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.
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 Tom (Medford, Oregon) on 07/09/2010
★★★★★
Itchy butt got worse turning into sleepless nights. After trying almost everything, I found out wearing suspenders stop the sweat from running down the crack of my butt and then I discovered liquid hand sanitizer took away the itchies on my butt. Sleeping mighty fine again.
Avoid Peanuts, Use Coconut Oil
Posted by Todd (Indianapolis, Indiana) on 03/31/2010
Nuts definitely cause it. I just started a workout program that advised nuts for protein. I've been eating almonds like crazy. Then I started getting the itch! I can stop taking them and the problem goes away. I think I can also get used to it after eating them for awhile?
I thought maybe there were little undigested pieces of the almonds causing the problem, but who knows maybe there is some kind of reaction.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tom (Munster, In) on 10/16/2009
Out of desparation I tried a brand of lip balm (Carmex) on my itchy anus. It worked incredibly well to instantly stop the itch. I don't suppose Carmex would ever suggest using a lip product for the anus......... but it works instantly. I hide my Carmex as I don't want anyone to ask to "borrow some" (if they knew they'd never ask) Tom
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Faith (St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands) on 08/18/2009
★★★★★
Trust me, the apple cider vinegar works for the "itchy butt". I've used it a number of times. I get itchy when i eat too many carbohydrates. I use apple cider vinegar for must skin irritations and it works. :)
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bee (Somewhere, Mo) on 08/11/2009
Ahhha..so I think that must be true about too much probiotics causing an itchy butt. I have never had this problem, despite having IBS, irritation...yes...but itching like crazy like this..never!! It's so annoying. I haven't taken any probiotics today to see if it will help. I just recently started them and then upped the amount. I will definitely cut back. As far as trying to get rid of the itch...some improvement with the tea tree oil on a cotton ball. Kept it on there for about 5 mins. Felt cooling and soothing, minor sting, not bad at all, but only lessened the itch. So I put some zinc oxide ointment which kept it under control most of the day, but now it's itching again. I just put some VCO to see how that helps. No change yet. But hoping it will stop eventually with reducing the probiotics!!
MSM, Raw Garlic
Posted by Shandy (Limerick, Ireland) on 07/06/2009
Sorry, please could you explain for the ignorant (me!) What is MSM?
MSM, Raw Garlic
Posted by PB (Vancouver, BC, Canada) on 07/03/2009
★★★★★
Anal Itch remedy: 5gm MSM/ 2 cloves raw garlic, taken 2x per day at the beginning of a meal.
This webpage should mention that Pinworms cause anal itching. Pinworms cause itchy butt by depositing a gel around the anus, where they lay their eggs. Butt scratching is an important part of the pinworm lifecylce. If itchy butt wakes you up at night -- you probably have pinworms.
I struggled with anal itch for 10+ years, finding many remedies that cleared symptoms temporarily. I've also tried numerous 'parasite cleanse' remedies, including zapper. I was even tested for parasites and declared "clear". Yet, itching would recur, soon.
On a recent trip to India, I discussed my problem with an ayurvedic doctor who diagnosed me with "worms", and prescribed an ayurvedic deworm remedy (krimighnavatika) -- which I took for four months. After two months symptoms had mostly disappeared. This is the longest I had been without symptoms since I could remember. But the symptoms returned when I got off the medicine. I believe the doctor's diagnoses about "worms" to be correct... he told me that the longer I'd been infested (i.e. how many worms and eggs I have inside me) -- the longer I'd have to take the medicine. Four months was not enough.
This confirmed to me that I had worms that were not cleared by western style natural health parasite cleanse methods. I've lived and traveled extensively in Central America and in Asia, and I guess I have something from there that isn't seen that often in N.A. and Europe.
I could not afford to take the ayurvedic medicine indefinitely. Searching the internet for "deworm" remedies, I encountered a veternary sites that were discussing alternate therapies for worm infestations in livestock. In some searches, there was overlap in discussions between livestock and humans. Somewhere along the line, I ran across a site discussing MSM, administered in super doses causing a choking effect on worms.
That site recommended 5gm dissolved in a few ounces of water taken right before the main morning meal and again before the main evening meal. Then with those meals, 2 raw cloves of garlic, finely chopped, or crushed. (I butter a slice of bread, spread the garlic over the butter, and add a slice of cheese... yummy ... and a good antidote for the bitter MSM drink). Don't take more than 4 raw cloves per day -- too much will inflame your stomach and cause cramping. You can eat as much thoroughly cooked garlic as you want in addition to the raw garlic.
You stay on this regimen until symptoms subside, then slowly reduce the dose. MSM advocates recommend MSM be used daily (1gm) for health maintenance. Claims are made that it helps move blood to joints, hairs, and nails, and also lubricates cell linings allowing toxins to be more easily removed (which is how it clears worms). I can also claim that, at age 53, my beard has started growing faster, and much less hair falls out in the shower!
I have had astounding results with this method -- for the first few weeks there were worms appearing in my bowel movements every few days... about 4 different shapes. I haven't found any worm/parasite images anywhere on the internet to match them to. The most common type is not a worm at all, but looks like a tiny jellyfish, maybe 5mm across. I expect there's probably stuff I can't see coming out as well -- the ones I've seen are all white. I've only seen one mixed in with fecal matter. I hadn't had a worm show up in weeks, then this morning I had one about an inch long -- so it's still not over -- but I'm managing with out the ayurvedic medicine, and I'm happy about that.
While I used to be awoken at night by itching, now itch only occurs after a bm. But the degree of itching after BM has subsided considerably. I have also made significant lifestyle changes... Asian style hygiene in the bathroom (i.e. wipe with water) ... always brush fingers and under nails after using bathroom, and before handling food. Avoid handling food with hands, avoid touching face with hands.
I can say whatever I have is not communicable (unlike pinworms, which are easily transferred to anybody you touch with your hands)... been in two relationships during these years, and neither partner picked up my parasites.
Personal Hygiene Bottle
Posted by Lynne (Dayton, Ohio) on 06/22/2009
★★★★★
I suffer with anal itching usually around my menstral cycle. When I gave birth to my daughter years ago, the hospital gave me a personal hygiene bottle. You fill the bottle with water and wash your rear with it. Ever since then I use it every time I go to the bathroom. I have ordered several bottles off of hospital supply websites and keep at least one bottle in every bathroom. I even take them with me when I travel. You can't beat them for cleansing. You don't have to further irritate the area by wiping to get clean. For severe cases I put castor oil on a cotton ball and keep it on the area for a while and it brings me relief.
EC: personal hygiene bottle = enema bag/hot water bottle
Rubbing Alcohol
Posted by Alma (Sparta, Ga) on 06/21/2009
The request by the boyfriend to have someone "blow on his butt" is not something you should do. If he has a pinworm infestation, the eggs are deposited by the females during the night on the exterior of the buttocks and will become airborne resulting in the person doing the "blowing" becoming infected. To see the pinworm go to Google and type into the search block "pinworm image" without the quotation marks.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jasmine (Tucson, Az) on 06/21/2009
If you take too much acidolphilus or any probiotic supplement you will definitely get an itchy butt--I guarantee it! That is one easy way to tell if you are overdosing. You will think you have pinworms as it feels like just like something is moving or crawling at the anal opening.
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!
Rubbing Alcohol
Posted by Ronson (Mountain City, TN) on 06/11/2009
★★★★★
itchy butt: I found your site while searching for alternative treatment for hbp. In only 3 days my results have been nothing short of miraculous. Thank you earth clinic and to all of the people who contribute to your website. I'd also like to contribute a remedy of my own to the itchy butt ailment category. My line of work requires that I am exposed to extreme heat both from the sun and 400 degree asphalt which irritates or chaps my and my co-workers butt regularly. The best and quickest cure for this is rubbing alcohol! Yes, it burns like heck for about 15 seconds, but as soon as the burning stops, healed! A fan blowing directly to the area helps alot. I've tried getting my girlfriend to blow until it stops burning, but she just laughs too hard to make any wind.
Tea Tree Oil
Posted by Brad (New York, NY) on 06/08/2009
★★★★★
I suffered miserably for months with anal itch. I don't know how it came about, it wasn't poor hygeine or anything that can be explained. I went to my physician, a specialist and was prescibed several medications that only made the situation worse. They couldn't explain it either. They just said keep the area dry. The itch was insane, I would come home from work and literally sit in front of the computer researching for hours how to beat my pain. It started in August, it ended in recently this June. TEA TREE OIL. Don't dillute it. 3-5 drops on a cotton ball, hold to the area for 1 minute. Wait five minutes then apply some corn starch to the area. twice a day should work, or as many times as needed. Yes it will burn at first, BUT it is followed with a cooling sensation. In some instances the itch comes on for a few minutes because it is such a strong astringent that it may irritate the skin.
An example of how this works: I had gone on a horrible drinking binge this past thursday followed by 3 cups of coffee that friday. Alcohol and Coffee are horrible for my condition. Once I go to the bathroom, I'm itching all day. Anyway, I had a date that night and didn't want to break it. Half way through the date I couldn't even think straight and was clearly bothered by the itching. I was ready to call it a night, but we decided to go shopping at the mall. I couldn't take it anymore so I thought I would buy some tea tree oil (knowing that it worked previously) and run to the mens room to apply it. Luckily a local nutrition store had it. Thanks to the Tea Tree oil the date continued for another 3 hrs, my tush felt 100 percent better... God Bless this oil.
Highly Recommended.
Sunflower Seeds
Posted by Lois (NYC, NY) on 03/31/2009
butt itch: sunflower seeds are great for it
Witch Hazel, Diaper Rash Cream
Posted by Maria (Bethany, CT) on 01/20/2009
★★★★★
Itchy Butt: I also suffered from this. Two things worked. The first was witch hazel. Saturate a cotton ball and apply to the infected area. Slight sting but worth it. What many don't realize is that sometimes toilet paper alone doesn't do the job and that any amount of (stuff) left behind (pun intended) may cause a reaction to that sensitive area. I suggest using either flushable wipes, or wet the T.P. and wipe again. Also, good old baby diaper rash formula works wonders. If you are still having problems, consider the possibility of diet and/or parasite. Consider a
parasite/worm natural cleanse product that contains black walnut hull and extract. Good luck!
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 Jeannie (NYC, NY) on 12/18/2008
I have been suffering since last January. All of a sudden, if I drink coffee I have diarrhea and really harsh burning and itching of the butt. (I have been drinking coffee since I was a child). I stopped coffee and started drinking tea. That was OK for a few months now I can't have more than 2 cups of tea or it starts hurting. Now, tomato sauce, veggie burgers, a glass of wine - anything with high fiber! I went to a gastrointerologist who suggested I get a colonoscopy. Afterwards he said there was nothing wrong except that I had some diverticulitis in my upper left colon. I stopped all the foods that irritate me. Last night I had a veggie burder (I haven't had one in about six months so I thought I'd give it a try). My butt itched all morning and when I went into the bathroom, my butt had "leaked" and there was a mess in my pants. I need to tell you that I am in very good physical condition. I eat healthy food, exercise, never smoked or drank (an occasional glass of wine) - I am mortified writing this message. has anyone else had a similar thing happen and what was diagnosis. Thanks for your help.
Zinc Oxide
Posted by Lucky (Denver, Colorado USA) on 12/16/2008
★★★★★
Itchy butt: Try Zinc Oxide, It is often in remedies for diaper rash. I used it on my kids and when I had that same problem, it worked on me.
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.
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 TraderJosie (Maricopa, AZ) on 11/11/2008
I had an itchy butt for 2 years and I finally cured it with MEBENZADOLE the mexican name is VERMOX
(for parasitic infection) I asked my doc. for some and I took it once every 10 days for two months. No more itchy butt.
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.
Olive Oil
Posted by Janis (Renton, US.) on 11/10/2008
I had an awful anal itch around the age of 50 and at that same age I found out that I had colon polps. After I had a colonoscopy and had 2 polyps removed, I never had another anal itch. It may be just a coincidence or the polyps may have caused the itch somehow. Anyway, if you have reached age 50 or over or if colon polyps run in your family, you may need to get a colonoscopy at a younger age, if you are younger than 50.When I had the anal itch it was constant and I didn't have hemrhoids either. Good luck. I hope you can get the cause of the itch figured out.
Olive Oil
Posted by Paul (Uxbridge, MA) on 11/09/2008
★★★☆☆WORKED TEMPORARILY
Suffering from anal itch. For the past four months I have been suffering from this nagging itch that I can't get rid of no matter what I try. I have made significant changes in my diet (no more sugar, very little caffeine), tried every medication, it even got to the point where I used a suppository because my rectum was itching. I no longer wipe the area, instead I use alcohol free wipes and pat the area. Nothing has worked. I have been to my physician twice and he prescribed two different topical creams that haven't worked. I find myself going on the internet on a daily basis to get rid of this, and had to leave work early this week b/c of the itch. My doctor and I have ruled out pinworms, anal fissures and hemoroids. I personally think its just broken skin that has been irritated further from all the creams and medicine i have been putting on it. The past few days I have been applying refrigerated extra virgin olive oil to the area. It has a soothing feel to it and the itch goes away for a little while. The olive oil seems to absorb very quickly so it doesn't feel greasy. We shall see what happens, but I refuse to get back on medications for this because they only seemed to make it worse.
