If you’re constantly needing to scratch your bottom, especially at night, you’re not alone. Persistent anal itching, known medically as pruritus ani, is a common but frustrating condition. At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we help patients understand what’s causing the irritation – and offer effective, lasting solutions.
What is pruritus ani?
Pruritus ani simply means itching around the anus – the area where your bowel opens. The sensation may range from mild irritation to intense, overwhelming itchiness that affects your sleep, comfort, and confidence.
You might notice:
- An urge to scratch, especially at night or after bowel movements
- Redness or soreness in the anal area
- Moisture or irritation in the skin around the anus
- Flaky or broken skin from frequent scratching
The itching can be made worse by heat, sweating, tight clothing or certain foods.
What causes anal itching?
Often, itching is caused by minor irritation – but if it doesn’t go away, it’s worth getting checked. Common causes include:
- Poor hygiene – or over-washing with soaps that irritate the skin
- Excess moisture – from sweating, incontinence or mucus leakage
- Haemorrhoids (piles) – swollen veins that may itch, bleed or leak mucus
- Skin conditions – such as eczema, psoriasis or fungal infections
- Anal fissures – small tears that cause discomfort and irritation
- Worms or parasites – especially in children, but also in adults
- Food triggers – spicy foods, caffeine, citrus or alcohol
- Excess wiping or use of scented wipes – which can damage sensitive skin
- Underlying bowel conditions – such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Rarely, persistent itching can be caused by anal or skin cancer – especially if there’s a lump, ulcer or bleeding that doesn’t heal.
When should I seek help?
You should see a specialist if:
- The itching has lasted more than 2–3 weeks
- It keeps returning despite good hygiene
- You’ve tried over-the-counter creams with no relief
- There’s bleeding, discharge or pain
- The skin is broken, weeping or becoming thickened
- You feel embarrassed or unable to manage the symptoms
You don’t have to live with constant discomfort – professional treatment can make a big difference.
How we investigate anal itching
At The Midlands Bowel Clinic, we carry out a gentle and respectful assessment. This may include:
- Careful examination of the anal area
- Proctoscopy – a short, painless procedure to look inside the anal canal
- Stool tests – to check for parasites or infections
- Swabs or skin scrapings – if infection or dermatitis is suspected
- Biopsy – in rare cases where skin changes look unusual
- Assessment for haemorrhoids, fissures or skin conditions
We listen carefully, take your concerns seriously, and focus on long-term relief.
Treatment options
Treatment will depend on the cause of your itching. We may recommend:
- Skin care advice – including switching to gentle, non-irritating hygiene products
- Topical treatments – such as steroid creams, antifungals or barrier ointments
- Lifestyle changes – like avoiding certain foods, wearing loose clothing, and staying dry
- Medication – for underlying conditions such as haemorrhoids or IBD
- Minor procedures – for haemorrhoids, skin tags or chronic irritation
- Specialist referral – to dermatology or allergy clinics if needed
Our goal is to stop the cycle of itching and scratching, and help you feel comfortable again.
Why choose The Midlands Bowel Clinic?
We’re a leading centre for bowel health in the Midlands, offering fast access to expert care and advanced diagnostics. Our experienced consultants work with you to find the cause of your symptoms and deliver safe, effective treatment in a comfortable setting.
Contact us
If anal itching is affecting your daily life or not going away, don’t suffer in silence. Contact The Midlands Bowel Clinic today to book a private, supportive consultation and start your path to relief.
