Home Remedies and Herbs for Anal Itching

Anal itching is a common problem. It is the result of irritation in the anal region and anal canal. It is often accompanied by an intense desire to scratch the affected area for relief which can make anal itching worse. Anal itching and irritation can vary in its intensity depending on a variety of factors. ¹

What Causes Anal Itching?

There are a wide variety of conditions and bodily issues that can cause anal itching. Some of them are:

• Infections
• Skin Conditions
• Hemorrhoids
• Anal tumors
• Pinworms
• Tears in the anal skin
• Psoriasis ²

What are some symptoms of Anal Itching?

Anal itching can have a variety of symptoms. Sometimes they can be very minor and the patient will barely notice them. Other times, the symptoms of anal itching can be more pronounced and indicative of a more serious medical issue. Some of the more common symptoms are:

• Burning
• Soreness (usually after a bowel movement)
• Inflammation of the anal area or anal gland
• Possibly small amounts of bleeding

Anal itching is not only uncomfortable, but it can be a sign of other potential problems which is why a doctor needs to diagnose the patient for accurate results.

Anal Itching Diagnosis

Anal itching is most commonly diagnosed by a qualified physician. The physician will do a general exam of the anal area to check for tears, fissures and other medical issues that may be present. Because some STDs can be a cause of anal itching, the doctor may want to test the patient for any possible STDs. A pinworm test may also be given to check for the presence of worms or their eggs.³

Natural Medicinal Options for Anal Itching

There are a variety of different natural options for treating anal itching. Some of them are topical, while others can be taken by mouth. These natural options include:

• Probiotics-These are thought to help inside the body to regulate the gut function which is linked to how regular our bowel movements are. It is thought that if you are constipated or have bad diarrhea that the problem may start in your gut. These would be taken orally to help anal itching.
• Hydrogen Peroxide can be another effective remedy for anal itching. It would be applied topically. Since peroxide is used to clear away bacteria from the skin, it may be helpful in treating any bacteria around the anal cavity.
• Witch Hazel is another topical remedy that may be effective for treating anal itching. This is because witch hazel has been used for many years to treat irritations of the skin and is thought to be gentle on even the most sensitive areas of the body.

Conclusion

Anal itching is a minor problem in most cases. All people will most likely have this uncomfortable and embarrassing condition at some point in their life. While it can be managed well with natural remedies, the patient should always consult their doctor if they have any of the medical conditions listed in this piece. If the anal itching is accompanied by discharge or bleeding from the anus, the patient should see a doctor immediately for a diagnosis because it can be indicative of a potentially more serious condition.

References

1. http://www.medicinenet.com/anal_itching/article.htm#what_is_anal_itching
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anal-itching/basics/causes/con-20023539
3. http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anal_itching/page2_em.htm