Anal itching otherwise known as Pruritus ani may not seem to be a serious health condition, but it is reason enough to create a lot of discomfort. It can also be one of the preliminary symptoms of a more serious underlying condition and so it is important to visit your doctor. This condition can be simply defined as a soreness or irritation of the skin around the anus, which is accompanied by a severe itching sensation. This condition can be brought about due to several reasons, some of which are spicy food, fungal infection, dry skin, lack of hygiene and so on.
Here are a few home remedies to get rid of this nasty itch. First and foremost keep the area clean and dry. Poor hygiene is one of the most common reasons for this condition. The skin in this area is highly susceptible to infection, this is because it is not smooth as compared to other parts of our body, but is rather wrinkled and crinkly, as a result of which moisture and fecal particles tend to get easily trapped. This then creates an ideal environment for bacteria and other organisms to breed and grow. Use damp or moistened toilet paper to clean the area after a bowel movement, instead of dry ones. You could powder the area with a little baking soda or cornstarch. This will help in keeping the area dry by absorbing moisture. Consume foods that are high in fiber as this will prevent constipation. Pulses, sprouts, whole grains, vegetables and fruits are all rich in fiber and should form a part of your daily diet.
Aloe vera gel is very effective when it comes to treating this condition. It is known to possess anti-bacterial properties that will help in preventing any infection from setting in. Slice a piece of an aloe leaf in half and extract the gel. Apply a thin film of this gel on to the affected area 2-3 times a day. Let the application stay on for 15-20 minutes, after which wash it off with cold water. A mixture prepared by mixing wheat germ oil, lemon juice, vitamin E oil, aloe vera juice and cod liver oil, can also be applied on to the affected area to alleviate the itching sensation. Another very effective remedy would be to add a cup of apple cider vinegar to your warm bath water. You will need to soak in this bath for at least 20 minutes on a daily basis, to get rid of the itch. As an alternative, you could add baking soda to the bath water.