When your butt itches, it is embarrassing and can leave us feeling like we aren’t as fresh as we’d like to be. It is especially problematic when we don’t know why we are experiencing such discomfort.
There are several reasons why you might be sneaking off to scratch more often.
Your Laundry Soap is an Irritant
You could be allergic to your laundry soap and not even realize it. Some soaps contain special dyes or fragrances that can be irritating to the skin. It’s possible that there are trace amounts of these irritants left on your underwear, which is then transferring to your butt.
If the itching is a fairly new occurrence, ask yourself if it coincides with any changes in laundry soap or body wash.
You Have Worms
Hookworms are one reason why you might be experiencing an itchy butt. While easily treated, this unpleasant parasite is commonly picked up from pets and can create some uncomfortable symptoms including an itchy anus, anemia, and bloating.
You Have Hemorrhoids
Your itching might be caused by hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable, swollen veins in the rectum that cause discomfort and sometimes bleed.
There are over-the-counter creams that can help, but your best option for treatment is to visit with your primary care physician.
You Need to Wipe Better
Not wiping well enough can lead to the fecal matter being left behind. When this happens, it can cause irritation in your anal region. In short, it is very similar to what we think of as diaper rash. Check your underwear for signs that you can do better.
You Need to Wipe Less
Over-wiping can also cause irritation. When we wipe too much, the toilet paper can leave tiny scratches on the skin which will naturally itch as they heal. Remember you are trying to clean yourself, not buff off the surface.
Eczema
Eczema is a nasty skin condition that creates scaly or bumpy patches on the outer layer of our skin. It is extremely itchy and sometimes manifests in the anus, where it is particularly uncomfortable.
While it can be managed, it is difficult to diagnose on that particular body part. If you have suffered from eczema elsewhere, consult your doctor and let them know it might be rearing its ugly head in an ugly new location.
Your Butt Can’t Breathe
If your underwear isn’t letting the skin breathe, you might be building up irritation from heat or sweat. Try cotton panties and see if they help.
You Have a Fungal Infection
Fungal infections, such as yeast, can include an itchy rectum as a symptom. These infections are usually accompanied by an unpleasant smell.
If your butt itches, odds are that one of these reasons is a good explanation as to why. If some simple laundry detergent changes and hygiene overhauls don’t help, it’s time to consult your doctor to consider other possibilities.
