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.
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.
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 Jo (Columbus Ohio) on 11/18/2016
I've had itchy rectal area for several years. When I stop using hot spices it goes away- when I go back to hot spices it comes back. I think the spices inflame hemmoroids and fissures and cause itching and pain. I use wet wipes to clean the rectal area after using the bathroom and that helps. Vinegar helps somewhat. My pharmacist told me to use hydrocortisone cream for the itchness for a few days (around the outside of rectum only)to heal and lay off the spices.
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 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!
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.
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Vince (England) on 04/04/2015
Worked for me!
Eliminate Coffee
Posted by Ck (Indiana) on 01/26/2016
★★★★★
Mine was caused by coffee too. I stopped drinking it when I was pregnant and the itching went away. It came back almost right away when I started drinking it again, which is when I made the connection.
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
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Jay Jay (Sydney, Nsw Australia) on 11/15/2012
★★★★★
Both me and my partner had the itch. It was
excruciating! I tried ACV and this definitely stopped it for a while but man it hurt!
When it came back I tried ACV again taping it on overnight as some had suggested and holy crap the next day INFECTION!!!!!!! White pussy and open sores disgusting mess. WTF!!!! OWWWWWWWWWW sad sad sad.
Luckily I have a silver colloid machine. I soaked a soft cotton ball in silver and gently wedged it against my anus and kept it there overnight. Next day was not infected and 80% better!
I cut fresh pieces of aloe vera leaf and soothed it on to heal the sores - sticky, icky but oh so soothing.
One week later - Fixed the sores But my butt was still itchy!
Decided to bring my own brain back into gear. Most problems that I've had over the years have been due to parasites. Even though there was NO visible signs of parasites I remembered that it is always a good place to start.
Used tablets that contained Black walnut, Chinese Wormwood, barberry, ginger, gentian, thyme oil, cinnamon bark oil.
We are both now itch free, a lot happier and a tiny bit (heaps) embarrassed! Lol
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Itchy Boy's Mom (Boston, Ma) on 09/02/2012
Everyone here is so good natured about this uncomfortable problem. My poor 11 year old has had an itchy butt on and off for a couple of months. We have tried Prep-H and that does next to nothing. By the time we get to the doctor the symptoms have disappeared. Hoping a specialist can rule out other things, but in the meantime I am going to see if he is willing to try the ACV followed by aloe. He does sit on his butt a lot while playing video games (but manages to play outside a lot too! ) and he sits on a donut pillow, but I bet that contributes to his condition. Anyway, thanks for the advice, and I will post again once we try the ACV and aloe.
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!
Nyastatin and Hydrocortisone Cream
Posted by Lynne (Winchester, England) on 03/30/2012
★★★★★
I suffered from this for over 3 months. I was too embarrassed to go to the doctor and also thought it was such a tivial thing I should be able to clear it myself. I tried every remedy on earth clinic and then some! Took some over the counter tablets for worms just in case. Kept scrupulously clean. Nothing worked.
I went to the doc and he prescribed a cream that contains nyastin and 0.5% (VERY WEAK) hydrocortisone. Nyastin cures fungal infections, hydrocortisone often for things like eczema and bites. Worked from the first application and only applied it twice a day for a couple of days. UNBELIEVABLE TOTAL CURE! I imagine that this could be available over the counter or easily on the net. The name begins with T and ends with "dene" 3 years later it came back. Being a slow learner I still tried every home remedy . Had forgotten the name of the cream. Gave up and went to the doc yesterday Itch free from the first application and will continue it for a few days to make sure.Never had any fungal problems in my life which is good for a woman, no thrush or athletes foot. I am 60 and did not think I ever got "sweaty " down there. I have noticed others have commented that high carbs and nuts have caused their symptoms and I must admit I have been eating lots of carbs and just got a thing for eating loads of nuts over the last 3/6 months so they could have something there. Hope this helps someone else.
Bidet
Posted by Joann (Bentonville, Ar ) on 01/31/2012
★★★★★
A bidet made my anal itching all go away. I had wanted one for years, but we didn't have hot water near the stool. I decided to get one anyway and use cold water only until we could run a hot water line to it. My husband hooked it up in just a few minutes. He turned off the water, unscrewed the water line to the stool, then screwed a bidet connection that fit to the water line and the bidet. Water then can go to the toilet, when it is flushed or the bidet, if it is turned on. Everything to hook it up was included.
This one isn't electric and it works great. I bought it on sale at Amazon for $79. The first week the water seemed a little cold and it was summer time. (My daughter said it gave her frost bite. ) I got used to it being cold and it doesn't bother me at all even in the winter time during zero weather. The water to the bidet stays in the waterline in the bathroom and the chill dissipates between uses. I have used it and it didn't bother me.
I have a range of motion problem, so it was very hard to wipe, I had to lay down to clean myself and it would take at least 10 minutes 4 times a day. I get cleaner with the bidet. I sometimes use a hand held bidet with warm water and hand lotion or oil in it to rinse after I have used the stool bidet. The company offers a hand held bidet with the toilet bidet sometimes. A hand held is good when you are away from home but the toilet bidet is a lot better.
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Wintomd (Mount Pleasant, Tx) on 01/12/2012
Anal Itch finally gone. I am 46 and have had the miserable itch since I was 18 years old. I would be embarrassed to tell you everything I have tried but finally found a solution. DESITIN cream (used on baby butts to prevent rash). This is a thick cream that I use once each morning. All the other creams disolve throughout the day or when you wipe and the itch quickly returns. I have gone from feeling like I have poison ivy to forgetting there was ever an itch. I would have paid $1,000 dollars for a remedy but this really works. Good luck.
Gluten-Free Diet
Posted by Amy (Cleveland, Oh) on 01/02/2012
★★★★★
My Answer for Anal Itch: Go GLUTEN-FREE!
This was my answer after a 2-year struggle with itching in various places. Turned out to be a reaction to gluten, an indigestible protein found in many foods. Fortunately, the market is GF friendly, and there are many, many options. Absolutely worth the switch since itching is just one of the many autoimmune reactions of eating gluten.
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.
Hydrogen Peroxide, Polysporin
Posted by Roxmysox (Las Vegas, Nv) on 12/22/2011
Hydrogen peroxide worked for me too, but it was one of three things that helped. Besides hydrogen peroxide, I used thayer's witch hazel w/ aloe vera toner and benadryl. I'm completely itch free.
I should also mention that it doesn't work instantly; it does take a few seconds for it to start working, and a few minutes to fully work.
General Feedback
Posted by Ec (Homesttead, Fl, Usa) on 01/13/2011
This is a horrible, painful and completely embarassing problem. I was horrified to even mention it to my doctor. Thanks for all the great suggestions, will definately try ACV. The only thing that has worked for me in the past is Gold Bond Powder.
Hand Sanitizer
Posted by Boris (Borneo, Aussie) on 02/15/2012
★☆☆☆☆
Don't take this advice! This is very dangerous. Hand sanitizer should never touch the mucosal lining, or else it'll damage it.
Hand Sanitizer
Posted by Worriednow (Tampa, Florida) on 08/18/2012
My mucosal lining must be seriously damaged then because I have been using Hand sanitizer for a good year now.
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 Kerri (Kansas City, MO) on 06/20/2009
itchy butt: Love love love this website. I'm very much into natural healing and run from anything that comes from Big Pharma. I've got to say that I about fell out when I was reading about people's "itchy butt" - side splitters, these testimonials. Please, I'm not making fun, we've all had itchy butt at least once. Christine from NY - loved your comments and the guy that asked his girlfriend to blow on his backside. . . I'm still laughing! OK, back to my reading - too funny!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by James (Houston, Texas) on 08/23/2012
I have reached the same point - I have nothing to lose, I'm going to try the ACV solution and hope for the best. I've tried almost everything else. I too have a high protein diet mostly from chocolate flavored drinks that are premixed, to supplement my workouts. If his proves to be the root cause rest assured I will find another source of protein.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Consider (Somewhere Out There) on 05/20/2016
If tea tree oil did work, and alcohol is worsening your condition, it's definitely the yeasty beasties. Tea Tree Oil is a godsend for yeast.
Sunflower Seeds
Posted by Lois (NYC, NY) on 03/31/2009
butt itch: sunflower seeds are great for it
General Feedback
Posted by M (Sao Paulo, Brazil) on 12/19/2008
I had a similar problem recently. I would get these horrible itching on my behind immediately after going to the bathroom. The only thing that made it go away was showering, but only until the next potty time...
You can make it go away by taking bentonite clay (preferable), or activated charcoal (in my country it's called vegetable coal). Do your homework before running out to buy it, because there are many ways to take it and a few warnings that you must know so you can recognize side affects and adjust things accordingly. The trick is to use an amount that improves regularity and the "quality" of your movements. Everybody is different, find what works for you.
Good luck!
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.
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Buttitch (Kelowna, Bc) on 02/16/2011
I have had an itchy butthole for as long as I can remember. Tried EVERYTHING, creams, vinagars, oils, cleaning etc, NOTHING works. Until one day I bought some over the counter allergy medicine, ya know? for like pollen and sneezing and stuff, well it also says stops itchy skin conditions. Now I'm convinced, it must have been an allergy or something all this time, once I started taking this stuff, (one small pill a day) gone! No more sticking my finger in my buttcrack all day, and I can sleep once again. Lovin' it!!
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Dsaxt (Bridgeport, Ny, Usa) on 07/08/2011
★★★★★
B -12, SOLGAR SUBLIGUAL FOR ANAL ITCH. ITCH WAS REDUCED IN ONE DAY, COMPLETELY GONE IN 3 DAYS. B - 12 FACILITATES CARBS INTO ENERGY, SO, MY PROB MAY HAVE BEEN WITH EATING EXCESS CARBS.
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by CC (SLC, Utah) on 12/07/2008
★★★★★
I had a Itchy/Burning Butt and Reddish Anus (Ouch!) - Doc said to use baby wipes and no dye no fragrance toilet paper (no help). I found with using Aloe (Aloe Vera Skin Gel) & Tea Tree Therapy (Tea Tree Oil Antiseptic Cream) applied to the area that hurt took care of my problem. Thx.
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Wanda (Frankford, Delaware) on 06/25/2018
Very interesting because since I have started on probiotics this has happened to me.
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Gavin (Manganui, Northland, New Zealand) on 09/11/2011
Its definiatly fungal.. If you do nothing it will clear up in a few years. The firsts thing I would try would be Virgin coconut oil internaly and externaly. Start off with three teaspoons a day and smear the oil into the anal cavity and around the buttocks. If this dosnt work (Im sure it will) then try another antifungal. Wash hands thoroughly to avoid reinfrction.
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 09/11/2011
Michael it sounds like you have parasites. Garlic is excellent for parasites.
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Brittany (Grove City, Oh, Usa) on 09/18/2011
CC from SLC: You have a yeast infection in your mouth. I don't know of an herbal or "natural" remedy but I had thrush (yeast in the mouth) after a surgery I had and was put on clotrimazole lozenges. It worked in about a week and I quit taking them and it never returned.
Aloe and Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Anon (Usa) on 06/25/2018
Rubbing alcohol cures fungal infections which it may be.
Colloidal Oatmeal, Mineral Oil
Posted by Paul (Uxbridge, MA) on 12/01/2008
★★★★★
Colloidal Oatmeal & Mineral Oil (Remedy):
I had written a post about how olive oil temporarily relieved this nagging anal itch i've had for months. The olive oil didn't do anything long term but one day I decided to take a bath w/ all natural aveeno bath powder (can be bought at walmart, cvs, etc) and mineral oil (the laxative). This remedy is probably the most soothing for the itch. The Aveeno Bath powder has colloidal oatmeal which is great for skin irritation. The mineral oil works overtime as it stays on the skin after the bath. What I do is mix 4 table spoons of mineral oil w/ one packet of colloidal oatmeal powder into a warm bath. I usually let it soak for 1/2 hour. It takes a few days to truly feel the difference but I can say with confidence that my irritated tush is healed. On a side note, I no longer use regular toilet paper which was the culprit for causing the itch. I switched to moist wipes that contain no alcohol and has Aloe Vera and Vitamin E.
Avoid Peanuts, Use Coconut Oil
Posted by Cheri (Port Charlotte , FL) on 11/10/2008
★★★★★
Well I stopped eating peanuts and my rectum stopped itching. so much that if it says "may contain peanuts" I won't eat it any more It's nice to know what was causing that horrable itch ya can't scratch in public. Also coconut oil for anything ichy or red down there and I get relief.
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
Kidney Beans
Posted by sara (the beaches) on 04/12/2024
so you just take corn starch or you added it to your recipe?
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Shelawford (Hampton, Va) on 07/01/2020
★☆☆☆☆
No, not a cure. Asking for help. I have scratched my butt till it bleeds I have tried all the remedies listed here. Nothing works. I hardly eat any sugar, I'm gluten free for the most part. Try to eat organic and a balanced diet.. Please help, it's becoming unbearable!!!!!
