Common causes of anal itching

It can be minor and go away of its own accord or be so severe and long-lasting that it can have a severe impact on the life of its sufferers. Pruritus ani can occur at any age, but seems to be more common in people aged 40—60 years. It occurs more often in men, with some research suggesting that men are up to four times more likely than women to develop the condition. There is no obvious reason why this should be the case, and more research is needed to look into this. Pruritus ani can be classified as secondary or primary. If a condition is found in the lower bowel, anus, or on the skin surrounding the anus that is suspected to lead to anal itching, pruritus ani is classified as secondary to that condition.

An itchy bottom may be just an annoyance, or may be so bothersome that it dominates your life. It is usually made worse by warmth, and is often most troublesome in bed. The skin around the anus easily becomes irritated and inflamed. This is because it is difficult to keep the area around the anus clean and dry; the skin is crinkly and traps tiny particles of poo. It is also sweaty and relatively airless, and it may become moist from an anal or vaginal discharge. Ointments and creams can sometimes cause further problems by keeping the area damp.

If an itchy butt crack isn't uncomfortable enough—not exactly easy to relieve politely—there's the matter of figuring out what's causing it. Asking a doctor "why does my anus itch? And it's important for you to feel comfortable enough to ask your doctor anything. But when it comes right down to it, for most men, there is nothing about an itchy butt crack that's comfortable. Even though you're far from the only person who's frantically Googled it this week.

Anal itching , or pruritis ani , is probably near the top of a list of socially awkward body issues, but it can also be very uncomfortable and disruptive to everyday life. Although unpleasant, it's rarely a sign of a serious medical problem — most cases can be managed with lifestyle changes or medical treatment. Bethany Malone , MD, a colon and rectal surgeon in private practice, says hygiene practices are the most common cause of anal itching — but not in the way you might expect.