Why is hemorrhoid itch

You may try limiting alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated beverages, tomatoes, chocolate, milk products, vitamin C or citrus juices. Recent changes in your diet may have to be adjusted.

A yeast elimination diet may help. Try avoiding hot spices and peppers. Stress management is also important. Topical hydrocortisone creams are occasionally helpful on a short term basis. Bacterial infections may require topical antibiotics. Super absorbent powder, Zeasorb, may be used for excessive sweating. Five percent Xylocaine ointment and antihistamines such as Benadryl may help stop the itching.

These measures may only help the symptoms but not address the underlying problem. Dry paper or excess washing may tear the skin and make it worse. Balneol pads or lotion may be used to help clean after bowel movements. It may take several days for the itching to improve. Using local hemorrhoid creams to numb the area may make the problem worse because they help keep the area moist or may cause a local skin inflammation from contact dermatitis.

We do not recommend the use of steroids by themselves as it will only provide minimal temporary improvement and can make the underlying skin infection worse. Over the counter anti-fungal creams are not approved by the FDA for rectal usage. The FDA and many physicians feel a proper diagnosis and treatment requires the examination by a qualified physician.

It is important to be sure of the diagnosis and avoid missing other conditions that may cause itching and a rash. If the anal itching is not better after one week, it is time to see a specialist. It is best to be safe and not worry as occasionally there is something more serious going on. Rapid improvement can be obtained to rectal itching with the proper prescription of antifungal creams and the rubber band ligation of internal hemorrhoids.

Anyone who has eaten too much hot salsa may know the unique pain of a warm reminder the next day after a bowel movement. The same peppers that make spicy food irresistible to eat can cause discomfort and irritation to the skin around your anus.

Too much spicy food is only one potential dietary cause of anal itchiness. Citrus fruits, tomatoes, caffeinated drinks, dairy products, and even chocolate have been identified as potential irritants. Not everyone who is scratching at their shorts is going to have to give up their beloved chocolate bar or much-loved caffeine jolt, but it is possible that you may need to modify your diet if you have a condition such as inflammatory bowel disease or Crohn's disease.

An itchy bottom is something you certainly don't want to talk about, and some people may be hesitant to practice good self care of their backsides. There is no reason to be hesitant, though, as simple home remedies can often clear up the underlying cause of your anal itching.

The first thing to do is ensure you are keeping the area around your anus free of excess moisture and other potential irritants. Cleaning the area with warm water and a clean washcloth when you bathe is a start. Ensuring you are keeping the area around your anus dry is the next step. Wearing loose, breathable cotton underwear can help ensure excess moisture does not build up on irritated skin. Over-the-counter medications are available to help relieve the itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids and other conditions.

These creams are applied to the affected area and contain a variety of active ingredients, including hydrocortisone, zinc-oxide, or capsaicin cream. If your anal itching proves to be persistent and hard to get rid of, you may need to seek medical advice. Depending on the underlying cause of your condition, your doctor may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic cream.

Keeping the area around your anus clean is the best way to make sure you aren't getting the urge to scratch at your behind. Preventing or treating pruritis ani is often possible by keeping your backside clean and ensuring you are getting everything dry after you bathe. Just be careful to be gentle and not overdo it. It is important to keep things clean down below, but too much cleaning can also irritate the sensitive skin around your anus.

Practicing good hygiene overall will help reduce the possibility of fungal or yeast infections, and managing your diet if you have any known food allergies or digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease are all ways to help prevent the need to scratch at your anus. Maintaining a good diet and getting enough exercise also helps keep things under control under your beltline. Significant recovery time. No sedation required.

Requires sedation. Learn more about Hemorrhoidectomy ». Uses painful metal clamps. Low risk of bleeding. Increased risk of bleeding. Endoscopic Banding No prep required. Requires fasting and bowel prep. Quick - most bandings take only a minute. Time consuming. Other office procedures include laser or infrared coagulation, sclerotherapy, and cryosurgery.

They all work on the same principle as rubber band ligation but are not quite as effective in preventing recurrence. Side effects and recurrence vary with the procedure, so consult your physician about what's best for your situation.

You may need surgery if you have large protruding hemorrhoids, persistently symptomatic external hemorrhoids, or internal hemorrhoids that return despite rubber band ligation. In a traditional hemorrhoidectomy, a narrow incision is made around both external and internal hemorrhoid tissue and the offending blood vessels are removed.

The procedure requires general anesthesia, but patients can go home the same day. Patients can usually return to work after 7—10 days. Despite the drawbacks, many people are pleased to have a definitive solution to their hemorrhoids. An alternative to traditional hemorrhoidectomy is called stapled hemorrhoidopexy.

This procedure treats bleeding or prolapsed internal hemorrhoids. The surgeon uses a stapling device to anchor the hemorrhoids in their normal position. Like traditional hemorrhoid removal, stapled hemorrhoidopexy is performed under general anesthesia as day surgery. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

This Harvard Medical School guide discusses simple self-help and over-the-counter remedies to help you find relief. The guide will help you identify the type of hemorrhoids you have and understand why they occur, and then guide you through different treatment options. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

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