15 Best Home Remedies For Anal Itching

updated: 08/27/2019

Anal itching or Pruritus ani is a common problem situated in or around the anus, or opening of the digestive area at the end of the buttocks. This condition can be intense and might be associated with a strong urge to scratch. Sufferers might find anal itching to be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Anal itching, also known as pruritus ani in medical terms, is defined as intense itching around the anus^[1]. This opening at the bottom of our digestive system or gut, allows us to expel solid waste from our body. Anal itching is a symptom, not a disease itself. Scratching causes small breaks in the skin which are intensely itchy when the humidity and usual moisture of the perianal area contacts with them. As a result, it causes tinier itchy cuts and scratches.

In fact, the scratch-itch cycle gets worse at night because of nighttime scratching when the person is half asleep and not aware of scratching, particularly as loose nightclothes permit easier access.

In women, when the urine goes over the cuts, it causes stinging, which is relieved by over-vigorous wiping with toilet paper afterward, therefore triggering more damage to the skin.

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What Are Causes Of Anal Itching?

Anal itching may have a primary or secondary cause:

• Primary cause: the feeling of itchiness is not the consequence of another problem
• Secondary cause: the feeling of itchiness has an underlying condition which causes the itching.

Some secondary causes of anal itching include:

• Skin irritants like soaps
• Hygiene: too little or too much
• Skin conditions like psoriasis and dermatitis
• Rectal or anal disorders: anal fistulas, piles, and fissures
• Infections such as sexually transmitted and parasitic
• Systemic medical conditions like diabetes, jaundice, leukemia, thyroid disease, lymphoma, inflammatory bowel disease
• Drugs such as neomycin, quinidine, chemotherapy
• Foods such as chili peppers

Some foods might make the condition of itching worse, so you had better identify and avoid these foods, which are nuts, tomatoes, spicy food, citrus fruits, dairy products, chocolate, coffee, and excessive liquids like beer, wine, and milk.

However, oftentimes, no cause is identified for itching anus. Once anal itching begins, an itch-scratch-itch cycle will start, thus scratching will cause more itching than before. The scrapes may become infected, causing more itching.

What Are Symptoms Of Anal Itching?

Anal itching might be accompanied by burning, redness, and soreness. The irritation and itching might be temporary or more persistent, basing on the cause.

There are some additional symptoms associated with anal itching, which are:

• The intensity of anal itching along with the presence of inflammation increases from the intensity of scratching and the presence of moisture.
• With increased moisture in the area, anal itching leads to discomfort, usually described as soreness and burning, particularly both during and after bowel movements.
• Small amounts of bleeding can be associated with anal itching.

When To See A Doctor?

The majority of anal itching cases do not require medical care. However, see your doctor if:

• You have anal bleeding
• Anal itching is persistent and severe
• The anal area gets infected
• You cannot figure out what causes the persistent itch.

Now, you have learned basics about anal itching, including definition, causes, symptoms. It is time to learn about natural home remedies for anal itching relief. This article from TrueRemedies.com aims to give you effective solutions for your anal itching that do not require medications or drugs. Check out below!

There is no science-based evidence for the following homemade recipes. The recipes we've focused on are traditional home remedies, so always consult your doctor and check out your health condition regularly.

Top 15 Home Remedies For Anal Itching

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

This is one of the key home remedies for anal itching. Both fungal and yeast infections could result in anal itching. According to studies, the general acidity in our bodies is an important cause of anal itching. In such a case, apple cider vinegar can help you take control of the infection by alkalizing your body^[2].

Consider trying the following:

Method 1:

• Dilute 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of water
• Drink this solution twice per day

Method 2:

• Add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to your hot bath water
• Soak yourself in this solution for 15 minutes, once per day

These remedies can be applied for a few days till your irritation and anal itching disappear.

2. Garlic

Different home remedies for anal itching exist, which claim to help control and resolve anal itching. On this list of these remedies is garlic. However, no authoritative studies are available for supporting the effectiveness of garlic as a solution for anal itching. However, garlic still helps alleviate symptoms of anal itching somewhat from inside out. It can eradicate intestinal worms, which is among the main causes of this condition. Besides, the antifungal, antibacterial and antiseptic properties in garlic can treat any type of infection responsible for itchy anus^[3].

What you need to do is:

Method 1:

• Consume 2-3 raw garlic cloves on an empty stomach every day for about 1 week

Method 2:

• Take 2 crushed garlic cloves, boil them and add them in ½ cup of milk. Drink this mixture on an empty stomach for about 1 week to get good results.

Method 3:

• Use a sharp knife to peel away the skin of a fresh garlic bulb which does not contain the husk.
• Clean your anal area with warm water and mild soap. Rinse it thoroughly with plain water. Or, you can take a bath or shower to clean the anal area.
• Use a towel to dry the anal area, remove all moisture
• Insert a garlic clove into your rectum. Avoid using a foreign object to insert the clove. Just use your fingers and hands. The garlic will be moved out at your next bowel movement.
• Repeat this process for 3 days to get good results.

Read more: 31 Home Remedies For Heat Rash On Face, Neck, Arms And Legs

3. Coconut Oil

This is one of the most effective home remedies for anal itching by soothing the skin. It is because of the antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties of coconut oil, helping treat any infection responsible for anal itching. Furthermore, it can expel intestinal worms^[4].

Using coconut oil for your anal itching does not burn or sting. What you need to do is:

• Spread coconut oil over the outside of your anus, gently push a little bit of coconut oil inside the anus.

The oil does not stain your clothes but will bring instant relief to your itchiness and alleviate the soreness and burning.

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is commonly used for skin care and health issues, including anal itching. It has a wide range of medicinal values and has calming and soothing properties. Also, aloe vera aids in reducing the irritation of anal fissure or hemorrhoids, one of the main reasons for anal itching^[5].

• Take a fresh aloe vera leaf and slice away the thorny edges, extract the gel in the middle.
• Rub the gel both in and around your anus for about 5 minutes and wait for a few hours to relieve soreness and itching

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal can be used to treat anal itching because of its anti-inflammatory, anti-irritating and soothing properties^[6]. These properties help heal inflamed, irritated, and itchy skin.

Follow the steps below:

• Mix 1-2 cups of colloidal oatmeal in your bathtub containing tepid water
• Soak your body in this water for 15 minutes
• Take a bath once or twice per day.

6. Yogurt

To treat the yeast infection – one of the causes of anal itching, you can use yogurt. However, not all kinds of yogurt are created equally. Use probiotic yogurt with live active cultures to obtain the desired effect. These “good” bacteria may control the growth of infection^[7]. To treat anal itching, use unsweetened, plain probiotic yogurt.

Take the steps below:

• Rub plain yogurt on your infected skin areas
• Wait for 20-30 minutes or overnight before rinsing it off with warm water
• Dry the area thoroughly

Furthermore, consume 2-3 cups of plain yogurt every day to accelerate the healing process if you are not dairy sensitive.

7. Epsom Salt

An Epsom salt bath is wonderful for skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema, which are two major causes of anal itching^[8]. Using Epsom salt can relieve burning and itching sensations associated with anal itching. The most common causes of an itchy anus are anal fissures. They are small tears in the lining of your anal canal, usually caused by passing hard stools when you might push too hard. To heal the pain, you can take an Epsom salt bath to get relief from uncomfortable burning sensation.   Try the following:

• Fill a clean bathtub with warm water. About 6 inches of water is essential to use. Although Epsom salt can relieve anal itching, you could add more water if you want.
• Add 1 cup of Epsom salt for each 6-inches of water. For a full standard tub, you can need 2 cups of Epsom salt. According to the Epsom salt council, larger tubs, like garden tubs, might require twice that amount.
• Use the hand to mix the water well till all Epsom salt is dissolved. No salt will be felt at the bottom of the tub.
• Sit in that water for 15 minutes. Keep your rectal area submerged for at least 15 minutes.
• Rinse it off with warm water, towel dry after that. If possible, let your rectal area to dry by air, because patting or rubbing the area might lead to irritation and increase inflammation. Experts in the Mayo Clinic recommends using a hair dryer on low setting to help prevent irritation caused by moisture in the rectal area.
• Bathe in warm water mixed with Epsom salt every few hours till your problem disappears.

Stop using this salt if you have increased itching, pain or inflammation, or if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, like facial swelling or hives.  Also be sure to rinse off thoroughly, as the magnesium in the Epsoms Salts has a drying reaction that may exacerbate the situation if not thoroughly rinsed.

Warning: People with diabetes or kidney problems should avoid using Epsom salt.

8. Avoid Food Allergens

Some types of foods could result in irritation during your bowel movement, thereby causing anal itching. Furthermore, there are some kinds of foods that can make you feel more itchy and inflamed. Thus, it is best to opt for food options wisely and avoid the food allergens if possible^[9].

• Foods that may increase your anal itching are tea, coffee, soda, and alcoholic drinks as well as chocolate.
• Besides, avoid spicy foods such as jalapeno and peppers; or citrus fruits like lemons, grapes, and oranges.
• Additionally,  a major offender is sugar.  I high sugar intake will imbalance the gut and skin flora, increasing the possibility of yeast and other skin infections.

It is recommended to avoid these foods for about 2 weeks or so to see how different your anal itching is, then reintroduce them into your daily steadily.

There is no evidence for the below information and homemade recipes. So, they have not yet been confirmed or reviewed by any expert. These additional home remedies are collected from some highly appreciated sources. Give them a try.

9. Licorice

According to Ayurveda, licorice could also help in treating anal itching. Licorice is great for skin disorders like psoriasis, eczema which cause itchy anus. Also, it reduces redness, itching, and irritation. What you have to do is:

• Roast a mixture of licorice, rind of Chebulic myrobalan, and cardamom with a ratio of 1:1:1
• Grind the ingredients into a good powder
• Add this powder and honey with the ratio of ¼:1 in a glass of water
• Drink the solution daily until you feel  relief

Or, you can make use of OTC licorice cream to apply it over your affected area several times per day.

Caution:  may exacerbate those with high blood pressure who are on anti-hypertensive medications, thus consult with a healthcare provider.

10. Psyllium Husks

This herb is effective for those with constipation because they can keep the stools soft. This will minimize bleeding and irritation associated with anal itching as well. Some ways to use Psyllium Husks for constipation and anal itching are:

• Take 1 teaspoon of Psyllium Husks at night in about 1 cup of warm water. This will help keep your stools soft and avoid unnecessary pressure on the rectal blood vessels
• Mix 1 tablespoon of Psyllium Husks with about 1 cup of curd and have this solution twice per day if you have diarrhea.

Psyllium Husks can keep your bowel clean and eradicate the harmful bacteria associated with the stools, thereby preventing anal itching.

11. Water

It is very crucial to drink 10 to 12 glasses of water per day to remove toxins and germs from your gastrointestinal tract and eliminate itching and soreness.

Also, washing your anus with water also keeps your anus clean after passing stools, helping keep the anal area free from bacteria or any traces of feces.

12. Lemongrass

This is a common herb which could be found around the garden which has another name – fever grass. Lemongrass is regarded as a perennial plant. This plant includes allergens and antioxidants that can help in fighting off factors that trigger skin issues like calcium, phosphorus, and manganese. Similar to other herbs, you can add lemongrass to your daily bathwater and soak yourself in every day.

This treatment is not only helpful for anal itching but also helps to support smooth skin, particularly during summer.

13. Petroleum Jelly

Using petroleum jelly is another way to cope with anal itching. You will feel itchiness no more after using petroleum jelly onto your rectal area for 10 minutes. Nonetheless, remember that it is a synthetic chemical, so you should not use this remedy for the long term. Apply this for the first several weeks, and after the problem disappears, you can alternate it with other home remedies for anal itching.

14. Add More Fiber To Your Diet

It is shown that one of the common causes of anal itching is constipation. When constipation is properly managed, the itching may be resolved automatically. The best way to treat constipation is to increase the intake of fiber which can promote healthy digestion and soften the stools while enhancing its bulk.

Consume more high-fiber foods such as potatoes, beans, carrots, brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, green leafy veggies, fresh fruits, prunes, nuts, sunflower seeds, peas, broccoli, and pumpkin seeds.

You may also choose fiber supplements to increase your fiber intake after getting your doctor’s consultation. This is one of the safest home remedies for anal itching you can try.

15. Ghee

With powerful antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties, ghee can not only soothe as well as calm the irritated membranes but also decrease swelling and redness of the inflamed blood vessels. That is why ghee is claimed to be good for any infection, and one of the most recommended home remedies for anal itching.

Take the following steps:

• Take a small amount of ghee and warm it
• Use your index finger to rub the ghee over your anus (both in and around) for several minutes. Wash your hands with mild soap and water after using the ghee
• Repeat this routine a few times daily to relieve itching sensations.

Home Remedies For Anal Itching – Extra Tips For Anal Itching Relief

• Cleanse gently: it is necessary to clean the area of the rectal area with plain water and mild soap after your bowel movements.
• Do not scrub. The goal is keeping the area clean and dry without further irritating your skin.
• Dry thoroughly. Pat dry your anal area with a towel or toilet paper after cleansing. Or, you can place a dry cotton disc rather than a cotton ball that has fibers which may stick against the anus. If necessary, replace it.
• Avoid scratching because scratching further irritates the skin, causing persistent inflammation. Trim the nails short and wear cotton gloves whilst sleeping to prevent scratching.
• Wear loose clothing and cotton underwear. This can keep the area dry.  Always pre-wash new clothing and avoid dyes against the skin (plain white cotton under-garments are best).
• Avoid irritants, bubble baths, perfumed soaps, genital deodorants, moist wipes, or witch hazel products because they may irritate the area.
• Apply gels or ointments to protect your skin from moisture.
• Maintain firm, regular bowel movements by increasing fiber intake.
• Avoid colored, scented or treated toilet paper because they might irritate the condition
• For anal itching resulted from excessive sweating, use a dusting of baking soda on the area to help absorb the moisture.  If it burns, avoid.
• Avoid sitting in the same position for many hours because it might result in the buildup of sweat and moisture in the area, leading to more itching.
• Do not use cornstarch on the area because it might worsen your skin infection.
• Reduce stress to control anal itching and give you mental rest. Chronic anxiety and stress could impact the hormones in your body, which then may impact your nerve endings in different ways. Although the precise mechanism of stress when it comes to anal itching is not known, the two mentioned above have been indirectly associated.
• Keep moving: It is shown that constant pressure on the area could result in a natural build-up of sweat or moisture in the area, and if combined with sitting for many hours at a time, it leads to irritated and inflamed skin. Thus, it is important to walk and move the area around to get more blood flow to the anal area.

The above home remedies for anal itching are helpful and effective. However, if your anal itching appears along with bleeding or any pain which may be the symptoms of severe infection, and home remedies may not work, you need to visit a doctor for medical help instantly.

For any contributing ideas about this topic of home remedies for anal itching, feel free to drop your words below this post. We will feedback as soon as possible. To refer more home remedies for common diseases, refer our Home Remedies Category here.

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