It is a common enough symptom that it has spawned at least two famous comedy routines, and widespread enough that I see patients frequently complaining of itchy anus (butt), or what doctors call Pruritus ani. Itchy anus sounds like a minor concern, but as with any itch, the symptom can become so severe that some patients would gladly trade it for pain just to experience a moment of relief.

What causes itchy (butt) anus? Often the culprit is as simple as drinking too much coffee or green tea. Most causes of pruritis ani or itchy butt are as a result of certain foods that patients are eating or drinking. But sometimes the problem is considerably more serious, and will require a visit to your colorectal or proctologic surgeon:

If the surgeon looks hard enough they will generally find a treatable condition such as piles, skin tags (fleshy pieces of skin around the bottom commonly confused with piles) or a tear in the lining of the back passage known as an anal fissure. Some people’s itch is attributable to looser stools caused by diet, caffeine or irritable bowel syndrome.

The only way to definitively diagnose and treat itchy anus is to speak with an expert in the field.  The most important thing is to not discount an itchy butt because in rare circumstances, anal/rectal and perianal cancer can present similarly. At the Los Angeles Proctology Institute, we offer the best minimally invasive care for all manners of anal itching and pain, and perform a number of advanced interventions right here in the office.

To learn more about how you can beat the itch and restore a sense of peace to your sitting and working life, please contact the professionals at the Proctology Institute right away.