What Causes An Itchy Bottom?

Healthy Me

Although an embarrassing subject to talk about, a lot of people do suffer for an itchy bottom (also known as pruritis ani). Its a very common condition in children quite often caused by pin worms and parasites, what causes it in adults and how do you treat it?

Here are some of the possible causes of anal itching:

  • Allergies to certain foods or contact allergies to chemicals found in body washes, detergents and soaps.
  • Candida or yeast infections – a very common cause and can be treated quite effectively using naturopathic medicine
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Intestinal parasites and pH imbalance (too much acidity ) in the gut causing dysbiosis   (imbalanced flora)
  • Local irritation or eczema
  • Rectal Fissures
  • Sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhoea
  • Scabies
  • Trichomoniasis

Once you have established the cause, you can treat it easily and effectively using various natural treatments. However in the mean time, you can try to following tips that would help soothe the itch:

  • Wiping well after a bowel movement with a cold wet wipe or tissue moistened with water.
  • Applying corn starch or natural baby powder without perfume to keep the area dry as moisture and heat encourages growth of yeast.
  • If you are suffering from hemorrhoids, its important to resolve the swelling first and as well, treat the hemorrhoids and their cause. If constipation is a concern, resolve that first.
  • Try to avoid foods that are acidic and spicy, especially when you have been feeling very itchy.
  • Try applying natural yogurt if you are feeling a burning sensation along with the itch.

The health tips mentioned above maybe very helpful. However, it is important to first identify the cause of the problem before treating any health problem and talk to your health specialist first to correctly diagnose your health issues. If you are interested in treating it using natural remedies and naturopathic medicine, please give us a call at the clinic to schedule an appointment.

By: Dr. Sushma Shah, Toronto Naturopath, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic.

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