Some health concerns feel too awkward to bring up, even though talking about them often reveals just how widespread they really are.
One issue that tends to stay private is pruritus ani — the clinical name for anal itching (often described more bluntly as an “itchy bum”). New research suggests it’s far from rare, with around 61% of men in the UK saying they’ve dealt with it at some point.
Despite that, awareness of the term itself appears low. In a survey run by Anusol, just 12% of respondents said they recognised “pruritus ani”, while 43% admitted they didn’t know what it meant at all.
Even the symptoms aren’t always clearly identified. Only 34% of those surveyed said they were confident they understood what they were experiencing.
For many people, the focus stays on stopping the itching rather than identifying what’s triggering it. Embarrassment can also be a barrier: more than a quarter of the men surveyed said they would avoid buying treatment because it felt “too awkward”.
Put simply, pruritus ani refers to itching around the anus, and it can also involve a burning feeling in the same area.
It’s considered fairly common, affecting up to 1 in 20 people. It’s also reported more often in men than women, and it’s seen most frequently among people aged 40 to 60.
How uncomfortable it feels can vary widely. Some people experience mild irritation, while others develop soreness and inflamed skin — symptoms that can be especially noticeable at night.
‘Pruritus ani is the medical term for itching around your anus, but it’s important to understand that it’s a symptom, not a condition in itself,’ explains Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U.
‘The main sign is itching, which can range from mild to quite intense, and may be worse at night. Some people also experience soreness, redness or irritated skin, especially if there’s been a lot of scratching.’
Because it’s a symptom rather than a single disease, the possible causes are broad — and a clinician can help narrow down what’s behind it.
One common trigger is prolonged contact between stool and the skin, which can irritate the area. Hygiene can also play a role in either direction: not cleaning thoroughly can contribute, but excessive washing can also cause inflammation and dryness that makes things worse.
Less frequent causes include skin conditions affecting the area, such as eczema, thrush, psoriasis, fungal infections, and threadworms (which are far more common in children than adults).
Irritation can also come from sensitivities and allergies — for example, reactions to certain toilet paper, fragrances, or personal-care products. Sweat and lack of airflow may add to the problem too, particularly if you wear tight underwear or spend long periods without ventilation.
People who exercise a lot can find symptoms flare up more often, especially with activities like running and cycling where friction and sweating are common.
So can you prevent pruritus ani? In many cases, yes — reducing the likelihood often comes down to limiting irritation and addressing common triggers.
Wearing breathable, non-restrictive underwear can help. If you’ve noticed specific foods seem to set it off, avoiding those triggers may reduce flare-ups.
Good hygiene matters, but specialists warn against overdoing it, since repeated or harsh washing can strip the skin and lead to more irritation.
‘Reducing your risk is really about managing the factors that can trigger irritation or underlying issues,’ says Ian.
If symptoms persist or keep returning, it’s worth speaking to a GP, who can assess what’s going on and treat any underlying cause.
To diagnose it, a GP will typically examine the affected skin and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Depending on what they find, they may recommend additional tests.
According to the British Association of Dermatologists, there isn’t a single universal treatment for pruritus ani — the right approach depends on the cause, which is why getting an accurate diagnosis is important.
Treatment options can include soothing creams or ointments, a short course of steroid cream or antihistamines, and in some cases haemorrhoid creams.
If a doctor suspects a less common underlying issue, they may advise different topical treatments or tablets tailored to that cause.