Burning around the rectum or intense itching in the region can be a very embarrassing and irritating condition. The burning sensation in the rectum can sometimes occur after having a bowel movement, eating spicy foods, or having hemorrhoids. However, a number of skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can also cause a severe urge to scratch the anus that can lead to a rectal burn. Also, the fact that this part is prone to bacterial infections can further aggravate the burning sensation.
Depending on the cause of the burning sensation around the anus, the intense itching may come and go, or you may have persistent itching. If the rectum burns after a bowel movement and you notice a small amount of bleeding, this could be caused by an anal fissure. If the burning sensation does not go away and you have other symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, or leakage through the area, you should visit your doctor. You should also visit your doctor if you have any type of bleeding from your lower body.
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Symptoms of burning in the rectum
Burning in the rectum usually begins as a condition called pruritus ani. In most cases, the burning sensation is the result of scratching from an intense itch in the area. Itching in the anus is often described as burning and pain after having a bowel movement. There may also be small amounts of bleeding after a bowel movement.
If the burning was caused by a skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis, or a yeast infection, you may have pain, severe itching around the anal opening, and inflammation. Scratching the anus can increase the intensity of the burning and can also cause secondary bacterial infections.
Causes of burning in the rectum
Poor hygiene
Very often, a common culprit for a burning sensation around the anus is poor hygiene. Bacteria from the feces left on the skin can cause irritation and cause itching and burning. Also, too much cleaning can cause itching and itching, this is because harsh soaps, excessive rubbing and sanitary napkins can leave the skin there dry and irritated and can cause anal eczema.
Eat spicy food
If the anus burns after having a bowel movement, it could be due to eating spicy or acidic foods the day before. The rectum can become especially itchy if a small amount of stool is left on the skin after cleaning.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are another reason for rectal burning after a bowel movement or at other times. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus that become swollen, itchy, and sometimes very painful.
Anal fissure
Having an anal fissure can cause a burning sensation in the anus after you have a bowel movement. An anal fissure is an open sore or tear in the lining of the large intestine. It can be caused by constipation, persistent diarrhea, or other digestive conditions.
Perspiration
A very common cause of itching in the anal area that can cause burning and discomfort is sweating. Hot, humid conditions can cause irritation, itching, burning, and a rash in the gluteal cleft (the area between the buttocks).
Candida infection
The warm and humid conditions around the rectum are also the perfect environment for a Candida infection to develop. A fungal or yeast infection can develop quickly between the buttocks and cause anal itching and burning. Candida infections commonly cause irritation between skin folds and itching under the breasts.
Eczema
Anal eczema can cause a burning sensation around the anus after a bowel movement. It can be caused by a number of conditions including dry skin, allergies, or infections. This inflammatory skin condition causes itching, burning, cracked skin, and sometimes infections.
Psoriasis
Another irritating skin condition that can cause irritation and itchiness in the rectum is psoriasis. This skin condition causes scaly patches of red skin and can appear anywhere on the body. Blemished skin can be itchy and painful, and excessive itching can cause a burning sensation.
Pinworms
Anal itching and burning, especially at night, can be caused by parasites or intestinal worms. These parasites infect the intestines and are transmitted by ingesting roundworm eggs from infected items.
The itching is usually worse at night and can also cause irritation or a rash in the anal region. Intense anal scratching can sometimes cause secondary infections and aggravate the burning sensation.
There are some effective home remedies to eliminate intestinal parasites. For example, some of the best foods to fight an internal parasitic infection that causes burning are garlic, onion, papaya seeds, and almonds.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel disease can cause inflammation of the intestines that causes burning, itching, and bleeding from the anus. Inflammatory bowel disease can affect any part of the intestinal lining and is a difficult digestive condition to manage.
Fecal incontinence (anal leak)
If any fecal matter leaks out of your anus, you could end up with a burning sensation in your region. Some of the reasons for the leak are constipation, diarrhea, damage to the nerves in the rectum, or muscle damage in the anus.
Home remedies for burning rectum
Instead of scratching in the anal region to get rid of the discomfort, you should try using some natural home remedies to soothe the burning sensation and discomfort. Here are some remedies you can try at home to ease rectal sensation.
Sitz bath
How to use:
- Fill a bathtub with approximately 2 to 3 inches of warm water.
- Sit in the tub for 10-15 minutes, making sure the rectum is covered with water.
- Gently blot the area to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Repeat the process up to 3 times a day to help relieve burning in the anus and buttocks.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a great natural ingredient to soothe itchy body, including the area between the buttocks. Oatmeal contains natural cleansing ingredients that have anti-inflammatory properties to relieve the itching and burning sensation caused by anal eczema, psoriasis, or yeast infections.
How to use:
- Fill a bathtub with warm to hot water and add 2 cups of ground oats.
- Move the oatmeal around the bath water to help bring out the medicinal properties.
- Soak the area in the bath for 20 minutes.
- During this time, you can take handfuls of oatmeal and press it on your anus to calm the burning sensation and speed healing.
- After soaking in the bath, gently pat the area dry to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Repeat the process 2-3 times a week until the anal burning and discomfort subside.
aloe vera
Aloe vera gel is an amazing natural ingredient for relieving itchy skin conditions, including burning in the rectum.
How to use:
- Wash and dry the area of burning skin around the rectum.
- Squeeze the pulp out of an aloe vera leaf or use aloe vera gel.
- Gently massage the aloe vera gel into your itchy anus and the surrounding area.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day for instant relief from a burning sensation in the anus.
Apple cider vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar helps eliminate the itchiness and discomfort of an inflamed anus.
How to use:
- Dilute raw apple cider vinegar with water in equal proportions (1:1).
- Soak a cotton ball in the apple cider vinegar solution and squeeze out the excess liquid.
- Hold the cotton ball of apple cider vinegar in your rectum for 5-10 minutes to relieve itching and kill any infection.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day until you no longer have anal discomfort with burning and itching.
After applying the apple cider vinegar, you can use a little virgin coconut oil to help moisturize the area. In fact, coconut oil can also be used as an antifungal ointment with tea tree oil.
Virgin coconut oil and tea tree oil
One of the benefits of using coconut oil with tea tree oil is that they both contain antifungal properties and can help relieve anal itching. Coconut oil contains fatty acids that are great for hydrating dry skin.
How to use:
To make your own coconut and tea tree oil ointment to get rid of a burning and irritated rectum you can do this:
- Mix 2-3 drops of tea tree oil with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Apply the natural remedy to the area and massage well to calm the burning sensation.
- Repeat 2-3 times a day until the itching and burning sensation is completely gone.
How to prevent anal burning
- Keep the anal area clean and dry
- Increase your fiber intake
- Avoid food, soaps and cleaners such as paper that are irritating to the intestines and anal area.
When to see a doctor if you feel burning in the rectum
Most cases of burning in the rectum disappear or are relieved with the use of the home remedies mentioned in this article. However, sometimes anal burning and severe itching around the anus are a symptom of a more serious condition.
You should visit your doctor if you also have the following other than rectal burning:
- You notice blood in your stool
- You suffer from an anal leak and it is affecting your quality of life
- Home remedies do not improve the rash, itching, or swelling
- You notice smelly discharge and mucus along with your stool