Anal itching which is known as pruritus ani in medical term is an intense sensation that urges people to scratch it. Accompanying with itching sensation are soreness, burning sensation, redness, swelling, dryness and irritation which often occur near the anal area after a bowel movement.
Anal Itching affects both men and women at any given age but more common between the age of 30 and 50. Skin-related problems and internal medical issues are the main reasons. Problems associated with skin include fecal spoilage, excessive sweating, excessive friction in the anal area, improper anal hygiene, exposure to chemical-based substances. Among these skin-related problems, skin irritation accounts for the most common cause of anal itching.
Contributing to medical issues are food allergies, psoriasis, seborrhea, constipation, sexually transmitted, fungal and yeast infections and recent antibiotic use. Many people find it annoying and embarrassing but this disease can be treated with many of following easy natural home remedies.
1. Proper anal hygiene
Irritation of the skin is the main cause leading to anal itching so it is necessary to keep your anus clean and avoid any irritated chemical. Clean your anal area gently after bowel movements and during the shower. After that, remember to dry the area thoroughly with a towel or toilet paper. You can also use corticoid lotions or cream topically to relieve any irritation of the skin. Do not scratch your anal area if you do not want to make it worse.
2. Consider high fiber diet
Remember to consume more food that contains a high level of fiber like cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetable and cut down the consumption of spicy food, coffee, and beer to stay away from constipation, a high-risk factor causing anal itching.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
With anti-fungal properties, apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy for treating and controlling both yeast and fungal infections that cause anal itching. You can either drink a glass of water that added with two tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar or soak in a hot bathtub with a cup of apple cider vinegar in it to reduce the itching sensation.
It is good for bacterial vaginosis.
4. Garlic
Garlic contains antibiotic, anti-fungal properties that are useful in treating any infections relating to anal itching. Besides, it helps to remove intestinal worms which are also a cause of anal itching. You can eat 2-3 raw garlic gloves when you are hungry for one week. Otherwise, you can boil 2 crushed garlic cloves in a ½ cup of milk and drink it when your stomach empty in a week.
5. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera can reduce not only the inflammation and soreness but itching sensation in your anal itching because of its’ soothing and calming function.
- You first slice a fresh aloe Vera leaf and extract its’ gel
- Put the gel on the area for 5 minutes
- Repeat this procedure after few hours.
6. Yogurt
For dealing with anal itching that caused by yeast infection, unsweetened probiotic yogurt is the only effective yogurt. It contains live active bacteria which is potential to control the growth of infection. Direct rub some yogurt on the anal area and leave it there for 20 to 30 minutes or overnight if possible. After that, use warm water to rinse it off and dry it thoroughly. You can also take advantage of 2 to 3 cups of plain yogurt every day to boost your gut bacteria and deal with constipation.
7. Oatmeal
Oatmeal can also be used in treating anal itching because of its’ anti-inflammatory, anti-irritation and soothing function. Prepare 1 to 2 cups of oatmeal or unprocessed oat flour then dilute them into a bathtub filled with warm water. Then soak yourself in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes and it will be more effective you bath in an oatmeal bath once or twice daily.
8. Coconut oil
Like garlic, coconut oil has antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties. Therefore, it is one the most common and useful remedies for anal itching. Coconut oil can fight with many infections associated with anal itching, the especially effect in eliminating intestinal worm. You should consume from 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil daily by directly eating it or for cooking purposes. You can also rub the affected area with some warm coconut oil several times a day then the itching and burning sensations will be relieved.
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