Why Does My Butt Hurt? 7 Surprising Causes of Butt Irritation
Don’t let your butt bum you out.
Like any part of your body, butts can get irritated too. That’s a fact of life. But just because it’s normal to occasionally feel the urge to itch down there doesn’t mean you welcome the discomfort. Here’s what could be causing the problem — and how you can prevent it from happening.
How to Prevent a Sore, Irritated Butt
If your butt hurts, one or more of the following things may be causing your irritation. Learn the cause of your butt problems and make some small lifestyle changes to improve your symptoms with these tips.
Synthetic Fabrics
Avoid spending the whole day in polyester athleisure, or lacy, irritating underwear.1 Instead, opt for breathable materials, like cotton, which won't trap moisture and cause a sweaty butt.1 Choose pants that fit loosely in order to maintain air circulation around your rear end.1
Fragrant Soaps
Gentle is the key word when it comes to caring for your butt, so it follows that harsh chemicals are a no-no. . While you may feel inclined to be diligent in your cleansing, this is not the time for a bath bomb.1 Scented soaps, perfumed sprays and deodorants should be avoided.1,2 Use only water to clean the anal area when bathing or showering, never soap.1
Wiping Too Little
We'll put this simply: You may still have a little poop on your butt.1 You may end up getting itchy and then compensate by over-cleaning or scratching the area. If your butt feels particularly irritated after a bowel movement, use a squeeze bottle with warm water to rinse the area, then dry the area afterward by patting (not rubbing) with toilet paper.1 Avoid vigorously rubbing or using any potentially irritating fabrics like washcloths.1,2 Once the anal area is dry, try using Preparation H Medicated Wipes with witch hazel for gentle everyday cleansing that soothes.1
Skipping Your Post-Workout Shower
Moisture is a common cause of butt irritation, which means sweating can aggravate the area.1,2 Practice good anal hygiene and try showering after a trip to the gym or after mowing the lawn, then completely drying the anus.1 Pat it down gently with a towel or even try blow-drying the area, just be sure to use a cool setting.1
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These form when the blood vessels in and outside your rectum fill up with too much blood, either from straining to go to the bathroom, sitting for too long, or increased pressure on the veins. External hemorrhoids can make it difficult to wipe properly after a bowel movement and internal hemorrhoids can cause bleeding that further irritates your skin.2 Try incorporating more fiber into your diet, since soluble fiber works by pulling water into your stool and therefore softening it, without giving you diarrhea. You can also try a product like Preparation H to calm the swelling and itching.
Fissures
Fissures are tiny tears in the lining of your anus or anal canal that are typically caused by the passage of hard stool, constipation and straining while pooping.2 Because of their location they can take a while to go away, especially if you keep having harder poops. Start eating more fiber or taking a fiber supplement to help.
Acidic Foods
If you’re consuming too many acidic foods, like tomatoes or citrus fruits, those could be culprits, as well as coffee, beer, or dairy products.1,2 Keeping a food diary can help you determine what's causing your specific irritation.
Prevent a sore butt in the future with this advice, and soothe an irritated butt in the meantime with Preparation H. Not sure which product is right for you? Take our relief finder quiz to see which products will help put your bottom back on top.
Source Citations:
1. Anal Itching (Pruritus Anu). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15574-anal-itching-pruritus-ani. Accessed 1/24/24.
2. Anal Itching. University of Utah. https://healthcare.utah.edu/general-surgery/colorectal/anal-itching. Accessed 1/24/24/.
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