Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy They ItchHow to Stop ItchingOther Causes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why They Itch
How to Stop Itching
Other Causes
Fortunately, there are things you can do to alleviate the itch of a hemorrhoid, including hydrocortisone creams, a sitz bath, topical anesthetics, and improved anal hygiene.
This article discusses why hemorrhoids cause itching and what you can do about it. It also looks at other causes of anal itching.
Maria Korneeva / Getty Images
Why Do Hemorrhoids Itch?
Pruritus ani is common withinternal or external hemorrhoids. It is a complex sensory reaction involving the immune system and other biological and physical factors.
Inflammation
Mast cells contain chemicals known as histamine. These are the same chemicals that causeallergy symptomsin other parts of the body. When histamine is released in tissues, itching can develop and get worse the more that you scratch or rub.This includes wiping with toilet paper.
Local nerves in the skin can also become overly stimulated with repetitive rubbing or scratching.
Passing Stools and Moisture
Studies have shown hemorrhoid symptoms generally improve after stool (feces) has been cleaned from anal tissues. This suggests that stool is an irritant that causes itching.
Passing stools can also cause inflammation and irritation as they scrape past hemorrhoids during bowel movements. This is especially true if the person hasconstipation.Diarrheacan also irritate the skin, particularly if the skin is not thoroughly washed after a bowel movement.
Mucus leakage is also a common symptom of hemorrhoids. Because mucus is so thick, it can trap moisture in skin folds in the anus, causing moisture-related skin damage (maceration) and inflammation. Excessive sweating can do the same.
On the flip side, overzealous washing strips away body oils, causing skin dryness, irritation, and itching.
How to Stop Hemorrhoids From Itching
There are several ways to relieve hemorrhoidal itching as part of an overall treatment plan. These include:
Treat the Hemorrhoids
It is equally important to get to the root of the problem and treat the hemorrhoids themselves. This may include medications, specialist procedures, and surgeries like:
how Hemorrhoids Are Treated
Other Causes of Anal Itching
Hemorrhoids are only one of many causes of anal itching, some of which may be serious. This is why it is important to see a healthcare provider if symptoms are persistent, severe, or worsening.
Anal Fissures
Fungal Infections
Prescription antifungal medications may also help. Over-the-counter antifungal creams are not recommended for anal yeast infections.
Viral Infections
Proctitis
Proctitisis inflammation of the rectal lining that can occur with:
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis a chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes symptoms such as itching. It can occur in the genital and anal areas. In addition to itching, it can cause cracking, scaly, and bleeding skin on the buttocks and anus.
Parasites
Pinwormsare small parasites that can live in the colon and rectum. They are more common in children than adults. Many people have no symptoms, but, for some, they can cause intense itching that interferes with sleep.
Food Sensitivities
Food sensitivities can also cause anal itching in some people. Some of the morecommon culpritsbegin with the letter “C,” including:
Common Food Allergies That Cause Itching
Anal Cancer
While a less common cause of anal itching,anal cancershould be explored as a possiblecause of your symptoms.
Anal cancer is a rare cancer associated with HPV. Signs include bleeding from the anus or rectum. There may also be a lump near the anus that can be easily mistaken for a hemorrhoid. Itching and anal discharge are common.
Summary
Hemorrhoids can cause itching due to inflammation, poor anal hygiene, excess moisture, or excessive anal cleaning. Scratching or rubbing can make the itching worse.
Keeping the area clean and dry can help soothe itch and irritation. Hydrocortisone cream, oral painkillers, sitz baths, and stool softeners are just some of the ways that help ease anal itching from hemorrhoids.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe itch from hemorrhoids will settle when the hemorrhoids do. In general, symptoms of pruritus ani usually clear up in a few weeks but can take longer depending on the cause and severity. See your healthcare provider if the itch is persistent.Hemorrhoids usually clear up on their own within a few days to two weeks, with or without treatment. If symptoms are severe, unresponsive to treatment, or last longer than a week or two, talk to your healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
The itch from hemorrhoids will settle when the hemorrhoids do. In general, symptoms of pruritus ani usually clear up in a few weeks but can take longer depending on the cause and severity. See your healthcare provider if the itch is persistent.
Hemorrhoids usually clear up on their own within a few days to two weeks, with or without treatment. If symptoms are severe, unresponsive to treatment, or last longer than a week or two, talk to your healthcare provider.
13 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.Ansari P.Pruritus ani.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016 Mar;29(1):38–42. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570391American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Pruritis ani expanded version.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: overview.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: how can you relieve the symptoms yourself?.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.American College of Gastroenterology.Common disorders of the anus and rectum.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Anal warts.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for proctitis.Guglielmetti A, Conlledo R, Bedoya J, Ianiszewski F, Correa J.Inverse psoriasis involving genital skin folds: successful therapy with dapsone.Dermatol Ther. 2012;2(1):15. doi:10.1007/s13555-012-0015-5MedlinePlus.Pinworms.Griffith RS.A triad of dermatologic dilemmas.Mo Med. 2016;113(4):288-292.American Academy of Family Physicians.Hemorrhoids.
13 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.Ansari P.Pruritus ani.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016 Mar;29(1):38–42. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570391American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Pruritis ani expanded version.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: overview.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: how can you relieve the symptoms yourself?.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.American College of Gastroenterology.Common disorders of the anus and rectum.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Anal warts.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for proctitis.Guglielmetti A, Conlledo R, Bedoya J, Ianiszewski F, Correa J.Inverse psoriasis involving genital skin folds: successful therapy with dapsone.Dermatol Ther. 2012;2(1):15. doi:10.1007/s13555-012-0015-5MedlinePlus.Pinworms.Griffith RS.A triad of dermatologic dilemmas.Mo Med. 2016;113(4):288-292.American Academy of Family Physicians.Hemorrhoids.
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.
Ansari P.Pruritus ani.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016 Mar;29(1):38–42. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570391American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Pruritis ani expanded version.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: overview.Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: how can you relieve the symptoms yourself?.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.American College of Gastroenterology.Common disorders of the anus and rectum.American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Anal warts.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for proctitis.Guglielmetti A, Conlledo R, Bedoya J, Ianiszewski F, Correa J.Inverse psoriasis involving genital skin folds: successful therapy with dapsone.Dermatol Ther. 2012;2(1):15. doi:10.1007/s13555-012-0015-5MedlinePlus.Pinworms.Griffith RS.A triad of dermatologic dilemmas.Mo Med. 2016;113(4):288-292.American Academy of Family Physicians.Hemorrhoids.
Ansari P.Pruritus ani.Clin Colon Rectal Surg.2016 Mar;29(1):38–42. doi:10.1055/s-0035-1570391
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Pruritis ani expanded version.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: overview.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG).Enlarged hemorrhoids: how can you relieve the symptoms yourself?.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Hemorrhoids.
Hekmatpou D, Mehrabi F, Rahzani K, Aminiyan A.The effect of aloe vera clinical trials on prevention and healing of skin wound: A systematic review.Iran J Med Sci. 2019;44(1):1-9.
American College of Gastroenterology.Common disorders of the anus and rectum.
American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.Anal warts.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & facts for proctitis.
Guglielmetti A, Conlledo R, Bedoya J, Ianiszewski F, Correa J.Inverse psoriasis involving genital skin folds: successful therapy with dapsone.Dermatol Ther. 2012;2(1):15. doi:10.1007/s13555-012-0015-5
MedlinePlus.Pinworms.
Griffith RS.A triad of dermatologic dilemmas.Mo Med. 2016;113(4):288-292.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Hemorrhoids.
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