‘Pruritus ani’ is the bumhole issue 61% of men have — but won’t get checked out

It might not be the type of topic you chat about over dinner, but an ‘itchy bum’ is far more common than most would like to admit.

In fact, a new study has revealed that a surprising 61% of  men have experienced pruritus ani — the medical term for anal itching — at some point in their lives.

Despite how widespread it is though, just 12% of the men surveyed by Anusol said they’d even heard the term pruritus ani, while 43% had no idea what it means at all.

And even among those experiencing symptoms, only 34% correctly identified what they were dealing with.

Pruritus ani’

It can sometimes be overlooked because people tend to focus on the itch itself rather than the underlying cause,’ Ian Budd, lead prescribing pharmacist at Chemist4U, tells Metro. ‘There can also be a degree of embarrassment which means people may delay getting advice.’

This is certainly the case for the men polled, more than a quarter (26%) of whom said they’d avoided buying treatment altogether because they felt too awkward. A worrying 39% also admitted they usually don’t do anything to manage their symptoms.

What is pruritus ani? 

‘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.

‘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.’

While it might sound alarming, it’s usually not serious, and can be caused by a range of factors, from conditions like haemorrhoids, eczema and psoriasis, fungal infections, threadworms to irritation from soaps, wipes, or even sweat.

‘Digestive issues, such as diarrhoea or leakage, can also contribute, as can certain foods and drinks (such as spicy foods, or caffeine),’ Ian adds.

When it comes to diagnosis and treatment, it all depends on the underlying cause, but alongside dealing with this, ‘soothing treatments like barrier creams or mild topical products can help relieve irritation and protect your skin.’

Who gets ‘itchy bum’ most and why?

According to Ian, because there are such a wide range of things that can cause pruritus ani, it can affect a similar wide range of people.

He explains: ‘For example, in children it’s often linked to threadworms, whereas in adults it may be more commonly associated with haemorrhoids, skin conditions, or lifestyle factors.

‘So rather than one group being universally at risk, it really depends on what’s triggering the symptom.

‘That said, people with ongoing digestive issues, sensitive skin, or conditions affecting the anal area may be more likely to experience it at some point.’

In terms of lifestyle factors, research suggests gymgoers might be more likely to struggle with ‘itchy bum’, with one in three (33%) men saying they have experienced it after exercising.

Running (39%), cycling (37%) and gym sessions (23%) were found to bring on symptoms most often, while 41% of those surveyed claiming symptoms are more noticeable when starting a new workout routine.

How to prevent pruritus ani?

‘Reducing your risk is really about managing the factors that can trigger irritation or underlying issues,’ says Ian.

Wearing breathable, loose-fitting underwear and avoiding known trigger foods may also help prevent pruritus ani, along with using gentle, fragrance-free products to keep the area clean and dry.

But although you might be tempted to ramp up your hygiene routine, Ian warns it’s ‘important not to overdo it’, as harsh soaps or excessive washing can actually irritate your skin further.

He recommends speaking to a GP if itching becomes persistent or keeps coming back, ‘so the underlying cause can be identified and treated appropriately.’

It might be awkward to talk about, but pruritus ani is incredibly common and, in most cases, very simple to fix. Ignoring it out of embarrassment could mean putting up with discomfort that doesn’t need to be there.