Battling Anal Itch


In order to make a 100% personalised product for someone, I ask them a lot of questions. This also means I am privy to some very private information – sometimes completely unrelated to the product I am commissioned to create.

Today's post is in the very private category. We're taking a look at a certain itchiness that won't go away.


Persistent itchiness

No matter which part of the body is affected, experiencing persistent itchiness is both irritating and uncomfortable. But pruritus ani – itchy anus – is perhaps the most uncomfortable of all. Scratching this particular area is not at all advisable, making the condition even more insufferable.

It's not a widespread phenomenon, but neither is it all that rare. Pruritus ani - which can vary greatly in severity - affects between 1-5% of all adults.

Today, I'm going to share how a friend of mine found relief.


Stopping an Itch

This is a simple, inexpensive method that is based entirely on balancing the pH of the affected area.

Before we begin, it must be made very clear that:
  1. This person did not categorise their itchiness as severe. Their description: 'it happens often enough to where it is disruptive but isn't quite irritating enough to make me want to visit the doctor'.
  2. This person was in good health and had no problems of any other kind in the anal area
  3. This person did not suffer from any kind of persistent itchiness in any other area of the body


Now, on to the method that helped this person.

Necessities


  • Himalaya Crystal Salt Bar
  • Aloe vera (in liquid form)



Method


  • Wash the area with gentle, perfume-free soap 
  • Wet the salt bar with the aloe vera and gently dab the anal area with the wet bar
  • Allow the skin to air dry
  • Proceed with life


Why it Happens in The First Place

Even though it is not always possible to determine the exact cause of pruritus ani, there are several possible causes, a few of which could be

  • too much cleanliness
  • too little cleanliness
  • excessive use of perfumed or deodorised soaps
  • excessive intake of spicy foods
  • anal incontinence


If you suffer from persistant anal itching - do visit your doctor. There are several treatment options available.

Do Tell

If you, or someone you know has tried this method and had success with it, I'd love to hear about it in a comment below. This method helped one person (so far) and I am not 'eligible' to try it, so I'd appreciate your feedback!


 More About Pruritus Ani

Description of the Condition (PMC)
ASCRS - About pruritus ani
MedicineNet.com - About Anal Itching
Wikipedia- Pruritus Ani
British Association of Dermatologists - patient information leaflet


Comments

Anonymous said…
I have no personal experience with this but it sounds like a good solution. 😉 I have used the salt bar for other itchy skin problems and the addition of aloe sounds like a real plus. Thanks for the tip. JNC
Unknown said…
I also haven't had personal experience with this. However, after a somewhat long-ish hospital stay (for me), I came home with an unidentifiable rash in other sensitive parts. I used my unscented salt bar soap. It worked wonders! Even though it did burn a little at first. But given the choice between a slight burn feeling and severe itchiness, I'll take burn every time. My rash is almost gone now and it hasn't been 2 weeks yet.
LisaLise said…
Thanks JNC - I have slso had luck with the salt bar for dry patches ( which are often itchy), and that's what made me duggest it to this client.
LisaLise said…
Hey there Dian - I know what you mean about the slight burn. I remember when I first tried a salt bar years ago on a dry patch of skin that it stung a bit, but it quickly disappeared. I agree with you - I'd choose a short stinging over prolonged itch any day. Glad to hear you are almost rash free!