No one really likes to talk about issues downstairs — you know, that place where the sun doesn’t shine. One matter about it that a lot of people experience but pretend they have never heard about is anal itching. Doctors refer to it as pruritus ani, but still giving it a fancy name cannot take away the fact that it’s a very mortifying problem!
If you have an itchy bum — don’t worry, your secret’s safe — and you have yet to muster the courage to report it to your doctor, keep on reading. Below you will come across some of the best home remedies that you may try. Make sure, however, to seek professional help if the problem refuses to go away after a few days.
But before we check out those home remedies, let’s first take a closer look at the matter at hand.
Friction and excessive sweating — these are some of the most common culprits behind anal itching. Needless to say, the embarrassing problem is more common in overweight individuals as well as those who tend to sweat a lot. However, there are many other things that can leave you itchy down there. Some of them are food allergies, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, diarrhea and yeast infection.
It’s of utmost importance for you to fight off every urge to scratch. Failure to do so can cause a secondary infection to come into being in case you happen to break your skin while scratching and bacteria act upon it.
Let’s now take a look at some of the things that you may do at home to put the problem to an end:
Have More Fiber
In many cases of anal itching, hemorrhoids is the root cause. And what is one of the causes of hemorrhoids? Constipation!
It’s for this reason exactly why it is a good idea for you to include more fiber-rich foods to your diet such as fruits and leafy vegetables. Health experts also highly suggest the intake of around two liters of water per day. Having an active lifestyle is an excellent remedy for constipation, too.
Apply and Eat Yogurt
If it seems like your itchy behind is brought about by yeast infection, then you may head to the nearest supermarket rather than a pharmacy and then get your hands on yogurt.
Containing beneficial bacteria, yogurt can help put an end to that pesky yeast infection. All you have to do is apply it liberally on the problem area, and then rinse off with warm water after 20 to 30 minutes. Similarly, you may eat yogurt on a regular basis. By the way, just make sure that you opt for sugar-free and unflavored yogurt.
Take ACV
ACV stands for apple cider vinegar, and taking it can also help deal with anal itching due to yeast infection.
In a glass of water, stir in two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar — the right one for the job is raw, unfiltered and organic. Take the mixture up to a couple of times a day. Similarly, you may add one cup of apple cider vinegar to your warm bathwater and soak in there for up to half an hour.
Have an Epsom Salt Bath
Other than apple cider vinegar, you may also add one to two cups of epsom salt to your bathwater. Stay in there for about half an hour — make sure that you dry your behind completely before putting on clean underwear.
Usually, an epsom salt bath is recommended for people who are experiencing muscle and joint pain. However, not a lot are aware of the fact that it can also soothe skin itchiness — including that which affects the bum. Someone who is secretly suffering from anal itching may take an epsom salt bath up to three times a week.
