Pruritus ani or anal itching is a common condition that often worsens during the night. It is accompanied by a strong desire to scratch the area around the anus and is caused by a number of skin disorders, harsh environment, and infections that irritates the butts.
But what really causes the anal to itch during the nighttime more than the day? Here we will explore some of the major causes of nighttime anal itching and provide you with some solution to ease the itch.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids occur as a result of swollen anal veins and lead to anal itching during the night. They can be situated in the external anal part or within the rectum. Those that arise externally lead to bright red blood in the stool, pain, and itching. It is uncomfortable and in order to handle with it, you should use some ointments, such as Pranicura, which brings immediate relief.
Conditions that predispose you to hemorrhoids include a low-fiber diet, chronic constipation, obesity, prolonged sitting, liver disease, and pregnancy.
Alternative treatments for this condition include:
- Application of creams that features lidocaine to reduce the pain.
- Avoidance of using perfumes, scented creams, and scratching your butt.
- Increasing fiber consumption to ease constipation.
- Avoidance of putting excess pressure on your rectum.
- Sitting or resting on an inflatable O-ring.
Dermatitis or Eczema
Dermatitis and eczema are two words that are used interchangeably to denote a condition that leads to itching, desiccated, red, and flaking anal skin due to allergens that touch your anal skin. This makes you to scratch your rectum, mainly during the night.
The allergens could be detergents, lotions, synthetic fabrics, feminine hygiene products, or soaps. Once the allergens contact your anal skin, an allergic reaction arises, causing harsh symptoms.
Dermatitis is a chronic condition. The predilection for an allergic occurs in reaction to the allergens is untreatable. However, you can try one of these things to prevent the reaction if you are suffering from eczema:
- Avoid allergens.
- Use oral antihistamines.
- Administer a topical steroidal cream to reduce inflammation.
Pinworms
Pinworms are one of the major causes of the itchy bottom at night. They are small intestinal worms that are transmitted when you come into contact with their eggs on an infected object or person.
The condition is usually observed in toddlers, who unknowingly collect pinworms eggs and consume them. Mature pinworms move to the anus to lay more eggs in the external part of the anal area, leading to intense itching during the night.
When you scratch the area with the eggs, you can carry them under your fingernails and thus infect other people.
Good news is that pinworms infection is treatable with a recommended dose of mebendazole or albendazole. These are anti-parasitic drugs.
Hygiene Issues
Although slacking on your cleanness can lead to irritation and itching at night due to spots of fecal material remaining on the anus, it is highly likely that you will get the itch if you are too clean. People usually feel that the irritation is caused by dirt down the anal area, so they get aggressive when cleaning, making it worse.
Your perianal skin features natural emollients and oils and it doesn’t take much energy to destroy the protection. Applying harsh soap directly to the anal area, scrubbing with a cloth, and wiping with wet tissues can strip away the oils and lead to dryness.
Dry skin usually irritates and results in itchiness that kicks off at night itch-scratch that is hard to resist.
When this happens, there are a number of things that you can try including:
- Applying friendly creams.
- Maintaining the right hygiene.
Other Causes
Other causes of itchy anal during the night include laxative use, perfumes, birth control pills, and diarrhea.
Conclusion
Itchy anal during the night can be caused by many factors but no matter what the cause, you should always see a doctor.