The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Onion, Garlic and ACV Enema
Posted by Diamond (Ma.) on 12/29/2014
★★★★★
I found a great remedy for anal itch, mine is caused from a mold virus.
I cut up half an onion a few fresh garlic - I use lots of garlic, I then soak these two in apple cider vinegar over night, the next day take an enema with this solution and you will see great results. Do this as often as you feel the need to do so. Because I have a mold virus I saw an awful lot of puss or inflammation coming out onto the floor. What a big surprise but also a huge relief. The sad part is not one doctor can or could treat me. I ended up handicap because of the lack of. But the best results is I feel a whole lot better. God Bless.
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Zac39453 (School, US) on 11/05/2014
i also have had this problem so I quit drinking coffee and the problem went away completely...unfortunately I am a junior in college so most of the time I end up taking the itchy butt so I can drink my 3 pots of coffee a day to stay awake...whooo
Alkalize
Posted by David (California) on 11/02/2014
It's very common and natural and called Pruritus Ani. Too many people suggest it's because you need to clean more but they are wrong and actually that makes it worse if you clean too much. It's the constant rubbing with toilet paper that removes the body's natural oils and irritates the sensitive skin. The best solution is to clean with water and little or no soap (as soap can dry the skin out also) and stop the wiping with toilet paper. Water is cleaner anyways and healthier too. The most convenient and efficient way to clean with water is not to take a shower every time or jumping up on the sink but with a Hand Bidet Sprayer. They locate right at the toilet and require no new plumbing. The itch will go away and not come back.
Garlic
Posted by Timh (KY) on 10/03/2014 2043 posts
Milled Flax Seed taken w/ food cleans the Colon and Aloe Vera kills pathogens in the Colon walls.
Garlic
Posted by Liz (Boston, Ma) on 10/02/2014
If you haven't already, you could also try warm sitz baths with about 1/8 cup of Witch Hazel added to the water. Soak for approximately 15-20 minutes after each movement. It works! :)
Garlic
Posted by Deborah (Alabama, USA) on 10/02/2014
Well, I have you all beat! I have been itching for over fourteen years! Went to the Dr. and got worm medicine. Tried that several times with no change. I have scratched and scratched until I have scratched holes in my underwear! Lol! I have tried preparation H which didn't work. I have tried some kinda new pill for yeast infection which didn't work. I have had it! I will try the ACV first thing in the morning. I can promise you that! Along with the coconut oil and whatever else has been mentioned! So thank you'all for your input!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dwayne (Merika, US) on 09/02/2014
★★★★★
I used coconut oil and almost instantly felt better. And now my a-hole smells like macaroons...bonus!!!
Witch Hazel
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, NC) on 08/17/2014 86 posts
★★★★★
I go thru periods of itchy butt. I tried using just witch hazel and it worked!
Aloe and Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cindy (Missouri, US) on 07/22/2014
I have had the itch for over 30 years. It used to keep me awake but I have overcome that. One thing no one should ever do is use a loofa on their anus. It feels so good while you are scratching with it. Then the fire starts. It takes several days for it to heal enough to take a comfortable poop. Don't do it! I have tried everything, some things work and others don't. I wish I could make it go away forever. For years I used my aloe plant, it was known by my family as mom's malady muck. I do think that vinegar is the best choice overall.
Gluten-Free Diet
Posted by Jw (Sacramento, Ca, ) on 03/29/2014
★★★★★
I'm not saying it might not be the answer for some, but I didn't get "The Itch" until after I'd given up gluten for several months!
Reading all the good advice, thank you everyone who is posting on this embarrassing business!
I'm now wondering if a new probiotic might be the issue, or just general candida (as many have said) although I have don't have some of the symptoms of that (no coated tongue, no thready morning saliva in a water glass) I do see white, mucus-y clumps in the water with my stools.
Coconut Oil, Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Jambamama (Los Angeles, California) on 03/01/2014
★★★★★
Re: Anal Itch
YES, raw organic coconut oil worked very well for me, but only gave me a temporary reprieve from itchiness. Then I called my holistic MD and she said to add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract. Within a day the whole condition improved by about 75% and now it is almost gone. I tried the tea tree oil and it worked for a fews days but then it started burning my skin to the point where it was excruciatingly painful. Both the coconut oil and the GSE are very soothing- no burning at all! I am SO grateful to have found this solution. This was a very frustrating awful experience..I could barely sleep for a few nights. I have a whole new respect for babies with diaper rash- imagine poor things suffer and can't scratch. No wonder babies wake up all the time!
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Mr Stuwi (Cornwall, Uk) on 02/26/2014
★★★★★
Once you've ruled out thread worms you have probably got Ani puritus, which is really common in adults. Unfortunately there isn't a definite cure, you will remain susceptible to problems, unless you manage your diet, health and hygiene. Rubbing too hard with toilet paper or not cleaning properly are both culprits. There's now help on the market that lubricates and aids cleansing. Hope you get happy relief.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sarah (Charlotte, North Carolina) on 02/16/2014
★★★★★
I had anal itching for a couple of years. I thought I had pinworm and was looking up remedies for that, but nothing worked.
I was a no-sugar freak--after reading William Dufty's The Sugar Blues. I used real maple syrup or fruit-sweetened jams for deserts or on pancakes, cereal, and plain yogurt. Then when the American economy tanked around 2007, I could no longer afford real maple syrup and bought brown sugar instead. Suddenly, no itchy butt. Then when I tried real maple syrup again, the itchy butt came back. I guess I have a sensitivity to it.
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Rachel (San Francisco, Ca) on 01/22/2014
You could try cold pressed coffee - it's much lower in acidity (pH around 6.5, I think). Then you can still have the strong flavor without the acidity!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg South Africa) on 01/04/2014
Hi Chris, You can also use methylated spirits, it works almost instantly.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Chris (Tennessee) on 01/03/2014
★★★★★
I confirm! My experience almost the same. Coconut oil applied directly cures same day. Then whenever it just starts to itch apply once again (ever few days) coconut oil is great for eczema or flaky dry skin too. Don't know if it's the same thing.
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Kay (Destin) on 10/04/2013
★★★★★
I experienced this itching/irritation from excess acidity too; and I found that switching my coffee to a less acidic version (a milder or medium roast, and/or breakfast blend) helps greatly reduce/resolve this problem without having to give up my morning coffee entirely. I do love the strong dark coffees, so to quell my cravings, a few rimes a week I opt for creole coffee mixed with chickory, also known as Cafe Du Monde; or I add a cinnamon stick or (unsweetened) cocoa and/or carob power for that extra boost!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dan (Uk) on 09/12/2013
Arse update 2 : After an itchy relapse caused by what, I don't know, I decided to try natural bio yogurt a few times - very soothing, and itch has gone - let's hope so!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dan (Uk) on 09/08/2013
Arse update - The ACV has worked! But it did start to sting, which I guess means it was working, so I alternated between ACV (diluted) and witch hazel gel for a week. This did the trick. Good luck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Cathy (Idaho) on 08/29/2013
★★★★★
Omg after reading all your posts I decided what have I got to lose so I soaked a washcloth with ACV and placed it between my buttocks it really stung but at first but then it started to lessen and now it really feels better thank you all so so much!
Hand Sanitizer
Posted by John (Hi) on 08/26/2013
Boris, where did you get this information? Please show your source because I can't find any information that putting rubbing alcohol / hand sanitizer on the outside on the anal area is bad for the mucosal lining.
Everyone knows drinking alcohol and alcohol enemas are bad for the mucosal lining, but there is a big difference between taking alcohol internally vs. externally. Everyone also knows that hand sanitizer is not meant for internal use.
The number one cure on EarthClinic.com for Tinea Cruris, otherwise known as Jock Itch, is rubbing alcohol. Tinea Cruris is the reason many people have anal itching, so using the #1 cure for it make sense.
They have studied if Hand Sanitizer enters the blood stream, and after applying it 30 times in 1 hour after 10 minutes the ETOH level was 0.
30 times per hour is what a typical health care working might do, but for getting rid of Tinea Cruris one or two times per day works. A nurse could be using as much hand sanitizer in one long shift as one would be exposed to in 1 entire year of applying it for Tinea Cruris, and as it takes it away in a couple days there is no need to apply it for 1 year. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1803104/#r4.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dan (Uk) on 08/24/2013
★★★★★
Anal Itch: OMG Apple cider vinegar works! The itch/burning had been driving me mad for several months, on and off, following supposed prostatitis (which was much improved with simple stretches - google Heal Pelvic Pain book - my doctors didn't have a clue) I tried coconut oil with some relief, but the ACV worked almost immediately. No stinging and I've got my mojo back. Thank you so much! Try it.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Emilyette (Saskatchewan, Canada) on 08/24/2013
★★★★★
I had itchy butt for 3 years before I got up the nerve to go to a doctor. Then over the next 3 years, I went to 3 different doctors. They didn't help. I started researching and tried a few different things including yeast solutions, they helped a bit, but nothing stopped it. Finally I saw a book with a special diet for your health and I decided to try it for other problems that I was having, such as swollen knees. After 3 months I was surprised to find that the itching (had gradually) gone away!!! Yea!!!
Turns out that I have a problem with wheat! I have recently gotten carried away with eating wheat again and I'm back to the itch. I've also noticed that sugar makes it worse, so have cut way back on that too. But I cut out wheat entirely. Very hard to do, everything has wheat in it. I've been off wheat and cut way back on sugar for about a week and the itch is gone! I intend to make some coconut flour pancakes, muffins etc. I'd almost forgotten that wheat was that bad for me, it's been so long since I've had this kind of reaction.
I know this is not the solution for everyone, but I just wanted all of you to know that something like this could be a solution. The book I was talking about is Eat Right For Your Blood Type, just in case someone would like to try it. Good luck and good health to all of you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Bob (Middletown, Ny) on 08/12/2013
★★★★★
Itchy anus and butt area: I had this problem for years, I eliminated through trial and error, Tomatoes and tomato products such as ketchup, all types of peppers and pepper products, and onions except dehydrated onions. All the food types I loved but now stay away from. Itching has stopped.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Desperate (Sarasota, Fla) on 07/15/2013
How do you apply the acv, tea tree and coconut oil? In a paste or seperately? I am so exhausted. Cant sleep or work or function anymore! HELP
6 months and I feel officially crazy!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Ray (Racine, Wi) on 07/06/2013
★★★★★
I have to thank everyone who posted information about ACV for anal itch. I been having this problem for 6 months and nothing helped. The only thing I did different was to soak in a bath of hot water with a cup of white vinegar. Then I followed up with the ACV, Tea Tree oil and Coconut oil. I problem went away that night. Thank you all.
Garlic
Posted by Pbird (Everett, Wa, Usa) on 07/02/2013
Coconut oil works so well for fungal itches that its a bit hard to believe. It takes one application if I start to get a bit of it between a couple of toes.
Garlic
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 06/28/2013
Or you could get some Extra virgin Coconut oil and give the area a good paste after washing. If left untreated the anal itch can last for years. I don't see why you couldn't try a good antifungal cream, like the one used for athlete's foot.
Grapefruit Seed Extract
Posted by Alfonso (Los Angeles, California, Usa) on 06/27/2013
Don't take medications, they don't work... Stay natural... No sugar... Eat raw garlic and other foods that destroy the candidas. It will take time three months to a year. You have to stick to a green diet. And stay away from sugar , sugar will kill you... There is a list of foods you can eat. Look them up in the internet.. Do the candida test... Good luck
Garlic
Posted by Alfonso (Los Angeles, California, USA) on 06/27/2013
Sir your problem is Candidas: it is a problem with sugar taken over many years, its a yeast infection that has taken over the body, inside, , then it converts to a fungus. Unless you stop eating sugar, or cut back drastically it will never go away. You also have to kill it by eating raw garlic.. There is a candida test you can do in the morning by spiting in a clear glass full of water. Then you can see the strands of fungus holding together. There are many other natural foods that will destroy candida but this takes time six months to a year, if you are strict with this diet. Maybe in three months.. Good luck all of you out there. you should read more information regarding this evil sugar fungus that has taken over your body.
General Feedback
Posted by Donna (Janesville, Wi) on 06/23/2013
~Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream~ I know this goes against Earth Clinic natural remedies, but when you have an itch so serve and this was the only answer.... Wouldn't you want it?? I can not tell you how many other "unsafe" things I tried just to get a little relief. It was maddening. Keeping the stool firm, I used anti diarrhea medication as needed. I hope this helps. ~donna
Garlic
Posted by Anonymous (Toronto, Ontario, Canada) on 06/10/2013
★★★★★
I suffered with anal itch for more than 2 1/2 years. I went to the doctor was tested for pinworms and parasites. The pinworm test came back negative but I took the medication anyway.
I tested positive for blastocystis parasite. My doctor said that most people aren't affected by this parasite but gave me the medication for it anyway.
I was so relieved that something was found and couldn't wait to take the medication. This was after more than 2 years and 3 doctors.
Nothing happened with the medication. Still itching...
I swear I was going to lose my mind if I couldn't get the itching to stop.
Over time I tried most of the remedies mentioned here. One day I went into a health store to get another one of the remedies mentioned (I can't remember which one). I told the person in the store what my problem was and he recommend garlic suppositories.
I sprinted to the grocery store to get the garlic. Tried it that night and had instant relief. The itching would come back about 2 days after a movement so I did it a few times in a row.
I've had no itching for 3 months now!!!
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Robert (San Antonio, Tx) on 05/18/2013
★★★★★
I took your advice and sure enough, it worked for me. Thank you so much for posting your experience. ROBERT
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jen (Redondo Beach) on 05/12/2013
★★★★★
Incredible. I was despairing, having tried everything including antifungals and steroid creams. This works like magic. I believe it works by restoring the acid mantle of the skin--healthy skin being naturally acidic. Anyway- itch gone, comfort restored!
Anti-Fungal Creme
Posted by Pat (Norco, Ca) on 05/03/2013
★★★★☆
I have been going absolutely crazy with (embarassing!) anal itching. However, today, I tried a cream I bought in Mexico, called "Comazol. " The key ingredient is Ketoconazol. This is a prescription in the States. (Not a prescription in Mexico) However, perhaps, it would be available on a Canadian website... Not sure. It was absolute MAGIC! Everything (including my vaginal area, which also itched) stopped itching within ten minutes. Not sure if it's a "cure, " yet. Praying it is. Hope this helps someone....
Iron
Posted by Ss27 (Ny) on 03/24/2013
★★★★★
There is a definite correlation between anal itching and anemia. I had it for several months and tried various topical solutions which only temporarily relieved it, but had bloodwork for annual exam and was low on iron, although not deficient. Once I started taking iron supplements and including more iron-rich foods in my diet the itching was gone and has not returned. Coffee and alcohol are irritants and also deplete you of iron.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Louwrence (Rustenburg, North West, South Africa) on 03/22/2013
Methylated spirits also very effective as a remedy for anal itch, just pat your anus with cotton wool soaked in methylated spirits.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 03/20/2013
That's because most anal itching is caused by a fungus, the coconut oil is an antifungal.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Fellow Sufferer (Eastern Usa, Usa!) on 03/20/2013
★★★★★
After suffering from anal itching for well over a year I finally found something that works!! No burning vinegar, (which did help but the itch was always back the next day or two)
Pure Virgin COCONUT OIL!! I haven't suffered the itch in a month. Trust me, that in itself is a miracle. Instead of burning or itching more at first like the vinegar or baking soda or peroxide it actually soothes. If I start feeling it come back I just add some more. I hope you all can find some of the relief that I have found with coconut oil!
Over the Counter
Posted by Anonymous (Mount Rainier, Md) on 03/16/2013
It took me hours of searching to find the OTC product that you mentioned. For those of you that want to know as well, it's called Peterson's Ointment or Peterson's Hemorrhoidal Ointment.
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Stevesall (Renton, Wa) on 03/03/2013
★★★★★
I see many remedies posted on this site regarding anal itching. Some remedies gave good results or temporary results. In my case, I finally figured out it was coffee causing my constant itch and burning. It wasn't because I had a cortisone cream or apple cider vinegar deficiency, the itch was caused by drinking coffee. Fortunately, I drank only 2 cups max a day, so quitting it did not cause the withdrawl sypmptoms when I quit. Because I suspeceted coffee, I abstained for 3 days and the itching and burning disappeared. I wanted to see for sure if it was from coffee so I had a few cups two days in a row and on the third day, the itching returned. I only have one cup of coffee every other day and there's no problem. If you drink coffe and have a constant itch and you want to rid yourself of the nuissance, totally give up coffee for 3 or 4 days. When it works for you, you will thank me. Leave feedback if it works for you. Thanks
General Feedback
Posted by Nicola (Cambooya, Queensland, Australia) on 02/04/2013
I wonder if your condition could be said to be caused in part by an improper balance in gut flora? What about considering the use of daily probiotics for a month or two?
General Feedback
Posted by Tina (Texas) on 02/04/2013
The proper diagnosis, after having checked with a doctor (after colonoscopy, checking for rectal cancer, or worms.. etc... ). It is called "Pruritus Ani". I almost went crazy when it appeared, I couldn't sleep for a few weeks due to the itch (it was horrible) , and the doctors recommendations after the diagnosis are no drinking/eating coffee, teas, chocolate, carbs etc. (which I love). Use cotton underwear and apply some cornstarch powder to keep the area dry. And wash everytime you have a bowel movement to make sure its cleaned well. Wipes do not work for me they irritate the area. When I did all of the above it stopped. But I love drinking coffee etc.... And its back... Now I will have to start all over again... So I was looking at different options. I am glad to hear I am not the only one. It is an embarrasing issue, but please go and check with a doctor first (specialist of the rectum) Not your regular doctor.
Banana Peel
Posted by Smitty (Greensboro, Nc) on 01/02/2013
When u said the alcohol sets it off that immediately made me think of yeast! How many of us have had butt problems since Christmas and New Year's. I've had 2 horrible episodes and wondering if sugary treats set it off. Also have not had any corn in many month, had cornbread that about killed me until all of those 2 meals got thru my system.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Es (Abdn, Uk) on 12/29/2012
★★★★☆
I'm not saying this is an all out cure, this is a basis for a cure, people are different, have different tolerances allergies etc. So try work around the following, with me it was peanuts and I'm sure the itch is caused by food and aggrivated by stress, stress causes sweat and so the cycle goes on... So you want to look at what you do throughout the day... Your food intake and your personal hygiene.
For awhile I was plagued with a serious itch. I do a lot of sports so I sweat a lot and also shower a lot so I'm sure this contributed, as well as that I ate a lot of peanut butter and cycled a lot.. All of which promoted the itch.
At its peak, late at night it was like something was tickling my but and worst case I scratched my butt at the gym... Not nice at all.
After some serious searching on the internet nothing was found and so I began to try and work the itch out for myself. I changed from using ordinary toilet roll to baby wipes to clean myself - Toilet roll makes the itch worse also tiny fragments are left this imo makes the itch worse and you are never properly clean... Baby wipes clean away more of the waste.
I got myself some pinworm tablets, just in case this late night tickling sensation was the female laying her eggs... Very clever cycle, Lays eggs in a mucus which causes anal itching, the area is scratched and the eggs transfer to the fingers, underneath the fingernails and ultimately into the mouth.
So for awhile hygiene was a priority, finger nails scrubbed with a scrubber and underwear changed twice daily or after using the loo - This was to prevent the transfer of any pinworm eggs, if this was the problem.
The pinworm tablet seemed to work, my ass area seemed drier and this is after 2 weeks and the itching had subsided considerably.
Sometime after I bought a big bag of cashews and the problem appeared and so obviously my itch was caused by peanuts and aggrivated by the cycling, sweaty sports and using toilet tissue.
In summing up the best thing to do if you have a seriously itchy but is the following.
1. Buy baby wipes to clean yourself insted of toilet roll/tissue
2. Buy new cotton underwear
3. Buy and take pinworm tablet [I didnt know if I did or did not have pinworm]
4. Check your diet, peanuts caused my itch
5. Change underwear twice daily, if doing sports more
5.1 If you sweaty, use a baby wipe to clean yourself, the salt in the sweat will make the itch worse
6. Hot baths provide some relief but dont really stop the itch you need to follow some of the above steps
7. People spend more time sat in front of a computer, so if you do buy a soft cushion to sit on
To date the itch is all but gone just some minor irritation remains. At its peak I could of used a fork to scrape and scratch away so bad was the irritation.. And for all you fellow sufferer's you have my sympathy...lol
Over the Counter
Posted by Wisdom Ace (Port Huron, Michigan) on 12/26/2012
★★★★★
I have used ointment for this after showering. Just an amount the size of the end of your finger is all it takes. After drying real good with a towel I dry completly with a hair dryer then I apply a small amount of Ointment to the hemmoroid and anus area. Thats it. It's a very old remedy. I live in Michigan and can only find it at one Walgreen's store in town. Active ingredients: Camphor, 3.0%, anti itching. Phenol, 2.5%, anesthetic. Tannic acid, 6.6% astringent. Other ingredients: Petrolatum, Bees Wax, Lavender Oil The trademark is PBO and it's in a yellow container. could be in a tube or a small plastic jar of 3oz. My mother and Uncle used this preparation for years with success. Thats why I use it too.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sean (London, Uk) on 11/26/2012
★★★★★
just given it a try and feels better already!