Common causes of an itchy bottom
There's not always a clear cause of an itchy bottom. If it gets better quickly, it might have been caused by something that doesn't need treatment, like sweating a lot in hot weather.
If it lasts for longer, you might be able to get an idea of the cause from any other symptoms you have. But don't self-diagnose – see a GP if you're worried.
| Other symptoms with itchy bottom |
Possible causes |
| Gets worse at night, worms in poo (they look like small pieces of thread) |
threadworms, especially in children |
| Lumps, bright red blood and pain when pooing |
piles (haemorrhoids) |
| Poo leaking or pooing you can't control |
diarrhoea or incontinence |
| Sores, swelling or irritation |
fungal infection, STI like genital warts |
| Itching elsewhere on the body |
skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis |
| While using long-term medication |
side effect of steroid creams, some gels and ointments for anal fissure, and peppermint oil |
It's unusual for an itchy anus on its own to be related to something more serious. But in rare cases, it may be a sign of something like anal or bowel cancer, so it's important to get it checked by your GP.
Things You Can Try 