Yes, but it’s true. Why does my anus itch at night?

Mild itching is usually not a big deal, but persistent itching may indicate pruritus anus (the medical name for anal itching). It can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as burning, inflammation, pain, and thick, leathery skin in and around the anus, and can be caused by a variety of things, from skin conditions to the type of underwear you choose. there is.

Can’t understand why it’s happening to you? Here, a gastroenterologist explains why anal itching becomes uncontrollable at night, how to relieve it, and when it’s time to seek medical attention.

8 Reasons Why Your Anus Itches at Night

Sometimes your butt feels itchy for no particular reason, but this is what medical professionals call it. Idiopathic itching anus1. This is actually the most common type of anal itching and usually goes away on its own. Still, there are several other main causes of butt itching, and thankfully, they can be alleviated with home remedies.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:

1. You have a skin disease

Certain areas of the body’s skin, including the anal area, can be affected by skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema. “Psoriasis is an itchy, autoimmune rash that most commonly occurs on the knees, elbows, torso, and scalp, but can affect the perianal area as well,” says Dr. Dr. Elena Ivanina, MPH. When it comes to integrative gut health, tell Well+Good.

Perianal eczema is also real and can cause itchy inflammation of the skin around the anal opening and between the butt cheeks.

Dr. Ivanina says both skin conditions can be worse at night due to skin moisture, changes in body temperature, and exposure to allergens (more on this later). They also tend to “involuntarily scratch” during sleep, which can contribute to ongoing sleep disorders, she added. “Itching/scratching” cycle2. This means you will scratch to relieve the itch, but that will only irritate your skin further.

Treatment method

Treatment for both psoriasis and eczema begins with a visit to your health care provider. Dr. Ivanina says they may prescribe medicated creams or, in severe cases, “immunomodulators to calm down an overactive immune system.”

2. It’s a sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) affect both the genitals and anus, causing itching and burning of the skin. “Common causes include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papillomavirus (HPV), genital warts, and herpes simplex virus,” Dr. Ivanina says.

Dr. Ivanina says that in addition to itching, other symptoms can also be experienced with sexually transmitted infections, such as:

Pain Tenesmus (feeling that you have to defecate frequently even though your bowels are empty) Urgency Discharge or bleeding Ulcers or lesions Inflammation

Treatment method

If you think you have a sexually transmitted disease, get tested at your health care provider or local clinic. Dr. Ivanina says getting tested as early as possible and treating with prescribed antibiotics reduces the chance of transmitting an infection or contracting the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a secondary complication.

3. There are pinworms

No surprise, but your itchy butt could be the product of a parasite called pinworm (also known as Enterobius vermicularis). Pinworms are small, thin, white roundworms (about the size of staples) that live in the human colon. Ivanina says. (Hi.)

“When the infected person is asleep, the female pinworms exit the intestine through the anus and lay eggs on the surrounding skin,” says Dr. Ivanina. Pinworms lay their eggs around the anus, so the area can be especially tingling at this time of year, especially at night, she added.

Unfortunately, pinworms are very common and contagious, primarily affecting school-aged children. It is most often spread by touching an infected person’s belongings, such as sheets, underwear, towels, and bathroom surfaces.

Treatment method

Pinworms are not detected by common stool tests for parasites, so other methods must be used to diagnose the infection. “You can either look for parasites around the anus up to three hours after bedtime, or first thing in the morning you can touch the perianal skin with clear tape to collect perianal pinworm eggs,” says Dr. Ivanina. say it’s necessary.

Thankfully, pinworms don’t cause any serious medical problems, and Dr. Ivanina says there are medications to get rid of them as quickly as possible, including mebendazole, pyrantel pamoate, and albendazole.

4. It’s your exciting product

If you have sensitive skin on other parts of your body, there’s a good chance your butt area will be as well. This means that products such as scented soaps, powders, lotions, and creams can all cause reactions that lead to anal itching. Even coarse toilet paper and wipes (which can contain drying chemicals such as parabens) can aggravate sensitive skin in the anal area.

Treatment method

What would be the best way to treat this? Choose personal hygiene products that don’t contain dyes or fragrances, such as toilet paper. These products are less likely to contain allergens and chemical irritants. Also, instead of using wipes, try pouring a little water on your butt.

5. It’s your underwear/clothing

That’s true. Underwear and pajamas can cause tingling in your butt. Especially if it’s a good fit. “Wearing tight clothing at night can trap heat, moisture, and create a sweaty environment that can lead to anal itching,” says Dr. Ivanina. This sweating can cause itching and increase your risk of yeast infections (which also cause itching).

Treatment method

To avoid itchy and sweaty situations, look for breathable, airy fabrics such as cotton when purchasing pajamas and underwear.

6. I have hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen veins inside anyone’s rectum (internal) or anus (external). But if it becomes swollen (from straining to defecate or sitting for long periods of time), it can bleed, become sore, and become itchy, Dr. Ivanina says. Additionally, the pressure can increase even more, mainly due to sleeping positions, which increase pressure during sleep, she added.

Treatment method

Although it may be tempting to self-diagnose hemorrhoids and move on, it’s best to have your health care provider diagnose you. Dr. Ivanina says you’ll need to do a rectal exam and may be recommended treatments such as stool softeners, sitz baths, and over-the-counter (OTC) creams. In severe cases, surgery may be required.

7. Derived from certain foods

Oddly enough, “anal itching can be worse at night if you eat irritating foods for dinner,” says Dr. Ivanina. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, spicy foods, beer, and dairy products can all contribute to itchy butts, she added. Another common culprit? Foods and drinks that contain caffeine – coffee, soda, chocolate, etc. This is because caffeine is thought to relax the anal muscles, causing stool leakage and inflammation.

Treatment method

Dr. Ivanina recommends trying a short-term elimination diet to identify the culprit food. (However, it’s probably best to ask your health care provider if an elimination diet is right for you.) From there, try cutting out one food every few days to see if your symptoms improve. If you do, you’ll know which ones to limit and which to avoid.

8. It’s a different medical condition

In addition to the causes listed above, there are many health issues that can cause itchy anus (or itchy skin all over). Dr. Ivanina notes that these may include:

Yeast infections Fissures (lacerations in the lining of the anal canal) Chronic diarrhea Diabetes Liver disease (a group of diseases that occur when the liver no longer functions properly) Leukemia (a blood cancer) Lymphoma (a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system) ) Kidney insufficiency (when the kidneys can no longer filter and clean the blood) Iron deficiency anemia (iron deficiency) Thyroid disease (a group of diseases that develop when kidney function declines; the thyroid gland produces too much or too little hormone)

Treatment method

In some cases, anal itching can be a symptom of a serious medical problem, so it’s best to play it safe and seek medical attention. We will properly examine and diagnose the underlying disease that may be causing your anal itching.

How to cure anal itching at night

Anal itching can be uncomfortable (and inconvenient), especially when you’re trying to get a good night’s rest. But you don’t have to keep tossing and turning. Dr. Ivanina and the Mayo Clinic recommend the following tips.

Resist the urge to scratch. This only makes the area more frustrating. Consider wearing cotton gloves when you go to bed to prevent scratches while you sleep. Apply a product that absorbs moisture. Zinc oxide ointment, such as Destin or Balmex, or petroleum jelly (petrolatum) will protect the area from moisture. Use topical anti-itch creams or ointments. However, this is temporary and if the itching does not go away or gets worse, stop using it.

How to prevent anal itching at night

Nighttime anal itching can’t always be prevented, especially if it’s due to a chronic health problem. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of butt itch. Dr. Ivanina and the Mayo Clinic recommend the following:

Treatment of underlying disease. Once the health problem is under control, symptoms such as anal itching may reduce or disappear. Keep your bedroom at a cool temperature. This way you won’t sweat. The best temperature for sleeping is a cool 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid irritating products. Avoid harsh soaps and scented products that may contain allergens or chemical irritants. Instead, choose undyed, unscented toilet paper, hypoallergenic skin care products, and unscented detergents when washing your underwear. Sleep in cotton underwear. Breathable and absorbs moisture. Avoid certain foods and drinks, especially at dinner time. Dairy products, carbonated drinks, caffeinated drinks, and acidic or spicy foods can cause anal itching. Be kind. Do not rub the area around your anus with toilet paper or a washcloth, as this can cause irritation.

When to see a doctor

We all feel itchy from time to time, but it’s usually not a big deal. However, if your anal itching is “persistent, severe, or accompanied by symptoms such as vaginal discharge, bleeding, changes in stool, or pain,” you should consult your doctor and be advised that it may be caused by a serious illness such as Crohn’s disease or ulcer disease. Please check if there are any. Colitis or cancer that requires treatment.