An itchy, burning butt is an extremely common condition that often causes anxiety and discomfort. Situated in or around the anal region, the pain is often intense and may be accompanied by burning, painful sensations, and a strong urge to scratch. You may find anal itching to be embarrassing and uncomfortable, yet around 3 out of 4 adults in the US will experience it at some point.
There are many possible causes including hemorrhoids. Others include not wiping gently enough, fungal conditions, washing too much or too little, or an episode of diarrhea.
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are bleeding from the anal region or have had hemorrhoids for a prolonged time before starting any self-treatment.
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the anus and lower rectum and are so common that they are experienced by three out of every four adults in the US at some point in their life.
Hemorrhoids can be thought of as a type of varicose vein – in a really inconvenient location. They can be a true nuisance.
When they are under the skin around the anus, they are called external hemorrhoids, and these are associated with:
- Burning, itching, or irritation
- Pain or discomfort
- Swelling
- Bleeding
Alternatively, if hemorrhoids develop inside the rectum, they are known as internal hemorrhoids. Usually, they can’t be seen or felt, and it is uncommon for them to cause pain or discomfort. However, straining or irritation when passing stools may sometimes cause:
- Painless bleeding during bowel movements where small amounts of bright red blood may be noticed on toilet tissue or in the toilet.
- Small amounts of bright red blood may be noticed on toilet tissue, or in the toilet.
- An internal hemorrhoid to work through the anal opening, resulting in pain or irritation
When hemorrhoids develop, often the cause is unknown.
When to see a doctor about hemorrhoids
If you have been bleeding during bowel movements or you have had hemorrhoids for a prolonged time, talk to your doctor about it. Often, a timely intervention can have a very good result if there is something else going on too… so don’t hesitate to take action.
Some of the possible causes of hemorrhoids
The veins around the anus tend to stretch under pressure and may bulge or swell. Hemorrhoids can develop from increased pressure in the lower rectum due to:
- Straining during bowel movements
- Having chronic diarrhea or constipation
- Sitting for long periods of time on the toilet
- Being overweight
- Pregnancy
- Having a diet that is too low in fiber
- Regular heavy lifting
- Risk factors for hemorrhoids
With age, the risk of hemorrhoids increases. That’s because the tissues that support the veins in the rectum and anus can weaken and stretch. Pregnancy also can result in hemorrhoids due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume, and pressure from the growing baby on pelvic blood vessels.
Treatment of itchy butts and external hemorrhoids
Most cases of hemorrhoids can be self-treated at home. More serious cases may require medication or surgical help. Hemorrhoids can reoccur after treatment, so management is more around the control of symptoms rather than cure.
That’s where new Asteroid™ Ointment comes in. Asteroid™ Ointment rapidly cools and soothes the anal area. The specially formulated barrier ointment also protects sensitive tissue, so you can feel more comfortable and confident as you get on with your day. Asteroid™ Ointment is steroid free which means it is fine for every-day use, unlike some preparations which contain steroid ingredients.
For best results Asteroid™ Ointment can be applied up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning or after a bowel motion.
Note: Do not apply Asteroid™ Ointment if there is bleeding from the anal region without first consulting your heathcare provider.