5 Causes of anal itching experienced by adults

Itching sensation in the anus is certainly uncomfortable and may be embarrassing for most people. The sensation can even get so bad that you feel the need to scratch repeatedly. So, what exactly causes anus itching?

There are various causes of anal itching

There are various things that cause anal itching, from irritation to certain health conditions.

1. Not cleaning completely after defecating

The anus is the opening through which feces come out. Stool consists of food waste, bacteria, and various chemical compounds from digestion.

Some chemicals in the stool sometimes cause itching when passing through the anus.

If you don't clean your buttocks properly after you have a bowel movement, the stool can stick to the anus. The combination of various bacteria and chemical compounds in the stool eventually aggravates an itchy anal condition.

2. Irritation due to disease or cleaning products

Irritation is the most common cause of anal itching. The trigger can come from disorders of the digestive system, such as constipation and chronic diarrhea.

Irritation in the anal area can also be caused by skin diseases that affect the entire body, such as scabies and psoriasis.

You also have to be careful when choosing body cleansing products. Products such as soaps, powders, perfume sprays, and wet wipes can also cause irritation of the anus.

Itching can get worse if you clean the anus with hot water.

3. Diet

The food and drinks you consume have an effect on the condition of your stool and anus. For example, coffee can loosen the anal muscles so that stool is easier to pass. Stool becomes easier to stick to the anus and causes itching.

Some types of food and drink also cause anal itching by triggering irritation in the area. Foods and drinks that need to be limited when the anus feels itchy includes:

Citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons
Spicy food, sauces, chili sauce, chili powder, and the like
Chocolate
Nuts
Milk and its products
Tea
Energy drinks, soda and beer

4. Use of antibiotics

Antibiotics work by killing or inhibiting bacterial growth. However, this means that the beneficial bacteria found in the anus may also die.

As a result, the balance of the number of anal bacteria is disturbed so that the anus is susceptible to other microbes.

Types of antibiotics that have the potential to cause anal itching are broad-spectrum antibiotics such as tetracycline and erythromycin. This drug works by eradicating all bacteria, both harmful and beneficial to health.

5. Disorders of the digestive system

Another factor that often causes anal itching is digestive system disorders. You may experience this complaint if you have conditions such as:

Hemorrhoids. This disease is characterized by swelling of the blood vessels in the rectum and anus. Swollen blood vessels can trigger an inflammatory reaction. One of the symptoms is itching and a burning sensation.
Tear or wound in the anus. The anus can experience tearing due to frequent straining during bowel movements, chronic diarrhea, and Crohn's disease. Torn wounds can cause symptoms of itching.
Anal fistula. This condition is characterized by the formation of a channel between the colon and anus. These ducts usually become infected, then trigger a sore and itchy feeling in the anus.
Bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Infection of the anus will trigger inflammation and a red rash. As a result, the anus feels itchy.
Genital warts. The cause of anal itching can also come from sexually transmitted infections such as genital warts. This disease is caused by infection human papillomavirus with typical symptoms of itching.

Anal itching is a common condition that will go away in a short time. However, you should consult a doctor if the itching doesn't go away or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Problems with the anus can usually be treated by a general practitioner. In certain cases, a specialist may need to carry out further tests to determine the cause of anal itching.