Burning around the anus or intense itching in your anal region can be a very embarrassing and irritating condition. The burning sensation in the anus can sometimes occur after a bowel movement, eating spicy foods, or because of hemorrhoids.
However, a number of skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis can also cause a severe urge to scratch your anus that can lead to anal burning. Also, the fact that the rectum is prone to bacterial infections can aggravate the feeling of burning even more.
Depending on the cause of the burning feeling around your anus, the intense itch may come and go or you may have persistent itching. If your anus 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 in your anal area doesn’t go away and you have other symptoms like constipation, diarrhea, or anal leakage, you should visit your doctor. You should also visit your doctor if you have any kind of bleeding from your bottom.
This article examines the various causes of burning anus and what you can do about the discomfort it causes. You will also find out how to get natural relief from the anal burning and itching and address the underlying causes.
Symptoms of Anal Burning
Anal burning usually starts out as a condition called pruritus ani or “itchy bottom syndrome.” In most cases, the burning sensation is a result of scratching an intense anal itch. Dr. Jay Marks on MedicineNet says that anal itching is often described as burning and soreness after passing stools. There may also be small amounts of bleeding after a bowel movement.1
If the anal burning has been caused by a skin condition like eczema, psoriasis, or a yeast infection, you may have soreness, intense itching around the anal opening, and inflammation. Dr. Marks says that scratching the anus can increase the intensity of burning and may also cause secondary bacterial infections.
Researchers from Harvard Medical School say that the itchy burning sensation is usually a sign of irritation and not a disease of the anus.2
Causes of Burning Anus
The best way to get rid of a burning feeling in your anus and get relief from intense anal itching is to find out what causes it. At the end of the article, you will find some effective home remedies to soothe the anal burning.
Poor hygiene
Very often, a common culprit for a burning sensation around the anus is poor hygiene. Bacteria from feces that are left on the skin can cause irritation and lead to itching and burning.
The Primary Care Dermatology Society (PCDS) says that anal burning or itching can be caused if stool and sweat are left on the skin around the anus. This will cause the anal area to itch and may result in an infection around the anal skin.3
However, doctors from PCDS also say that too much cleansing can also cause pruritus ani (itching of the skin arout the anus) with a burning sensation. This is because strong soaps, excessive scrubbing, and sanitary wipes can leave the anal skin dry and irritated and may cause anal eczema.3
Eating spicy food
If your anus burns after a bowel movement, it could be because of eating spicy or acidic foods the previous day. The anus can become especially itchy if a small amount of stool is left on the anal skin after wiping.
Researchers in Italy reported that consuming chili pepper and spicy foods can increase symptoms of severe itching and anal burning that are associated with hemorrhoids or anal fissures.4 Also, doctors from the National Health Service says that foods like spicy foods, acidic foods, dairy, and coffee can all aggravate itchy anal conditions.5
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids are another reason for rectal burning after a bowel movement or at other times. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in your anus that become inflamed, itchy, and, at times, very painful. Sometimes, the hemorrhoids can cause some bleeding after a bowel movement.
According to the Primary Care Dermatology Society, large external hemorrhoids can make passing stools difficult. Also, large internal hemorrhoids can cause anal leakage, which is another cause of a burning anus after passing stool.3
If hemorrhoids are causing anal burning, then you can find some great home remedies in my article about the best natural treatments for hemorrhoids. There you can find how witch hazel can help to quickly soothe itching and anal burning and shrink the size of the swollen veins around your anus.
Anal fissure
Having an anal fissure can cause a burning sensation in the anus after passing stool. 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.
Doctors from the National Health Service (NHS) say that a deep burning anal sensation is usually felt after passing stools. The anal burning can last for some hours.