interesting--I'm going to try that. I just hope it stops--what an irritating condition!

Posted by ANON on 19/01/2010 at 01:10:00 am

I'm only 22 and i've been suffering from an anal and vaginal itch for about three years, the doctors say its thrush, not thrush, piles, not piles, reaction to thrush cream etc etc, i'm considering homeopathic medicine as i have lost faith in the NHS. My partner and i have been unable to have sex for a year now and its getting me down. I actually feel depressed.

Posted by Anonymous on 16/01/2010 at 04:28:00 pm

5 years living with this unbearable problem thinking there was no solution to it. Wrong! After taking a FOOD INTOLERANCE TEST which identifies IgG antibodies to certain foods, i discovered i

Posted by Mat on 16/01/2010 at 06:27:00 am

I found this site after three months of suffering. I used Fourderm cream and within 24 hours the symptoms had completely disappeared. Bliss....

Posted by itchy damah! on 15/01/2010 at 05:19:00 pm

greetings to all my fellow sufferers! this is my first post on here, i am a 20 year old guy from london uk and have had an itchy anas for as long as i can remember, its been many years now, i have not been to the doctor because as well as it being kinda embarrasing, my GP is pretty rubbish to be honest, i have not tried any creams or treatments but i hav good hygiene and wash regularly, the itchiness can be dormant some times but intense at other times, worse at night as im sure you all are well aware of! its deffinitely worse with humidity and heat. im not sure what to do, may i'll change my doctor and finally try and get some help, i hope i have more luck with their treatments than some of you guys, its been too long! my anal area is very dry and that may have something to do with it but some suggestions on here say to keep it dry with powder and other to moisturise, i think the latter may be of more use to me, i may try some self service to see what i can do before the inevitable daunting trip to the doctors! im glad to have found somewhere to let this off my chest! and also happy to see you all doing the same, Dont suffer in silence! id be happy to get some advice, comments or just general replies from the rest of you guys, jus quote my display name somewhere, wish me luck on the road to treatment and will no doubt do thesame for all of you!

Posted by Anonymous on 15/01/2010 at 10:25:00 am

I have an itch around the inside of my groin area. I have noticed a rash appear on the inside of my upper legs. This rash appears to be dry. Help!!!

Posted by Cured! on 13/01/2010 at 10:27:00 pm

Just stumbled across this site, used to be a sufferer of the nightmare you all know and hate. Hydrocortizone cream cured me and I would never be without it. Amazing results within 2 days and after 2 years of misery. Good luck and don't be fooled in to internet 'anti itch' potions, I wasted a fortune, nothing worked!

Posted by Annon on 12/01/2010 at 11:13:00 pm

I have suffered with anul itching for 25 years now and i really did'nt think anyone else suffered the same. Im going to try bepanthen ointment meant for babys,so i will let you all know how i get on.

Posted by Anonymous on 09/01/2010 at 03:28:00 pm

I've had anal itching for several years and the cause seems to be raw tomatoes. As soon as I stop eating them the itching goes (cooked tomatoes are fine). Also, curries seem to start it up but the main thing is that things in the same food family like tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant (aubergine) (all in the nightshade family). I understand the itching is a form of psoriasis. Canesten HC cream (in very small amounts) works a treat.

Posted by vee1981 on 04/01/2010 at 12:23:00 pm

after reading all the information, i know i have fungal infection around my anus, is there some medicine i can buy from the phamarcy without seeing a doctor.

Posted by Anonymous on 02/01/2010 at 05:39:00 pm

Please do not go to the Rudd Clinic in Toronto or Oakville... I was referred to Dr. Rudd by my GP. He was dismissive and unhelpful. His recommendations were to stop eating certain foods (which I had already done) and to buy his book ($30) and to buy Anurex (that basically helps you ice the area... this does not stop the problem). I went back for a follow-up and he, again, was dismissive and rude. Although he is supposedly an 'expert' in this area, he was unable to provide me with any useful solutions or options. I have been suffering for more than 3 years now and I am unwilling to "accept that I might have to live with this pain for the rest of my life".

Posted by Rob Rooster on 21/12/2009 at 01:17:00 pm

I'm suspicious, I posted some information early in December but it is not on the viewing page!? I have suffered anal itching as long as I can remember, and have sought medical help repeatedly.The itching would wake me up three or four times a night, stop me concentrating at work or leisure and generally make my life uncomfortable. I have always had good hygene, and I am a hetrosexual who has not had sexual trauma or infection from contact.No parasites. No fungal infection. Recent examination showed 'Healthy tissue' I have however suffered I.B.S.(irratable bowel syndrome) passing about 7/10 bowel movements a day, and anal leakage (orange coloured digestive fluid?) I recently had a bad reaction against a 'whitening toothpaste' and internet searched 'joint pain/toothpaste'. As a result I stopped using Flouride toothpaste,started taking an Iodine suppliment use only non Chlorinated, non Flourinated water and guess what!? No more I.B.S. AND NO MORE ITCHING!! Allmost immediately after I stopped ingesting Flouride and Chlorine, NO MORE ITCH.GOOD LUCK, ROB.

Posted by John on 18/12/2009 at 01:41:00 am

I have had this problem for about 6 months, and it is just tearing me down. I have tried everything and done lots of research, nothing helps. I went for an STD test the other day, because I read that the cause for this itch could be an STD, but I didn't have an STD. Kinda bummed me, wish I had an STD so I could take an antibiotic and make it go away. I have no idea what to do, I have been trying the Lamisil trick but it's not really helping at all. I really hope this isn't just something I have to live with like a few people have written. The worst thing about all of this is waking up in the middle of the night with that crazy itch, at that time I'm not even thinking about it and itch till I think I better stop before I cause damage to something. Help!!

Posted by Anonymous on 15/12/2009 at 06:59:00 am

Hey everyone. I do have the same problem with anal itching. I feel like its getting worse and worse everyday. It gets so bad that sometimes I have to break plans off because I have to go home and take a shower to relieve the itching and pain. I went to go see my doctor and told me that it was a fungus. He told me to use Lamisil(for athletes feet) 2-3 times a day after you take a shower. Make sure everything is dry before applying the cream. I have been using the cream for the past 2 weeks and I can definitely say it feels pretty good on many days. But some days I feel worse than ever. All I want to do is get rid of this problem so I can have a normal life.

Posted by Anonymous on 12/12/2009 at 12:28:00 pm

I can sympathise with people who have had anal/rectal itching for years. It can drive you mad. I suffered from this problem for over ten years, had various visits to GPs, used steroids (temporary relief) and had skin tags removed with the promise of a cure. The inference was that I was not keeping myself clean, not true. I have tried all the advice mentioned on this website avoiding all irritants etc.with little success. Recently I found a tube of Canesten, used in a previous life and past its sell buy date (apologies for breaking the rules), and in desperation applied the cream. Would you believe that the torture I have suffered for a decade could have been a fungal infection, unidentified by GPs and bum consultant. I am hoping I have self-diagnosed correctly but I have not had severe itching for weeks now. Please persevere with your doctor, suggest seeing a skin specialist and also suggest thrush might be the cause. I should have been more persistent with my doctor, but as usual embarrassment takes over. I hope this helps other sufferers.

Posted by waqar on 09/12/2009 at 05:06:00 pm

There is itch in my Ass. But there is no worm . I can't these worms . please help me.

Posted by Lypomas/Lipomas on 08/12/2009 at 07:57:00 pm

DearSir/Madam I have been suffering with a condition known as lipomas,(not to sure of how to spell this) these are fatty solid lumps that form just under the skin, 15 years ago I had only one the size of a half golf ball at the top and to the front of my upper leg. I had this one surgically removed, from then on these have popped all over my body, upper legs to the side, buttocks, arms and front of torso. What I would like to know is what is causing this, is it a common complaint, is there a treatment without surgery, or can I have the worst ones removed. I find now that it is very embarissing for me to go swimming and when I am on hoiliday, poeple stare, it makes me feel contaminated in some way. Yours a concerned patient

Posted by Anonymous on 08/12/2009 at 03:57:00 am

for over a year i have been taking three daily polycarbophil pills for chronic constipation, which most of the time worked. i did not read the instructions, thou, to "not take for more than one week", and now I am having a very unconfortable anal itching, probably caused by my frequent efforts to evacuate.

Posted by Anonymous on 08/12/2009 at 02:07:00 am

12 years of this pain itch/moving wormish creature my anas, this has reduced me to tears a countless number of times and sometimes even futher. Dr's have no clue what it is, they've done blood tests, looked inside of my anas and nothing. This thing inside of my anas has ruined so much of my life and will continue to if i don't do something, i've read nearly all these comments and found 1 person say '' it is part of my life, i have learn't to live with this'' and that alone just makes me want to cry.

Posted by Larry on 27/11/2009 at 06:10:00 pm

Itching around the anus, not directly the anus itself. Can't seem to get rid of the itch. What to do?

Posted by Anonymous on 23/11/2009 at 07:46:00 pm

6 years of this pain (itch) in the butt! Started with a test for pinworms which was negative. have been to multiple dr's (dermatologist, allergist, gastro-enterologist, and multiple specialist) after an extensive allergy test, 2 sigmoidiscopy's, 2 coloniscopy's and more then I can count creams, gels, powders etc...the only thing that gives me sleep is a benedryl every night- can you get addicted? I'm tired of dr's- the last specialst I went to gave me a pile of prescriptions and told me to try one at a time. At that point I realized dr's have no more of a clue than I do. the itch stays in the anal area. there are times when i actually feel like something is crawling down there- I think it's moisture. i've had a history of hemmorhoids and anal fissure but, when i was much younger. stress and heat aggrevate it. any gel type medicine (desitine, a&d) aggrevates it as well. have not yet tried corn starch. i'll give that a try next.

Posted by tiredofproblems on 20/11/2009 at 06:14:00 am

I'm currently treating a yeast infection, and I've noticed an increase (since it was there before) in anal itching. I also was recently diagnosed with IBS, and I can't tell which problem is causing what...what should I do? It's getting bad and sooo frustrating. Also, how can you tell if you have the pinworms? I've checked my stool and around the anal area at night and there's nothing there...Thanks!

Posted by Steve on 19/11/2009 at 10:28:00 pm

My best treatment for my soreness with itching and fissures is 2% clotrimazole Thrush Cream, which I occasionally get on prescription. (1% clotrimazole would not work even with HC.) For prevention, I clean up with a Tesco UNPERFUMED moist toilet tissue after a first wipe with dry tissue to get the worst off. This works so well for me that I don't often have to use the Thrush cream treatment. However, if I notice the symptoms starting, then I treat with Thrush cream immediately for a few days to stamp out the Candida infection. I don't use soap ever, just Dermol lotion in the shower plus Dermol cream as an after-wash moisturiser.

Posted by ravi on 16/11/2009 at 05:19:00 pm

I have had no relief from this problem for 4 days now. I hope some of your suggestions might help! I have seen a specialist and am just living with discomfort every day. Your site gives me hope though. Thank You

Posted by Bunny on 16/11/2009 at 04:07:00 am

I suffered for more almost 2 years with severe anal itching to the point where i had to make numerous bathroom trips a day just to go scratch. My hands suffered as well from all the handwashing. I finally put my embarassment aside and went to the doctor in which i found out the problem was just the soap i used. After changing brands of soap, i was o.k.

Posted by QueenTimely for daughter on 15/11/2009 at 12:30:00 am

My 8-year old daughter has been suffering from anal and vaginal itching and anal fissures for a few years now and we've tried so many things. Recently she has tested positive for golden staph and we're treating that with antibiotics, but the itching is getting worse, as some here have experienced. Antibiotics sometimes trigger thrush, but we've also treated her for thrush to little or no avail. We'll try the bepthanol for the fissures, do the washing, maybe with the baby soap, try to keep it dry and maybe use the Bonds. Thanks so much for this Board!

Posted by Aussie_30yrs.ITCH on 13/11/2009 at 03:36:00 am

Well hello all, after 30 plus years of AI - there is a solution! Eczema as I thought was my culprit, it goes like this [first though, eliminate the good advice above, worms etc]. Vague outbreaks of Eczema were shown to my GP in a routine check he prescribed a Corticosteroid, called Elocon Cream 0.1%. It dissolved the Eczema in three applications - never returned. Tried it on 'the 30 year troubled fundament' presto - gone - period. Sleep all night, rare follow up attacks require a single treatment only - gone now for ten months, big improvement in overall health. My sequence is triggered by thrush, get run down from heavy work or miss a nights sleep, use and anti-fungal like 'Lamisil' to label instructions then one hit of Elocon, made by Schering-Plough Italy.

Posted by ralph on 09/11/2009 at 03:28:00 am

It works temporarily to stop the itch...it's called Anurex...no prescription needed! Try it, it will help a bit...you can use it as much as you like. I have two and use them back to back and it sometimes really works. Also, try researching the Rudd Clinic in Toronto. Might help some of you...I'm still suffering, haven't figured out the cause yet, but Rudd tells me I have Anusitis (inflamed Anal passage) causes discharge and pruritus. I am seeing a naturopath right now, hope he can help. I will let you know...It's been almost 20 years!

Posted by duchovnypoker7 on 07/11/2009 at 11:57:00 am

Hi, I also had problems with anal itching and I tried a lot of creams but finally this one worked really great for me. Now I got no itching problems at all. You can look at it here: http://www.analitching.info/

Posted by anonymous on 03/11/2009 at 02:51:00 am

having bang same problem so ive read all this page and am also trying the aloe vera witch stuff will le ya know how it goes but had it about a year now n its ruining my life feel like my hands are always down my pants scratching

Posted by HB on 29/10/2009 at 05:50:00 am

I have struggled with anal fissures on and off for the past several years because of frequent constipation. Normally they are small and heal on their own, but this year I had a really bad one that had me at wits end! The pain was tough, but the worst part for me was the unbearable itching at night! For months it led me to scratch, which kept me from sleeping and the fissure from healing. I tried creams and powders, tips and tricks like the ones listed above, but nothing fixed the problem. After extensive online research, I found out about a German diaper rash cream called Penaten. It's not available in the US, but can be found online for maybe $10. I tried it on a hunch, and within a week my fissure had healed! The itching hadn't stopped, however, so I assumed I had some kind of infection due to the scratching, moisture, etc. I've been swabbing hydrogen peroxide on the area once or twice a day now for the past few days, and the itching is now almost gone! I honestly feel like I have my life back now, and I wanted to let everyone know, so hopefully it can help someone else struggling with the same problem! Good luck all!

Posted by Nitin on 27/10/2009 at 02:35:00 pm

I found just everything I needed , hearty Thanx to the team

Posted by me on 13/10/2009 at 01:24:00 am

we blend yogourt with garlic and drink it for 2 days, and then its gone magicly!

Posted by Insanely Itchy on 07/10/2009 at 04:07:00 am

OK - I'm back. I did the raw garlic diet for three days before I started to get headaches and nauseated (dizzy) probably due to lower pressure/thinning blood. I had to stop. However it had no effect on my itchyness. And I looked at my stool. No dead pinworms there. So I'm off to find some Zentel (or Vermox as posted by JR on 9/30). I'll be back after I do that treatment! Until then, keep scratchin'! Insanely Itchy

Posted by c on 06/10/2009 at 06:04:00 pm

what a releif to know im not alone with this itchy problem , ive only had it a few months but its doin my head in, i scratch n draw blood most times not much blood but still it cant be normal , thing is you cant realy ask your mates about it can you , gonna try some of the suggestions on here , not goin to the docs just too embarrasing , thank you for letting me know im not alone ..

Posted by Health Press on 06/10/2009 at 02:04:00 pm

Check out Dr Phil Hammond's guide to anal itching at http://www.embarrassingproblems.com/problems/problempage.htm

Posted by dee on 30/09/2009 at 11:50:00 pm

my bottom has itched now for 21 years i have had creams from the doc but nothing has worked, bought loads of creams still not worked, cant use toilet roll as its to ruff, baby wipes are good but still dont work, any ideas plzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Posted by gaurav on 30/09/2009 at 07:14:00 pm

I have an anal itching problem. also I am underweight and slim. my age is 26 and I weigh only 50 kgs. Kindly help me out how can I gain weight or what diet I can have to gain weight.

Posted by JR on 30/09/2009 at 03:10:00 am

I had terrible anal itch & this is kind of a gross remedy but it worked. I'd had some previous luck in getting rid of a nasty rash in my under arms by exposure to sunshine so I figured . . . yes that's right I had to lay in a private area and hold my anus exposed to direct sun light for about 30 minutes. I live in FL. Anyway after years of suffering it completely went away & that was a year ago.

Posted by HS on 29/09/2009 at 11:14:00 am

Hi Guys.. this will b my second post here.. and finally it seems the end to all worries. I was a victim of this anal and vaginal rash since 2 yrs and from past two days seems recovered. GET YOURSELF TREATED FOR PINWORMS!! i researched a lot and found the same symptoms as that to one pinworm sufferer and without wasting any more time; got my self "VERMOX" 500mg and relief. just one tablet. i will be taking another one after 15days to kill any more new eggs. Basically it happens so that adult female worm moves out of anus at nite to lay eggs and that's where the itch is more during nite time. Also it further moves up causing rash in and around the vagina (only if STD or yeast infection is negative). Apply "canesten" cream for vaginal itch. Complete the course even if there is no itch - 2times a day for 15days atleast to completely eradicate. Am trying to stick regular keeping fingers crossed. Suffers i hope this can b of some help!

Posted by Insanely Itchy on 22/09/2009 at 10:45:00 pm

While it is heartening to know that I am not alone in suffering, it seems as if there is no consensus on what causes intense anal itching and how to cure it. I've been suffering with this for about 4 years now. I am not sure what started it. It seems to be aggravated by heat/moisture. And it definitely flares up more at night, often waking me out of sound sleep with intense and burning itching sensation. A cool shower seems to help. I've tried every cream under the sun, and many types of powders. The only thing that seems to keep it at bay is Gold Bond powder, which I think has a menthol chemical in it which causes a cooling sensation. This lowers the itching but does not take it away. I've systematically gone though the possible sources: fungus, yeast, and just plain irritated skin (due to not wiping well after BM perhaps). I've tried leading and powerful fungus medicines such as fluconazole pills, nystatin ointment with no effects on the itching. (The fluconazole made me nauseated.) I've tried terbinafine hydrocloride 1% with no effect. I've also used a variety of female vaginal yeast creams with no effect. So my thought now is - I must either have parasites or an allergy to wheat. I am going to attempt a 4 raw garlic clove per day diet to eliminate any parasites. If that does not work after 1 or 2 weeks, I will try to obtain some Zentel. If that has no effect, I will try to eliminate wheat from my diet. I hope to check back here in 2 weeks. Best of luck, Insanely Itchy

Posted by Jeff on 22/09/2009 at 08:47:00 pm

Think i'm probably the longest suffering veteran of this affliction on this listing - 32 years - but i finally cracked it. i lived and worked abroad for some years, in the middle east (where i picked it up), continental europe, asia and america and consulted doctors in all those places to no avail. i tried everything listed in the other comments here: creams, ointments, steroids, cotton, powders, pills, clothing. nothing worked, at least not for long. then last year i found a formula by accident: i was using common 'baby wipes' (they're gentlest to the skin) every day after bowel movement and i then used Vaseline as a barrier for a couple of days but realised it was leaving a smear on the new office furniture so decided to cut it out and use nothing but the wipes. magically the itching just stopped. i don't pretend to know why after all these decades of misery but i havent itched for almost a year. It's such a relief. So don't give up hope, keep trying something. and even if this simple formula doesnt work for you something surely will. good luck and even though it drives you crazy, and i know it does, just be grateful you don't have some of the really awful things that are out there.

Posted by catherine hurley on 22/09/2009 at 02:48:00 am

i have a red bumpy area around my anus it feels very rough and itchy the redness has moved to the top of the inside of my thighs and my vulva is also itchy and swollen i just do not know what todo because my gp wont do much i have had this problem for 2months

Posted by Don on 21/09/2009 at 11:08:00 pm

Hi to all my fellow sufferers - I feel slightly guilty for not having written before now, but I wanted to be sure of the relief I have obtained, before passing on this information. Like many of you, I suffered abominably from an itchy, burning anus. I tried moisturising creams which did help for a long time, but eventually the relief stopped and an anal fissure occurred. So, the search through the different hemarroid creams began, none of them were really effective. Eventually I confided to my wife about the misery this was causing me, and bless her, she said why not try the BEPANTHEN PROTECTIVE BABY OINTMENT ? (Produced by BAYER). Well, I DID, and that was four months ago - the relief was instant and long lasting. A small amount applied after soft wiping, after each bowel movement and the effect is little short of miraculous. Although not mentioned on the box, which states "For the prevention and treatment of nappy rash. Treatment of sore or cracked nipples"....the package insert ALSO mentions, "....ulcers, ANAL FISSURES, skin grafts....." I cannot say it will work for all of you out there, but for those who find the relief I did, it is a blessing. I think the fact that the product was developed for baby's sensitive skins should be cause for confidence, but by all means check with your GP first if you have any doubts. Also, in my country the product is called Bepanthen, but it may be marketed under another name where you live. If that is the case, ask your local Bayer agent for the baby cream with the active ingredient/substance DEXPANTHENOL, ("the alcohol corresponding to pantothenic acid") - the ointment contains 50 mg/g dexpanthenol. Good luck, guys, here's hoping you DON'T suffer the seven-year-itch !! Hahaha. Regards, Don

Posted by Anonymous on 21/09/2009 at 09:19:00 pm

I feel really embarrassed to go and see my GP, but i know that it is a fungal infection. My skin is rotting between my scrotum and anus and this causes a pungent smell which is even more embarrassing. How am i supposed to approach my family doctor about this?

Posted by A.Alvares on 12/09/2009 at 06:16:00 pm

mum used to tell me to put a pod of garlic inside the anus (not right in but with a small section of the garlic pea hanging out. I tried it recently as hives around the anus made the itching excrutiatingly unbearable and the itching stopped. The worms don't seem to be able to get past the garlic pod. I plan to get dewormed after I find what kind of worms are causing the itch.

Posted by brian on 11/09/2009 at 12:19:00 am

i have suffered from anal itch from aged 20 and been to many doctors etc all to no avail.about 6 years ago i read in a book called inner cleansing by carlson wade to do a 24 hour red grape juice fast every 2 weeks and this has worked brilliantly.no more itch

Posted by Anonymous on 30/08/2009 at 02:01:00 am

MY bowels of anus donot open, it gives me lot of pain, is it a serious problem

Posted by koos on 27/08/2009 at 09:48:00 pm

hey yall, an itchy ring piece has been a part of my life for the last 4 years. Apparently its not very serious, its just very annoying! The skin is dry and when i scratch it, its kind of flakey, almost like dandruff. In my case moisture helps, i've found that Prep shaving cream takes the itch away but not the problem causing it,and after i've showered its pretty bad, i think thats got something to do with the soap, anyway, im too embarrassed to go to a dr and from what i read here the doctors haven't been very successful in solving most of the problems.

Posted by VBear on 27/08/2009 at 03:41:00 pm

Wow! Thanks for all the useful suggestions. I think stress is a bit cause of my itching. It was clearing up nicely until the in-laws came round for tea last week! I'm going to start putting some of your suggestions into practise today and will let you know how I get on. I'm getting married in November, and want to be itch free for my big day.

Posted by don't be nosey on 25/08/2009 at 05:35:00 am

Have had an itchy anus for so many years now. It is really bad, i go through a pair of jeans every three months or so. It is expensive. I dont think it would be fair to say that hygiene is a reason, as am festidious about keeping this area clean. So frustrated.

Posted by Roy C on 24/08/2009 at 07:57:00 pm

I have suffered with Anal Itching on and off for the last 10 years. I have been to the doctors so many times I have lost count. I've also had an Anal Fissure on and off for the last 6 years as well. Finally 6 years ago I had a small operation to tie off my piles to deal with a clear discharge that was causing me to scratch uncontrolably when the discharge leaked out onto my affected skin. During this last 6 months this condition has come back big time. I am now scheduled in the next 2 months to go and have the Piles tied off again plus have a visit with a dermatologist. I know it will not fix the fissure, my diet will have to sort that out. I just hope the discharge will stop and then itching will cease immediately following.... Watch this space.

Posted by Nuni on 21/08/2009 at 08:11:00 am

I am up right now, itching in the middle of the night. I found cold to be very usefull. Either take a shower with cold water to rince the area, but make sure to patt it dry, or put some ice cubes in a Zippy bag wrap it in paper towel and put it between the cheeks for 10 minutes. Will be able to go back to sleep in a little bit.

Posted by Anonymous on 19/08/2009 at 10:22:00 pm

Heat seems to be the activator to nightly itching.....sleep with two blankets..... one from the knees down and one from the waist up....this keeps you warm and your ass cool and itch free.....if this is not enough get a litte house fan (low setting) and set on a chair beside the bed pointed at your ass to promote air circulation....it works/....

Posted by hs on 10/08/2009 at 06:02:00 am

Guys i am too suffering the same , infact two of itchy issues... Rash around my vaggina/vulva and anus. Have tried steriod creams but no avail. Also once got a medicine for yeast infection but all seems to be a waste. Its been over 2yrs now. Pls help me.

Posted by itchy em on 09/08/2009 at 01:46:00 am

After one night in despair, i searched the net for itchy anus, i came across this site. i have been a sufferer for almost 2yrs. i cant describe the sleepless nights and the uncontrollble suffering throughout the days i have endured. i was amazed that the doctors has kept given me creams and suppoidtories that hadn't worked. after reading some of your advice (i cant believe that some of you have been suffering for more than 20 years) i have found relief in using cotton wool balls with talcum powder everyday. this had made such a huge differernce to my life. i tried the tee tree oil and the salt baths with have helped a little. But what helped me the most was a cotton wool ball covered in talcum powerder inside my pants. thankyou to anyone who has helped me though this site. i am due to have a hospital appt. on monday to remove an "old pile" wich is apperenlty causing all my problems, removed, i dont think it will make any difference what so ever but im willing to try any thing.

Posted by Tommy on 04/08/2009 at 02:10:00 am

I've made 2 x posts here before, the last one being 16/07/2009. I went to the doctor. This is my best feedback so far. I explained to the Doctor that I was using the T-tree oil but it was only giving temporary relief and the itching was returning. I said that I thought I may have food intolerance (gluten, wheat etc) and maybe I should get tested for that? The Dr took a cursory look at my anus and said not to get hung up on having food intolerances. He prescribed me an ointment that is 1% 'Hydrocortisone' (dissolved) and also 'Lanolin-free', 'parabin-free' and 'chlorocresol-free'. Here in Australia it is called, "Egocort Cream". You need a doctor's prescription for it. My itching completely ceased after a few days and it hasn't returned.

Posted by Tony Virago on 29/07/2009 at 07:43:00 am

Very informative. I found nothing on our National Health Service site. (And we are told we have the best in the world.....) Thanks

Posted by Anonymous on 17/07/2009 at 03:56:00 am

i found homeopathy most effective with this, nitr.acid 30c and candida alb 30c are very effective in my case, but as with all homeopathic remedies they should be prescribed individually as they are a wholistic remedy. Tea Tree Oil does work too, but only temp, like Tommy said. My diet is vegan, gluten and sugar free, so a lot of potential allergens have already been eliminated. Warts might be a possibility, in which case nitr.acid deals with this too. creams are only a temp. relief in any case.

Posted by shazzy on 16/07/2009 at 03:15:00 pm

i have a itchy anus its been like it 2 weeks now gets worse at night theres no lumps or redness can u help?

Posted by Tommy on 16/07/2009 at 04:34:00 am

Further to my previous comment (Posted by Tommy at 07/07/2009 01:29:00) I just want to say that after having used the TEA TREE OIL for about 10 days now, yes it does give 'temporary' relief from the insane itching which is great but I don't think it is a long term cure. I'm going back to the GP to get referred to a bum/skin specialist who can diagnose this condition properly. I imagine I'll need to get blood tests to find out if I have intolerance to certain foods and so on. The 'Tea Tree Oil' has offered relief which is better than nothing but I don't want to go on using it indefinately. I used creams for more than a year until I discovered that they actually make the condition worse if used for longer than a few weeks. Maybe the same is true of the, Tea Tree Oil?

Posted by Muffy on 14/07/2009 at 06:11:00 pm

In response to: Posted by Anne at 18/06/2009 05:03:00 I would be extremely worried about cutting out Vit C. In fact, I would not do it.

Posted by Tommy on 07/07/2009 at 01:29:00 am

I read these comments and decided to try and buy the Witch Hazel with Aloe and the, rubbing alcohol. I tried all the Health Food shops and Pharmacies in my town in regional Australia but couldn't find any Witch Hazel with Aloe. I found the rubbing alcohol but it had a Warning on the label not to put it on any open wounds and my anus felt like it may have a small cut in it. Anyway, I discovered a bottle of "Tea Tree Oil ~ multipurpose liquid water soluble" at the supermarket near the rubbing alcohol. The label says it can be applied full strength on scratches, minor cuts/wounds etc, so I thought it's a safer choice. I bought a packet of 'makeup removal pads' (near the cotton wool balls) to apply it. When applied, it seems to burn like buggery; just like all the itching is focused into one intense experience! Yes, it made me stamp my feet but with regular use this actually becomes a kinky pleasure of sorts because you know you are doing real good for your butt and your are killing that itching...dead! The itching doesn't go away immediately. After the 1st few times it does come back a bit. I've applied it maybe 6 times now in 2 days and I just know it's working its miracle. The itching is going away more and more and I feel like I'm also giving my anus the long term healing it has been in need of. This stuff is wonderful. The bottle I've got is manufactured in Australia by Eureka and costs about AU$7.00. I'm also grateful for finding this site because of the earlier comments mentioned 'Tea Tree Oil' and that's what made me think of it.

Posted by Anonymous on 06/07/2009 at 09:44:00 pm

Could it be Anal cancer

Posted by frustrated! on 24/06/2009 at 05:36:00 pm

WELL IM MAD AT MY BUTT 4REALS! I DIDNT HAVE IT TILL LIKE 1 N A HALF YEARS AGO I GET MOOODY BECAUSE ITS UNCONFORTABLE I'VE BEEN APPLYING RUBBING ALCOHOL N RELIEVES THE ITCH A BIT BUT BURNS LIKE HELL! LOL BUT WORTH IT N IM 2 EMBARRASED 2 SEE A DOCTOR ...I CANT EVEN WALK IN THE SUN WITHOUT IT SWEATING AND ITCHING ..DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A HOME REMEDY PLEASE! AND BABY POWDER HELPS KEEP THE AREA A BIT DRY BUT SUMTIMES THE SWEAT TAKES OVER AND MAKES IT WORSE :( HOPE 2 SEE SUMONE REPLY WITH A GOOD PAIN RELIEF CUZ I DOUBT THERES A CURE

Posted by sam on 24/06/2009 at 02:00:00 pm

I have had an itchy anus since i can remember, we had to go through assult possibilities with human services as my kinder thought i was being abused due to the force of my scratching. we tried all sorts of worming medication but nothing worked as i didnt have worms. I would and still do itch to the point of drawing blood or tearing skin (mainly at night). It was embarrassing at school camps as i would have to hide my underwear, and i am not comfortable being in a relationship because of it. now when i go to the bathroom the toilet paper causes the itch to kick in, or needing to pooh (without feeling like it) also seems to cause the itch to kick in. sometimes i weep from my bum too (possibly from the tearing of the skin) again causing an itch, so does sweat. the ONLY relief i can seem to get is to either have a salt bath to help it heal and by sticking a sock between my bottom cheeks against the hole to stop any moisture irritating me more. I tried cutting out dairy which did not help, i will try to cut out wheat, but if anyone else who is experiencing the same things (including when wiping) for the same amount of time and found a solution, please can you reply to this post and tell me what else to try.... im so over this :(

Posted by Anne on 18/06/2009 at 05:03:00 am

Here is the rememdy, Just say NO to the following: Chocolate Coffee Tea (including Herbal) Dairy Products Citrus Tomato Vit C Cola Beer Wine Like others, I had this problem and it wouldn't go away. When I would ask the Dr. they would just give me some topical cream to put on and send me away. Then, at night I would itch so bad, would drive me nuts, and I would just keep itching!! 4 years later, I went to a Dr for Anal and Colon. He flat our ordered me to stop eating/drinking any of the above items...NOW!!. cold turkey!!. Wow! so I did, not even two days later, I was totally healed up and NO itching!!! I am going on three weeks w/out any of the above and I have no desire to go back. My sweet craving has also vanished! I can't believe how much better I feel, more energy. I probably feel better, too because now, I can get a full nights rest! Our bodies go along with all we put in, until the day it says "no more". And I agree with Karen's posting about wheat...

Posted by Karen on 10/06/2009 at 04:42:00 pm

I have two words for this embarassing problem: WHEAT ALLERGY!!!!! After suffering with this incredibly annoying problem for more than 25 years, I finally figured out (as others have mentioned) that I have a food intolerance to wheat -- specifically it's the gluten in the wheat that causes the problem. I am completely itch-free now when I avoid wheat. In fact, it's amazing how quickly the itching stopped when I stopped eating wheat. Likewise, when I slip up and eat something with wheat in it, my bottom flares up within 2-3 hours!!! I never thought I'd be able to give up wheat -- I love pasta, pizza, bread, cereal, etc. Well, I have found lots of great substitutes and hardly miss wheat at all. In addition, my mild eczema is completely cleared up and I no longer get bloated. I have effortlessly lost about 10 pounds since giving up wheat. No bowl of pasta is worth the intolerable itchy butt! Seriously folks, do a Google search for "anal itching/wheat allergy" and you'll be amazed at the links between wheat and skin rashes. Some people also experience the itching from dairy, but wheat is overwhelmingly the culprit in most cases. Be careful with all the alcohol rubs, witch hazel, steroid creams, etc. These may temporarily mask the problem but they can actually harm the skin more than they are helping and cause secondary problems like thinning skin, infection, etc. Best of luck for a healthy bottom!

Posted by Itchy and Scratchy on 06/06/2009 at 09:53:00 am

I've had the annoying itch for 2 orso years. It can be gone for days, and often weeks, making me think it's gone...and then it reoccurs. Reading this post, I realise that a lot of posters are not solving the problem, but rather looking for a way to aleviate it. As in the post from 'Annonymous 14/02/09', for me it started after a few days in the hospital, and taking antibiotics. Had a cream (forgot the name) which worked wonders, but left it iin a hotel bathroom while on holidays. See your doctor (or pharmacistas I did and am doing aagain), they should be able to help. Most likely fungus, or fungi for cases other than food alergies. all the best to all u scartch and sniffers! lol

Posted by Anon-PA on 05/06/2009 at 04:59:00 am

I guess I have had the itching problem on and off for 3 years or so. The Tucks cream helped for a bit, but then the itch came back again. So, I tried damping toilet paper and then applying it to the affected area and it seems to work. I also take two benedryl's - to act as an anti-itching agent. I have read that Antihistimines (sp) are great to stop itching. The itch is still there but at least it is less than it was a few days ago. This board is a great help, thank you so much for letting us vent about this embarassing problem.

Posted by Bharley Charroow on 01/06/2009 at 10:24:00 pm

I've only 19 please help!! During my lectures I can't help but itch itch and itch a bit more!

Posted by Anonymous on 30/05/2009 at 08:01:00 pm

Would a daily moisturizing cream such as Aveeno or Lubriderm make the area better or worse in terms of a long term solution?

Posted by Anon UK on 28/05/2009 at 01:03:00 pm

I've had this problem for about 5 years. Initially I thought it was an STI, as the itching stretched from my testicles back to my anus and the surrounding skin. After maybe a month, it withdrew to just the anal area but became more intense. It's worse at night, and seems impossible not to scratch when drowsy. About 6 months before it began (aged 30) I had registered with a doctor for the first time in my adult life, but when it came to the crunch I was too embarrassed to go. I tried to manage the problem myself. I tried Mycil powder thinking it might be Dhobie Itch, Anusol when I thought it had become damaged or developed into piles; I diluted witch hazel and dabbed it on with cotton wool, used Witch Doctor (a witch hazel gel for 'personal irritation') which burns but the itch returns after a while - I also hoped it would disinfect the damage I've done. After two years I thought I spotted a worm after passing a stool; disturbed by this I finally went to a drop-in surgery & they gave me a mebendazol; no sign of parasites before or since, but three years on I still have the problem. After a week of sleepless nights and the worst soreness I've experienced so far, I've decided to try a doctor again. But it's half day closing!! Now I'm going to have to psych myself up and try tomorrow. In the meantime I'm going to bin the moist toilet tissues (but with a heavy heart, because dry paper feels like sandpaper) and try the cotton wool ball technique (above). I'm so sick of this - but thanks to everyone who's posted for making me feel less alone.

Posted by Anon on 27/05/2009 at 10:26:00 pm

Stumbled onto this site tonight and so glad I did. I have tried a lot of the remedies listed here and have also found that I can't eat porridge and also think I might have an intolerance to yeast. I use Cansten and sensitive wet wipes as toilet paper only makes me scratch more and wash with plain water no soap or bubble bath etc. I am going to try the Witch Hazel and Aloe Vera or the Pure Tea Tree Oil that Mimi used. I hope to be able to buy some one of them in a Health Shop. Thanks for all the advice.

Posted by MIMI on 22/05/2009 at 05:48:00 am

OK, I HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME ALSO.. I SHARE YOUR FRUSTRATIONS!!! YESTERDAY I TRIED SOMETHING OUT OF PURE DESPERATION...(I AM NOT EVEN SURE IF THIS IS SAFE...LOL)AND THUS FAR IT HAS WORKED FOR ME... AS FAR AS A PERMANENT SOLUTION I GUESS ONLY TIME WILL TELL. HOWEVER I AM GOING TO CONTINUE WITH THIS AND WILL REPORT BACK. WHAT I DID WAS APPLY PURE TEATREE OIL TO THE AFFECTED AREA! I DID IT YESTERDAY AND I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ITCHING SINCE. I APPLIED IT TODAY AGAIN JUST AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE BECAUSE IT WORKED SO WELL YESTERDAY.I WILL DO IT AGAIN TOMMORROW. BUT AS I MENTIONED I HAVE YET TO EXPERIENCE ANYMORE ITCHING. IT WILL BURN A LITTLE... SORT OF LIKE ALCOHOL ON A HANG NAIL. BUT A GOOD SORT OF BURN...... IF THAT MAKES ANY SENCE. I WILL CHECK BACK ON THIS SITE TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAS THE SAME LUCK!...GOOD LUCK!

Posted by anoshka on 08/05/2009 at 11:24:00 am

ive been scratching around my anus area for over 3 years now..i did went to see the doctor once, she gave me some ointment (athelet's foot creame or some thing) anyways, didnt work..my husband went to the chemist and discussed my problems with them..they gave some medicine thinking it was some kind of worm, and after taking the medicine for a certain time, i was also to boil all my undergarnments to kill the eggs!, didnt work either!! i gave up..i thought wiping myself with my baby's wipes rather than toilet paper would help, didnt help, using my baby's nappy rash creame to stop the temptation to scratching, is not working!!! help!!! dont wanna show my ass again to any doctor!!! :(

Posted by Anonymous on 04/05/2009 at 03:43:00 pm

If you've tried everything in terms of hygiene and creams to solve this problem with no luck, try taking an antihistamine every day for a few days. If that stops the itch, then the cause is probably an allergy, likely something you're eating. If you have an allergy to a food, your body doesn't process it properly and when it exits your body, it passes through your anus, which is why you get get itchy there. A trip to an allergist should identify what you're allergic to. In my case it was wheat. Along with the itching, I also had intermittent diarrhea, also caused by the wheat allergy. Hope that helps.

Posted by Susan D. on 01/05/2009 at 03:20:00 am

After reading all the posts I am going to try Thayers Original Witch Hazel w/Aloe Vera. It sounds good because it is not a cream but has aloe vera which is a healing agent. I have also balled up bathroom tissue--paper towels might be a better sugggestion-- and put it in the area to allow air to flow to the area and that helps. The hairdryer makes good sense too. It is good to know others have this problem--or is it that misery loves company. I think we would all like this problem solved and that the same remedy won't work for everyone but good to know there is relief available. Thanks everyone for your help. Will let you know what works for me.

Posted by Gordy on 27/04/2009 at 08:21:00 pm

I was looking through your website to see if there was some sort of remedy for a very annoying and sometimes unbearable itch. It has become so annoying it restricts me from going out and I am due to go on holiday next month. It`s at it`s worst after a bowel movement and when out walking. I stopped smoking last June and have been eating more and have put on around 1 and a half to 2 stones since then. I am 5ft 4inches in height and now 12 stones so I am not really overweight as such. In February I developed bringing up a lot of acid. Went to doctor`s and he asked me what I had been taking for it and informed him Zantac.My doctor prescribed me with Ranitidine for a week and referrred me to hospital for an endoscopy. The results showed inflamation of my oesophagus and reflux. It was then that my doctor prescribed me with 3 medications to be taken over a week ; Klaricid 500mg 2x daily, Amoxycillin 1000mg 2x daily and Lansoprasole 30mg 2x daily. It was after taking these drugs that I developed this terrible itch and also on Lansoprasole 1 x daily as still acid but not as severe. Do you know of this happening before? Would rather have suffered the reflux as this terrible itch which I get no relief from whatsoever. My doctor has just told me that I am unlucky and anti biotics can sometimes have this effect, but that doesn`t help me in any way.I have had Amoxycillin and have never had any problems with. I was given Anusol HC. One doctor thought it was thrush and prescribed me with Cloritimazole and Fluconazole tablets to no avail. I am now on Xyloproct ointment which I have to store in fridge which doesn`t seem to be doing much good either. I`m at my wits end as it is a very uncomfortable and unbearable itch and pain, that I don`t get relief from and I feel as if I`m not getting any answers from my doctor who is clutching at straws as to how to tackle my problem. Any help gladly appreciated. Gordon ebs

Posted by Mrs W on 27/04/2009 at 05:39:00 pm

This is a very upsetting conditon which my stepfather suffered with and which after various discussions with friends have found to be widespread. simplysoothing@live.co.uk have some great wet wipes that encourage the skin to heal and stop the itch. very good.

Posted by gazza0308 on 24/04/2009 at 03:00:00 am

hi there...i have had this problem of itching for about 6 months now... first it started from having Piles.. and got worse from there... i came to this sight 3 days ago and read all your comments... i dont know if it is mnd over matter but the last 2 days after i have been to toilet i have just had shower and for my anus i have rinsed with cold water...not hot and i must admit i have not scratched during my sleep i really dont like to use all the medications coz none have worked for me.... anyway hope someone else can just try this and then post ur comment.....hope we can survive,...hehehe

Posted by BEN on 17/04/2009 at 09:47:00 am

i have suffered from anal itching problem for 3 month but it comes after i have got constipation sometimes it comes when am towards my periods .what could be the cure and the cause

Posted by Anonymous on 16/04/2009 at 10:59:00 pm

I am 39 years old and have suffered (there is no other suitable word) from intense, chronic anal itching for 24 years. I have been to doctors, including specialists, all of whom have been totally useless. I have tried most of the treatments listed here, but inevitably they worked for a few days or weeks and then gradually stopped helping. The ONLY thing that has ever consistently helped is the treatment I am currently using -- wiping the area 2-3 times a day with 99% pure rubbing alcohol. Yeah, it burns. And then it stops itching for hours. I do it when I get up in the morning and before I go to bed at night. Once in a while, particularly when I have been eating sugary foods or drinking a lot, I may need to get up and do it again during the night. Nothing else has ever worked consistently. Seriously, if there was an operation where they could remove the itch nerve from my ass, I'd have it done tomorrow.

Posted by Heather on 14/04/2009 at 09:10:00 pm

I have had diareah and rectal itching now for 4 years All my dr keeps saying is that I need a colonosicipy and I refuse it they wont help me any other way I go normaly for about 2 weeks and then have suden diareah for about a week not wattery but very pudding like. I do drink beer and am 90 pounds overweight if I could get an answer or comment about if drinking beer and being biger can cause all this I need to know. Even more of a mystery I have had an itching roof of mouth for 1 year right after I was sick with a sore swelled throat after the cold went away I am now pleged with the itch my head and eyes itch too a few times a week. I do sneaze alot too and was told I had alergy but I cannot find a cause.

Posted by Kevin R on 14/04/2009 at 12:17:00 am

Anal itching has troubled me for a long time. It was my closet problem but I found that air drying my anal area using a table fan helped. I live in the tropics and so it is no problem. I also use baby wipes, the medicated ones, and that too helped me.

Posted by Lisa on 12/04/2009 at 01:55:00 pm

It think the best thing about finding this website is finding out I'm not alone. I've suffered from this problem for probably 2 years now and I've been so embarrassed about it. Too embarrassed to even go to the doctor. I've been hiding it from my parnter all this time aswell, which has been differcult at times. Turns out I've been doing all the wrong things. I've been cleaning the area with pre-moistened toilet tissue and then putting cream on it (savlon). I had no idea i was making it worse all this time. Then there's the scratching. I do it in my sleep! I'm gonna try taking Periton before going to sleep and i'll stop with the cream etc. I really hope it works. I'll certainly come back on this site to say thank you if it does!

Posted by Paula on 09/04/2009 at 02:52:00 pm

It may very well be exzema. Even if you never had it before, you may get it at a later age. Mine was localized on the neck area, and it runs in the family. My gynecologist gave me hydrocortizone cream and it worked wonders!

Posted by Carly on 07/04/2009 at 04:31:00 pm

I get infection very often when i use toilets at work and when i have my periods.Mostly likely the pads im using.

Posted by Tricky Dick on 06/04/2009 at 05:27:00 pm

I stumbled on to this site and read the sendings. Was surprised not to find a remedy I have used for years and that I tout as the only thing medical science has ever come up with that works 100% of the time. It is as simple as taking maybe a quarter/half of a teaspoon of corn starch and applying it with your open hand fingers to the itching area. Presto---relief at last!! Give it a try and good luck.

Posted by LaLa on 06/04/2009 at 11:47:00 am

i have something were some slimy stuff develop and it hardens it is really annoy because sometimes it smells and it really itches sometimes what should i do ?

Posted by Anonymous on 02/04/2009 at 11:25:00 pm

Ask your Dr. to do a biopsy. I went to my gyno Dr. and the results were Perianal Eczema. I was prescribed a cream, I do sitz baths and I feel 100% better.

Posted by irene on 02/04/2009 at 06:34:00 pm

ugh! i don't know w/c ones i have the fungi the pinworm or all of them! very troublesome at night. thanks for the complete info. will try all remedies mentioned above.

Posted by Anonymous on 29/03/2009 at 09:50:00 pm

Im glad that I finally found a good use for the Wedgie lol. I suffer from anal discomfort and my cure is a wedgie. I am a overweight and I sweat a lot and my backside is no exception. Ive found that a wedgie is exactly what Ive needed all this time. It gets in there and really takes away the moisture that causes my discomfort. I first used a pad of toilet paper but I found it didnt always stay in one piece. Why not use what you are already wearing? I wear boxers which are a bit different to wedgie (holding the gooch of the fabric helps). Believe me a wedgie isnt the most fun thing to have all day but it is 1000% better than sweaty discomfort. -- before finding the wedgie cure it definitely dominated my life from work to even crossing the street. I haven't found paradise but its a more comfortable hell :)

Posted by sleepless in N.O. on 28/03/2009 at 03:46:00 pm

I woke up early this morning, as usual, and immedia tly googled, night time rectal itching. This has been ruining my sleep as well now for about 5 years! I have gone to a doctor with no avail. It seems to me that a doctor has no real interest in looking at anyone's anus because.... well let's face it, it's an anus! I have read ALL of your submissions and found that I to am guilty of most all reasons that could be causing this problem. I drink a 16 oz. cold coffee every morning, wear tighty wightys, drink beer, use creams at night, and I think dove soap my not be helping either. All of your revues are giving me such great hope I am elated to find a "help" board because I to have been at my whits end. I plan to start wearing boxer shorts, no more coffee, no soaps in the affected area, cut my beer consumption (which was never a bunch to begin with), getting a hand held shower nozzle, and witch hazel with aloe. As I am the only person in my household with the problem, I don't believe it is pin-worms, this is what I was treated for 4 years ago. My hygiene is very well, so I know that's not the problem. I will take these steps to try to rectify (get it!) my problem and let you know the results after a week, and thank all of you so much for the new found hope I now have! One person looked for a comparison of the feeling, I tell people, "It is like having poison ivy in your ass."

Posted by Relieved on 26/03/2009 at 10:41:00 am

No More Itching, HURRAY! I'm not scratching anymore because there's no itching anymore! And I'm so relieved that I would like to tell of my experience so that others afflicted with this condition may benefit from it. For 5 months I had anal itching on the inside of my left butt cheek along the anal area. This happened mostly at night. The gratifying sensation I felt when I scratched was so great that sometimes I overdid it & caused some skin bleeding. My Dr treated me for threadworms, but this did not work, so later he advised me not to overwash the area because this dries up the skin especially when soap, particularly scented soap, is used. He advised me to wash the area only once daily, definitely not more than twice if I had to, & preferably using only water. He also prescribed a Steroid cream "Elocon" which I was to use only once at night & for not more than 7 nights. But I only used it on 2 nights & washed as my Dr had advised. I'm now free & happy to share this with you so I may be of help to at least some of you. Thank you & good luck. Relieved

Posted by Itchy on 25/03/2009 at 10:20:00 pm

I have suffered for years from anal itching. I saw on here that someone recomended THAYERS ORIGINAL WITCH HAZEL WITH ALOE VERA. I thought I had nothing to lose so I bought it from Vita-Cost. The very first night I put it on after showering the itch was gone! I slept all night without itching. This stuff is a miracle!

Posted by graham manderson on 25/03/2009 at 05:26:00 pm

i have tablets for my itchy ring and they are not working so good. it really hurts when i poo. have you any advice please as i have got the trotskys.

Posted by david on 24/03/2009 at 01:42:00 pm

can i use savlon?

Posted by Anonymous on 23/03/2009 at 02:58:00 pm

I've had a constantly itchy anus for years that has driven me insane for much of the time. However, after 2 courses of antibiotics and oral steroid treatment for a respiratory infection recently I realise that the itching has completely stopped! I found this website while looking for confirmation that this might be connected, but so far nothing.

Posted by Anonymous on 22/03/2009 at 05:11:00 pm

I have been suffering with anal itch for the past 5 months. I have tried numerous topical creams and have had a series of treatments with a Grenz machine with little or no relief. I have found wich hazel to be most beneficial, but I still can't get complete relief. Has anyone received a methylene blue injection?? I can't find much online but my Dr. knows of one study with good results. I am concerned about possible side effects. Finally, thanks for this site and to those of you who recommened witch hazel. Even some relief is better than none. Thank you all again for your helpful comments.

Posted by TAURUS on 16/03/2009 at 12:51:00 pm

OK EVERYONE. ID LIKE TO SHARE WITH YOU MY OWN HOME REMEDY FOR ITCHY ANUS. I HAVE TREATED THE OUTER SKIN AS RECOMMENDED, BUT IM ALWAYS CONCERNED ABOUT THE "MICRO-BITS" INSIDE. I GOT ONE OF THOSE SOFT-PLASTIC SHOWER-HOSES THAT PUSH ONTO A BATH TAP. I CUT OFF THE LITTLE ROSE-HEAD AND SQUATTED IN MY BATH-TUB. GENTLY EASING THE TUBE AGAINST MY ANUS, TURN ON THE TAP AND BINGO! COLD WATER FLUSHES AWAY ANY NASTY IRRITATING MICRO-BITS AROUND THERE, AND IN THERE CAUSING THE ITCH. CAN BE A BIT MESSY, GREAT FOR CONSTIPATION TOO, BUT HEY, IT WORKS! SORRY BOUT THE GRAPHICS BUT TRY IT ONCE JUST TO SEE FOR YOURSELF. HAPPY FLUSHING EVERYONE!

Posted by confused but hopeful on 13/03/2009 at 06:55:00 am

I've been having intermittent fairly bad itching for a few weeks now and I'm very glad to have found this site. I'm going to start with the soap that I use and see where that leads me. Thanks to every one for all the helpful comments. :)

Posted by J. Symmons on 13/03/2009 at 01:05:00 am

Ive suffered from severe anal fissures due to multiple sexual partners and poor effort at proper lubrication. These tears often become dry sore and itchy, plus i often sweat in that area causing added irratation. Your tip on thye hairdryer was a great help (make sure you remberer to set it on the cool setting, ouch!).I tried the banana skins also but it led to a strange odour but a rather pleasent sensation. yours sincerly J. Symmons Norwich

Posted by Confused on 12/03/2009 at 11:53:00 pm

To Anonymous posting on March 5th: I have the same case of itching on the side of one butt cheek. My doctor also gave me an anti fungal cream, but have not used it yet. I hope someone explains why on one side only.

Posted by Rob on 08/03/2009 at 03:30:00 am

For those who do not have worms. To relieve my anal itching, I take 1/2 paper towel, crunch it up into a ball and stick it up there. It then stops. I cut my beer consumption and this helped as well.

Posted by sandra on 06/03/2009 at 04:51:00 am

You people that are having problems with anal itching- simple yeast infection or jock itch - I and my husband both had anal itching, turned out I had a yeast infection in the anal region, he had it in the anal region, which is called jock itch in men. Just buy some yeast infection medicine. You may have to treat it several times, by the way!

Posted by Anonymous on 05/03/2009 at 07:09:00 pm

i've suffered with itching/rash on the inside of one butt cheek, not exactly my anus but close. i don't understand why not the other cheek, they are smooshed together most of the time! my dr gave me an antifungal cream but after a month it still isn't gone. i do wash and dry thoroughly 2-3 times a day. it's worse at night, what's up with that!? i'm pretty frustrated with the 'hole' situation!!! but trying to keep my sense of humor. :)

Posted by Mutums on 04/03/2009 at 11:26:00 am

Hallo there everyone!It was amazing going through all this..i hope to apply what i have read to my situation.I have had the problem for over three years now and it sure is so irritating.Gosh!But i will try some of that out and i hope that it will work somehow.I am just so happy that there are people out there that are going through what i am going through.i at first thought that it was an sti but i couldnt even think of the last time i had even had sex...but now i am happy!thanks.

Posted by Jeff9 on 02/03/2009 at 09:57:00 am

I found it! Something that helps and it

Posted by Ron on 26/02/2009 at 10:18:00 am

I have suffered from intense itching around the anal area for many years, I have had to learn to live with it. Creams, lotions and various remedies have not really worked, some relieve the symptoms others do very little, none of them act as a cure. I will try some of the suggestions put forward by the very useful postings on this site, thank you.

Posted by Anonymous on 24/02/2009 at 12:29:00 am

I suffered from this for over 25 years (pretty much since puberty). I recently discovered I have an allergy to wheat, so I've cut wheat out of my diet. It turns out the itching was a result of this allergy! The only time the itching comes back is when I've slipped up and eaten something with wheat flour in it. Don't just depend on creams, etc. to bring you relief. A food allergy could be the root of the problem.

Posted by Paul on 17/02/2009 at 10:12:00 pm

I have suffered with anal itching for a number of years, I have tried a number of creams,the only one that seemed to work was eurax but only for a short time.I tried a spray I bought from the internet called assuage which was useless and stung like hell. I have been using Nytol to get to sleep at night but I have recently tried to wean myself of them as I think I was becoming addicted,about a week after stopping them the itching came back with a vengeance.After reading the advice on this site I tried taking piriton, the effect was almost immediate, I got a much better nights sleep and much reduced itching, the only draw back is its harder to get up in the morning. I think the next step will be a food allergy test, I will let you know what that turns up. Hope that was some help

Posted by Wanting relief on 16/02/2009 at 10:39:00 am

This has gone on for over a year now. Having been to the doctors twice (both very embarrassing) and being told to use creams. None of these are working and just stain my clothes instead of stopping the constant itch. Now I am going to try Thayers original witch hazel with aloe vera and see if that makes my life more bearable. Thanks for other comments, its good to know I'm not alone.

Posted by Anonymous on 14/02/2009 at 11:36:00 am

Am experiencing my 3rd episode of very very ad anal itching.Especially bad after moving bowels. Last two occassions lasted about four years each before going on their own accord. this present one only 8 weeks so plenty of discomfort to look forward to yet. All 3 episodes have started within 2 days of taking erythromycin antibiotics for bad chest infection. In the past doctors have treated it as piles, fungal infection, small tears from chicken bone or similar, stress etc, etc.anyone else developed this itching after taking antibiotics?

Posted by Anonymous on 11/02/2009 at 10:48:00 am

I was told that I had a fissure so they operated me but nothing changed. After all that I've been through, I'm starting to believe that drinking coffee was the cause for all this itching as I stopped drinking it and I am feeling better already. I just cannot believe it yet. All thanks to this website.

Posted by Dave on 06/02/2009 at 03:56:00 pm

One thing you haven't covered is the fact that some men (poss women too) have a very hairy anal area. This can exaggerate the problem when wiping after going to the toilet, you tend to wipe/scrape harder and this sometimes causes the hairs to lacerate the skin,causing soreness around the area and this also enhances the irritation whilst healing.

Posted by Anonymous on 02/02/2009 at 03:53:00 am

Try ozonated olive oil, works well and does't contain any chemicals. No doc needed. You can find it on the Internet, some company in British Columbia makes it, It really works.

Posted by Anonymous on 01/02/2009 at 12:18:00 am

i dont want to tell my mam or anyone but i dont know what to do

Posted by Fedup on 29/01/2009 at 02:37:00 am

Thank you for the tips the top of my anal crack is so bad i cant sleep and end up scratching so bad i end making it bleed and make it worse i truly hope some of your tips work as it is ruling my life at night in bed

Posted by r on 24/01/2009 at 07:46:00 am

I have been using poise pads for about 7 months and wonder if they may be the source of my itching. It is almost impossible to stop the need to scratch. It is equally bad both day and night, though I don't wear the pads daily and never overnight. Anyone else think it may be the poise pads bothering them?

Posted by anon on 21/01/2009 at 05:00:00 pm

I have an allergy to chlorine but have to have hydrotherapy several times a week due to a long term physical problem,huge dilema whats worse itching for the next 2 days after being in pool or not being able to move my limbs. Best so far aloe gel kept in fridge apply as soon as first tingle

Posted by Denise on 21/01/2009 at 03:05:00 pm

I have extreme anal itching although I have been prescribed hemmorrhoidal cream from my OB/GYN. I am noticing that my sheets are filled with black speckles which are grainy in touch and I am concerned what that might be. Sometimes I see white threads (look like threads and assume they are some sort of parasitic infection).

Posted by Anonymous on 16/01/2009 at 01:41:00 pm

Hi everyone! It certainly is a relief to hear that other people suffer with the problem of an itchy anus. I often spend time trying to work out a similie which will best describe the anul itching I experience, and so far I have come up with: Someone having inserted a funnel into my anus and tipped 50 woodlice inside and closed my buttocks. The itching feeling is like 50 woodlice roaming around trying to get out! Or earwigs would also describe the sensation..

Posted by jim braun on 15/01/2009 at 06:43:00 pm

If you have no broken skin, try Vic, that stuff you put on your chest when you have a cold, it stops the itching at night. If you go to get cream at night for the itching, take care, I put Deep Heat muscle rub on mine in the dark one night, it made me dance for a couple of hours. In general, keep clean, drink plenty of water to avoid constipation and you'll be fine - I've been a pil;es martyr for 50 years!

Posted by So uncomfortable on 15/01/2009 at 03:02:00 pm

Hi Everyone, well It looks as though I am not the only one with this problem. (anal itching). I am so glad I found this website. I really need relief now I can not take it anymore. I can not sleep, sit, stand or walk. I dread bowel movements and urinating because everytime I feel I have to go it will bring on the anal itch. The best way to decribe my anal itch is, Its like having contractions before the baby comes like you are counting the the minutes and secounds before the next contraction hits. Thats what happens to me with the itching. The anal itch starts for a couple of secounds then goes away then starts again. This is so aggravating. I did one day go to the the emergency room and that did not help at all. Now I have pay a big bill because I do no have health insurance. I am going to try some of these remedies hoping that they will work for me. If anyone learns of anything else please let me know. Thank You K.

Posted by Anonymous on 09/01/2009 at 03:45:00 am

I have a unhealing anal fissure which I'm sure is the reason for my itching. My GI specialist however said that anal fissures aren't suppose to make you itch and hence this problem of mine is a mystery. I have tried everything and nothing seems to be helping me. Yesterday I learnt another thing: DO NOT USE NUPERCIANAL - my doctor had asked me to get it but later I learnt and found from experience that 95%+ people are allergic to this cream and so was I- I tell you, it was the worst night ever with itching for more than 4 hours straight and not being able to walk or sit or even move. I am seriously considering going to the ER and getting injected with some sedative because this is painful, both literally and metaphorically.

Posted by Anonymous on 07/01/2009 at 06:23:00 am

I suffered from anal itching for a number of years. Countless doctor visits, creams, cleansers, etc. etc. etc. later I found no relief. I have read all the message boards relating to the subject and have addressed nearly all the possible causes. To this day I still suffer. I have however found one thing that has worked for me in controlling the itch. Cleaning the area with Johnson's brand head to toe baby soap. once at night and then again in the morning. I feel like I have my life back! I used to dread bowel movements, sitting for long periods, etc. While this has not cured me it seems to be the best "control" I have found. Hope this helps someone.

Posted by Sam on 02/01/2009 at 01:14:00 pm

Thanks for this very helpful post. it sure worked for me.

Posted by saffron on 30/12/2008 at 01:37:00 pm

the best thing i have used is Lanacane powder. i also found any cream makes anal itching worse

Posted by ron on 28/12/2008 at 12:41:00 pm

After 5 weeks of pure misery caused by anal itch and burning, and 5 visits to my doctor who prescribed 14 different oral medications I was desperate. I tried ever over the counter product available without any real relief. After online investigation I tried Witch hazel which I found at Walgreens. Tucks pads contain witch hazel ,and they also sell a liquid ,both caused burning. Finally i went to a health food store and purchased Witch hazel with Aloe(THAYERS ORIGINAL WITCH HAZEL WITH ALOE VERA). It was less than $5 and within 24 hours my problem has almost healed.I hope this helps someone who is suffering with horrible problem

Posted by Anonymous on 18/12/2008 at 09:46:00 am

I have had no relief from this problem for 4 years now. I hope some of your suggestions might help! I have seen a specialist and am just living with discomfort every day. Your site gives me hope though. Thank You