When you havediarrhea, food is not fully digested, and many of thestomach acidsanddigestive enzymesused to break down food remain in the stool. These can damage anal tissues, leading toinflammationand pain. By drinking plenty of fluids, keeping the anus clean and moisturized, and making a few simple lifestyle changes, you can reduce or avoid this symptom.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
1
Keep the Anal Area Clean
Tetra Images / Getty Images
To reduce exposure to stomach acids and digestive enzymes in your stool, you need to keep theanal area extra cleanafter bowel movements. This is especially true if you havechronic diarrhea, the condition of which can cause tissues to dry out and crack, leading to ananal fissure.
There are several steps you can take:
How Long Does a Burning Anus Last?With chronic or severe diarrhea, the burning pain can last from several minutes to hours after a bowel movement depending on how severely the tissues are injured.If an anal fissure occurs, the pain and burning may be persistent, worsening after bowel movements and continuing until the fissure fully heals (usually within six weeks withconservative treatment).
How Long Does a Burning Anus Last?
With chronic or severe diarrhea, the burning pain can last from several minutes to hours after a bowel movement depending on how severely the tissues are injured.If an anal fissure occurs, the pain and burning may be persistent, worsening after bowel movements and continuing until the fissure fully heals (usually within six weeks withconservative treatment).
With chronic or severe diarrhea, the burning pain can last from several minutes to hours after a bowel movement depending on how severely the tissues are injured.
If an anal fissure occurs, the pain and burning may be persistent, worsening after bowel movements and continuing until the fissure fully heals (usually within six weeks withconservative treatment).
2Avoid Hot Baths and ShowersGlow Decor / Getty ImagesHot baths and showers can strip away natural body oils. This allows moisture to escape from the skin, causing dryness and chafing.This is especially true if you have cuts or fissures. Soaking these wounds can slow the healing process.An occasional soak in a lukewarm bath can help reduce anal pain or itching, but avoid oversoaking as this can draw moisture from the skin and make your symptoms worse.For a gentle soak, try addingEpsom saltsorcolloidal oatmealto the bath water, both of which have anti-inflammatory effects.Avoid bubble baths or fragranced bath oils or salts which can irritate the skin.
2
Avoid Hot Baths and ShowersGlow Decor / Getty ImagesHot baths and showers can strip away natural body oils. This allows moisture to escape from the skin, causing dryness and chafing.This is especially true if you have cuts or fissures. Soaking these wounds can slow the healing process.An occasional soak in a lukewarm bath can help reduce anal pain or itching, but avoid oversoaking as this can draw moisture from the skin and make your symptoms worse.For a gentle soak, try addingEpsom saltsorcolloidal oatmealto the bath water, both of which have anti-inflammatory effects.Avoid bubble baths or fragranced bath oils or salts which can irritate the skin.
Avoid Hot Baths and Showers
Glow Decor / Getty Images
Hot baths and showers can strip away natural body oils. This allows moisture to escape from the skin, causing dryness and chafing.
This is especially true if you have cuts or fissures. Soaking these wounds can slow the healing process.
An occasional soak in a lukewarm bath can help reduce anal pain or itching, but avoid oversoaking as this can draw moisture from the skin and make your symptoms worse.
For a gentle soak, try addingEpsom saltsorcolloidal oatmealto the bath water, both of which have anti-inflammatory effects.
Avoid bubble baths or fragranced bath oils or salts which can irritate the skin.
3Apply a Barrier Creamgovindji/ShutterstockA barrier cream is a cream or ointment used to coat the skin. This can provide some protection from acids and digestive enzymes in watery stools.Some of the more common options include the following:Hydrocortisone creamis a mild topical steroid that helps reduce inflammation along with anal swelling, redness, and itching. Never apply hydrocortisone cream to broken tissues.Diaper rash creamcontains zinc oxide which also has potent anti-inflammatory effects. As with hydrocortisone, zinc oxide can also cause pain if applied to broken tissues.Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)is a longer-lasting option that can be applied to the anal region one to three times daily to decrease symptoms and prevent anal chafing.Topical vitamin A and vitamin Dare both commonly used asemollient moisturizersto prevent or protect against anal chafing, itching, and redness.Reapply a thin layer of cream after each bowel movement. You can want to apply a layer right before a bowel movement to shield tissues from acidic stools.
3
Apply a Barrier Creamgovindji/ShutterstockA barrier cream is a cream or ointment used to coat the skin. This can provide some protection from acids and digestive enzymes in watery stools.Some of the more common options include the following:Hydrocortisone creamis a mild topical steroid that helps reduce inflammation along with anal swelling, redness, and itching. Never apply hydrocortisone cream to broken tissues.Diaper rash creamcontains zinc oxide which also has potent anti-inflammatory effects. As with hydrocortisone, zinc oxide can also cause pain if applied to broken tissues.Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)is a longer-lasting option that can be applied to the anal region one to three times daily to decrease symptoms and prevent anal chafing.Topical vitamin A and vitamin Dare both commonly used asemollient moisturizersto prevent or protect against anal chafing, itching, and redness.Reapply a thin layer of cream after each bowel movement. You can want to apply a layer right before a bowel movement to shield tissues from acidic stools.
Apply a Barrier Cream
govindji/Shutterstock
A barrier cream is a cream or ointment used to coat the skin. This can provide some protection from acids and digestive enzymes in watery stools.
Some of the more common options include the following:
Reapply a thin layer of cream after each bowel movement. You can want to apply a layer right before a bowel movement to shield tissues from acidic stools.
4Avoid Tight ClothingAlbina Gavrilovic / Getty ImagesWearing tight clothing can cause the build-up of moisture and sweat between your buttocks, which can contribute to skin irritation in and around the anus. They can also increase skin-on-skin friction which can make the anal pain worse.To avoid this:Wear breathable cotton underwear, including loose-fitting boxers, instead of tight synthetic briefs or bikini underwear.Wear loose-fitting pants or a skirt rather than yoga pants or tight jeans.Get out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible, ideally showering down and rinsing away sweat and moisture between your buttocks.
4
Avoid Tight ClothingAlbina Gavrilovic / Getty ImagesWearing tight clothing can cause the build-up of moisture and sweat between your buttocks, which can contribute to skin irritation in and around the anus. They can also increase skin-on-skin friction which can make the anal pain worse.To avoid this:Wear breathable cotton underwear, including loose-fitting boxers, instead of tight synthetic briefs or bikini underwear.Wear loose-fitting pants or a skirt rather than yoga pants or tight jeans.Get out of sweaty clothing as soon as possible, ideally showering down and rinsing away sweat and moisture between your buttocks.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Albina Gavrilovic / Getty Images
Wearing tight clothing can cause the build-up of moisture and sweat between your buttocks, which can contribute to skin irritation in and around the anus. They can also increase skin-on-skin friction which can make the anal pain worse.
To avoid this:
5
Avoid Prolonged Sitting
Kinga Krzeminska / Getty Images
If you have a desk job, avoid sitting for long stretches. Instead, try alternating between sitting and standing every 30 minutes or so.
Gel or grid foam cushions not designed specifically for hemorrhoids can also help.
6Drink Plenty of LiquidsRealPeopleGroup / Getty ImagesDiarrhea can causedehydrationwhich can increase bowel inflammation and contribute to the formation of anal fissures.As a general rule, you should aim to drink aroundeight 8-ounce glasses of fluids per day, ideally plain water. If you have diarrhea, you need to drink more.If your diarrhea is persistent, you can try anelectrolyte-rich sports drinkto replace lostsodium,potassium, and other important minerals. Don’t drink too much, though. Sports drinks tend to be high in sugar which can contribute to diarrhea.
6
Drink Plenty of LiquidsRealPeopleGroup / Getty ImagesDiarrhea can causedehydrationwhich can increase bowel inflammation and contribute to the formation of anal fissures.As a general rule, you should aim to drink aroundeight 8-ounce glasses of fluids per day, ideally plain water. If you have diarrhea, you need to drink more.If your diarrhea is persistent, you can try anelectrolyte-rich sports drinkto replace lostsodium,potassium, and other important minerals. Don’t drink too much, though. Sports drinks tend to be high in sugar which can contribute to diarrhea.
Drink Plenty of Liquids
RealPeopleGroup / Getty Images
Diarrhea can causedehydrationwhich can increase bowel inflammation and contribute to the formation of anal fissures.
As a general rule, you should aim to drink aroundeight 8-ounce glasses of fluids per day, ideally plain water. If you have diarrhea, you need to drink more.
If your diarrhea is persistent, you can try anelectrolyte-rich sports drinkto replace lostsodium,potassium, and other important minerals. Don’t drink too much, though. Sports drinks tend to be high in sugar which can contribute to diarrhea.
7Avoid Foods That Trigger DiarrheaNitat Termmee / Getty ImagesSome foods can trigger diarrhea or make your stools more acidic.Foods to avoid or limitwhen you have diarrhea include:AlcoholArtificial sweeteners, including sorbitol and mannitolCoffee, energy drinks, colas, and other caffeinated beveragesCitrus fruits and juicesWhole milk and whole-fat dairy productsGassy fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, beans, peas, prunesFatty or fried foods, including red meat, fast foods, cream sauces, and chipsSpicy foodsCertain supplements and herbal remedies may also cause watery or acidic stools. Examples include:Cayenne pepperGinsengGlucosamineMilk thistleSaw palmetto
7
Avoid Foods That Trigger DiarrheaNitat Termmee / Getty ImagesSome foods can trigger diarrhea or make your stools more acidic.Foods to avoid or limitwhen you have diarrhea include:AlcoholArtificial sweeteners, including sorbitol and mannitolCoffee, energy drinks, colas, and other caffeinated beveragesCitrus fruits and juicesWhole milk and whole-fat dairy productsGassy fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, beans, peas, prunesFatty or fried foods, including red meat, fast foods, cream sauces, and chipsSpicy foodsCertain supplements and herbal remedies may also cause watery or acidic stools. Examples include:Cayenne pepperGinsengGlucosamineMilk thistleSaw palmetto
Avoid Foods That Trigger Diarrhea
Nitat Termmee / Getty Images
Some foods can trigger diarrhea or make your stools more acidic.Foods to avoid or limitwhen you have diarrhea include:
Certain supplements and herbal remedies may also cause watery or acidic stools. Examples include:
8Treat Your DiarrheaGetty Images / PixelsEffectThe best way to help your skin heal is to treat the cause of your diarrhea. Ask your healthcare provider about the over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugImodium (loperamide)often used in the first-line treatment of mild diarrhea.If you have persistent diarrhea that fails to respond to OTC treatments, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger drugs, such as:Lotronex (alosetron)Viberzi (eluxadoline)Xifaxan (rifaximin)Certain bland, binding foods can help ease diarrhea, sometimes on their own. These include foods like:ApplesauceBananasBoiled or steamed potatoesHot cereal, such as oatmeal or cream of wheatSoda crackersWhite bread or toastWhite riceWhen to Seek Medical CareMild diarrhea can often be treated at home, but it is important to seek immediate medical care if:Diarrhea lasts more than two days despite at-home treatment.You havesigns of dehydrationand cannot keep food or water down.You have severe abdominal pain.There isblood in your stool.You have a fever of 102 F or higher.
8
Treat Your DiarrheaGetty Images / PixelsEffectThe best way to help your skin heal is to treat the cause of your diarrhea. Ask your healthcare provider about the over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugImodium (loperamide)often used in the first-line treatment of mild diarrhea.If you have persistent diarrhea that fails to respond to OTC treatments, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger drugs, such as:Lotronex (alosetron)Viberzi (eluxadoline)Xifaxan (rifaximin)Certain bland, binding foods can help ease diarrhea, sometimes on their own. These include foods like:ApplesauceBananasBoiled or steamed potatoesHot cereal, such as oatmeal or cream of wheatSoda crackersWhite bread or toastWhite riceWhen to Seek Medical CareMild diarrhea can often be treated at home, but it is important to seek immediate medical care if:Diarrhea lasts more than two days despite at-home treatment.You havesigns of dehydrationand cannot keep food or water down.You have severe abdominal pain.There isblood in your stool.You have a fever of 102 F or higher.
Treat Your Diarrhea
Getty Images / PixelsEffect
The best way to help your skin heal is to treat the cause of your diarrhea. Ask your healthcare provider about the over-the-counter antidiarrheal drugImodium (loperamide)often used in the first-line treatment of mild diarrhea.
If you have persistent diarrhea that fails to respond to OTC treatments, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger drugs, such as:
Certain bland, binding foods can help ease diarrhea, sometimes on their own. These include foods like:
When to Seek Medical CareMild diarrhea can often be treated at home, but it is important to seek immediate medical care if:Diarrhea lasts more than two days despite at-home treatment.You havesigns of dehydrationand cannot keep food or water down.You have severe abdominal pain.There isblood in your stool.You have a fever of 102 F or higher.
When to Seek Medical Care
Mild diarrhea can often be treated at home, but it is important to seek immediate medical care if:Diarrhea lasts more than two days despite at-home treatment.You havesigns of dehydrationand cannot keep food or water down.You have severe abdominal pain.There isblood in your stool.You have a fever of 102 F or higher.
Mild diarrhea can often be treated at home, but it is important to seek immediate medical care if:
SummaryDiarrhea can cause burning and inflammation around the anus. There are a few things you can do to treat or stop this from happening.Keep the area clean and apply a barrier cream. Avoid sitting for long periods. Don’t take hot baths or showers. Drink plenty of liquids, and avoid foods and supplements that may trigger diarrhea.A Word From VerywellIrritation in the anus region is common when suffering from diarrhea. While a cause of significant discomfort, there are many treatment options that can provide significant relief.—JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Summary
Diarrhea can cause burning and inflammation around the anus. There are a few things you can do to treat or stop this from happening.
Keep the area clean and apply a barrier cream. Avoid sitting for long periods. Don’t take hot baths or showers. Drink plenty of liquids, and avoid foods and supplements that may trigger diarrhea.
A Word From VerywellIrritation in the anus region is common when suffering from diarrhea. While a cause of significant discomfort, there are many treatment options that can provide significant relief.—JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Irritation in the anus region is common when suffering from diarrhea. While a cause of significant discomfort, there are many treatment options that can provide significant relief.—JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Irritation in the anus region is common when suffering from diarrhea. While a cause of significant discomfort, there are many treatment options that can provide significant relief.
—JAY N. YEPURI, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
18 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beaty JS, Shashidharan M.Anal fissure.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):30–37. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570390John Hopkins Medicine.Anal fissures.University of Utah Health.Hot showers can dry out your skin.University of Michigan.Anal fissure.MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone rectal.Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):466-470. Published 2021 Feb 16. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003Medical University of South Carolina.Anal itching.Havlickova B, Weyandt GH.Therapeutic management of anal eczema: an evidence-based review.Int J Clin Pract. 2014 Jun 4;68(11):1388–1399. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12457American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.Harvard Health.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.Anbazhagan AN, Priyamvada S, Alrefai WA, Dudeja PK.Pathophysiology of IBD associated diarrhea.Tissue Barriers. 2018 May 8;6(2):e1463897. doi:10.1080/21688370.2018.1463897Harvard Health.How much water should you drink?Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Sports drinks.Medline Plus.When you have diarrhea.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced diarrhea.Saha L.Irritable bowel syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(22):6759-73. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036Houston Methodist Hospital.When to see a doctor for diarrhea.
18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Beaty JS, Shashidharan M.Anal fissure.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):30–37. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570390John Hopkins Medicine.Anal fissures.University of Utah Health.Hot showers can dry out your skin.University of Michigan.Anal fissure.MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone rectal.Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):466-470. Published 2021 Feb 16. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003Medical University of South Carolina.Anal itching.Havlickova B, Weyandt GH.Therapeutic management of anal eczema: an evidence-based review.Int J Clin Pract. 2014 Jun 4;68(11):1388–1399. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12457American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.Harvard Health.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.Anbazhagan AN, Priyamvada S, Alrefai WA, Dudeja PK.Pathophysiology of IBD associated diarrhea.Tissue Barriers. 2018 May 8;6(2):e1463897. doi:10.1080/21688370.2018.1463897Harvard Health.How much water should you drink?Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Sports drinks.Medline Plus.When you have diarrhea.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced diarrhea.Saha L.Irritable bowel syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(22):6759-73. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036Houston Methodist Hospital.When to see a doctor for diarrhea.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Beaty JS, Shashidharan M.Anal fissure.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):30–37. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570390John Hopkins Medicine.Anal fissures.University of Utah Health.Hot showers can dry out your skin.University of Michigan.Anal fissure.MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone rectal.Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):466-470. Published 2021 Feb 16. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003Medical University of South Carolina.Anal itching.Havlickova B, Weyandt GH.Therapeutic management of anal eczema: an evidence-based review.Int J Clin Pract. 2014 Jun 4;68(11):1388–1399. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12457American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.Harvard Health.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.Anbazhagan AN, Priyamvada S, Alrefai WA, Dudeja PK.Pathophysiology of IBD associated diarrhea.Tissue Barriers. 2018 May 8;6(2):e1463897. doi:10.1080/21688370.2018.1463897Harvard Health.How much water should you drink?Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Sports drinks.Medline Plus.When you have diarrhea.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced diarrhea.Saha L.Irritable bowel syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(22):6759-73. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036Houston Methodist Hospital.When to see a doctor for diarrhea.
Beaty JS, Shashidharan M.Anal fissure.Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2016 Mar;29(1):30–37. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570390
John Hopkins Medicine.Anal fissures.
University of Utah Health.Hot showers can dry out your skin.
University of Michigan.Anal fissure.
MedlinePlus.Hydrocortisone rectal.
Hebert AA.A new therapeutic horizon in diaper dermatitis: Novel agents with novel action.Int J Womens Dermatol. 2021;7(4):466-470. Published 2021 Feb 16. doi:10.1016/j.ijwd.2021.02.003
Medical University of South Carolina.Anal itching.
Havlickova B, Weyandt GH.Therapeutic management of anal eczema: an evidence-based review.Int J Clin Pract. 2014 Jun 4;68(11):1388–1399. doi:10.1111/ijcp.12457
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.
Harvard Health.Hemorrhoids and what to do about them.
Anbazhagan AN, Priyamvada S, Alrefai WA, Dudeja PK.Pathophysiology of IBD associated diarrhea.Tissue Barriers. 2018 May 8;6(2):e1463897. doi:10.1080/21688370.2018.1463897
Harvard Health.How much water should you drink?
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.Sports drinks.
Medline Plus.When you have diarrhea.
MedlinePlus.Drug-induced diarrhea.
Saha L.Irritable bowel syndrome: pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and evidence-based medicine.World J Gastroenterol.2014;20(22):6759-73. doi:10.3748/wjg.v20.i22.6759
Lacy BE, Pimentel M, Brenner DM, et al.ACG clinical guideline: management of irritable bowel syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(1):17-44. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001036
Houston Methodist Hospital.When to see a doctor for diarrhea.
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