RECTAL ITCHING

Few sensations are more unpleasant than having an itch you can’t reach. Rectal itching is even worse. You don’t want to scratch in public. Even in private, scratching doesn’t always help and often makes the itching worse.

Many things cause rectal itching, including hemorrhoids or irritation in the delicate tissues around the anus. Most of the time, however, it’s easy to prevent or even stop entirely. Here are a few ways to get to the bottom of it.

Sit in a warm tub. One of the easiest ways to soothe rectal itching is simply to sit in a warm bath for awhile. Soaking cleanses the area and the warm water increases circulation, which will help you feel better. Since tissues around the anus may be raw or irritated, it’s good idea to soak in plain water. Adding bath beads or oils to the water may make the irritation worse.

Douse it with witch hazel. This traditional remedy can be very soothing for an anal itch. Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel and apply it for a few seconds. You’ll instantly feel a rush of cool relief. It’s safe to apply witch hazel every few hours, or as often as necessary to ease the itch.

Put on some petroleum jelly. An itch where you sit could occur simply because the area is dry. Applying a little petroleum jelly will help moisturize the delicate anal lining and will protect it from further irritation.