Anal itching is a common condition. The itch, situated in or around your anus, is often intense and may be accompanied by a strong urge to scratch. You may find anal itching to be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Also called pruritus ani proo-RIE-tus A-nie , anal itching has many possible causes, such as skin problems, hemorrhoids, and washing too much or not enough.
Sexually transmitted infections of the anus and rectum
Seemingly everyone experiences an itchy anus from time to time. Your anus is the opening at the bottom of your gastrointestinal tract, where your waste leaves your body as stools or feces. When you have anal itching, the sensation can occur inside or around your anus. In many cases, your symptoms worsen at night and can even interfere with your ability to sleep. As an anorectal specialist, Dr. Betsy Clemens brings the most advanced treatments available for issues causing anal itching. Anal itching can develop for several reasons, from skin problems and irritation to medical conditions.
Sexually transmitted infections STIs represent a significant public health concern. Several STIs, once thought to be on the verge of extinction, have recently reemerged. This change is thought to be partially related to an increase in STIs of the anus and rectum.
Back to Health A to Z. You can often do simple things yourself to ease an itchy bottom anus. See a GP if the itching does not stop.