8 Causes of Itchy Anus at Night

Itchy anus at night can be due to the activities that are done before bedtimes such as dinner, drinking, use of the toilet, and showering. Also, a person becomes more sensitive at night as there are fewer stimuli to distract.

1. Bathroom and Hygiene Habits

   Wiping the anal region after using the toilet is important. Wiping too hard can cause irritation in the anus or over-dry the area.

   Also, wiping too softly may leave residues that may contribute to additional irritation. This may also raise the potential for infection in the anus where the skin might be chapped or broken.

   Using a 2 ply toilet paper and wiping gently from front to back be the correct way. A bidet can also be useful as the water pressure can produce better clean.

2. Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures

   Itchy anus at night can also be due to hemorrhoids or anal fissures. These are the conditions that might cause itch, which may be exacerbated at night-time because of toilet, diet, or night sweat.

3. Diet

   Various foods can irritate and cause itching in the anus. The foods include:⁽¹⁾

   • Spices
   • Soda
   • Milk
   • Chocolate
   • Citrus fruits
   • Coffee
   • Tea
   • Vitamin C tablets
   • Tomatoes
   • Alcoholic beverages

   If you experience an itchy anus, discontinue the use of any of the above foods in the diet and notice the difference.

4. Sweat

   Sweating can lead to skin irritation as it contributes to heat retention and skin dryness⁽²⁾

   Itching at night can be more due to the night sweats. If the trigger of night sweat is checked on, itching in the anus can be combated.

   A few tips include:

   • Keeping the bedroom cool
   • Wearing loose, breathable fabrics
   • Opting for breathable pillow and sheets
   • Avoiding alcohol before bedtime

5. Medications Taken Before Bedtime

   Some medicines can cause itchiness as a side effect. It is therefore important to read and know about any medicine you’re taking. Blood pressure medications and antibiotics are a few medications that can contribute to nighttime anal itching. Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria in the gut that may cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can worsen anal itching.

6. Clothing Fabric

   Tight and restrictive fabrics can lead to irritation. Wearing 100% cotton loose underwear to combat itching in the anal region.

7. Threadworms

   Many people experience skin conditions that can also be in the anus and buttocks. These conditions include psoriasis, eczema, and others.

   It is important to consult a dermatologist to rule out skin disease like psoriasis and eczema if the following symptoms are noticed:

   • Pain
   • Redness
   • Itchiness
   • Flakiness
   • Irritation

8. Itching in Anus During Periods

   While menstruating it is safe to sleep with a menstrual pad. The added moisture during periods can add to increased itch and irritation in the vagina and buttocks.

   It is important to change pads every 4 hours and keep the underwear fresh.

• Itchy anus, penis, or vagina at night can be due to yeast infection that can lead to intense itching.
• Additionally, sexually transmitted diseases can also cause these parts to itch.
• Sexually active people should participate in regular STD testing.

Nighttime sex can also lead to vaginal itching at night. Following tips can be considered if there is intense itchiness after intercourse:

• Regulate vaginal pH
• Use lubrication to combat dryness

Children are more susceptible to experience itchiness in the anus at night. The causes can be:

• Threadworms
• Poor hygienic practices
• Toy sharing, which can contribute to the spread of bacteria

As there are numerous causes of the itchy anus at night, the symptoms can be relieved by the following tips.

1. Topical Remedies

   There are numerous ointments and gels that can be used to minimize anal itching.

   These include:

   • Zinc oxide ointment
   • Petroleum jelly
   • Hydrocortisone1-percent cream

2. Wear Breathable Fabric

   Breathable fabrics can be comfortable and let the skin breathe.

3. Keeping it Cool at Night

   The night sweat can be combated by avoiding alcohol, keeping the body hydrated, keeping the bedroom temperature cool, and using breathable sheets.

4. Hygiene Practices

   • Hygiene practices can help solve symptoms of the nighttime itchy anus.
   • Thoroughly wash hands after using the bathroom to prevent the spread of bacteria
   • Wipe the anus gently after poop
   • You can use a wet wipe or bidet to ensure the cleaning is gentle. Make sure to pat it dry
   • Maintain dry environment around the anus

5. Dietary Adjustment

   As, certain food and drinks can lead to anal itching, eliminating spicy foods, coffee, alcohol, and other irritants from the diet can help improve the symptoms of anal itching.

   Consult a doctor if:

   • The itching doesn’t go away with home remedies
   • There is persistent bleeding, scabbing, and other symptoms around the anus
   • There is an underlying skin condition, STD, or hemorrhoids
   • If there is a family history of threadworms.

Also Read:

• What Causes Itchy Anus in Children and How is it Treated?