Anal itching and soreness has many possible causes, including hemorrhoids (piles), psoriasis, and eczema. One of the most common causes is a yeast infection of the bottom, also known as a fungal infection. Yeast infections of the "bum crack" can be easily treated and cured. If left untreated, the problem can continue for many weeks or months and get worse.
Itchy Bottom and Other Signs of a Butt Yeast Infection
Fungal infections of the bottom can manifest as several different symptoms. Frequently, a person will have a really itchy bottom. This bum itchiness can be persistent and very annoying, resulting in an unrelenting cycle of itching and scratching that can be difficult to stop.
EmbarrassingProblems.com notes, “When [the butt] becomes irritated, scratching is a natural reaction, but this damages the skin further – the itch/scratch cycle.”
Bottom crack irritation is another sign of a yeast infection. The bum may be red, raw, and sore, and the skin may be cracked. The redness often appears as a ring-shaped rash around the anus. The skin may peel, and sometimes bleeding is a problem.
Bum Fungal Skin Infection Causes
The rear crack is an ideal location for yeast to flourish. The area is dark, warm, and sweaty. “Fungi love warm, damp and damaged skin, so if you have an itchy anus for any reason and then damage the skin by scratching, fungi can take hold and make it worse,” EmbarrassingProblems.com states.
Treating Fungus Problem in Bum Crack
There are a few different treatment options for a butt fungal issue. Over-the-counter creams and ointments that are effective at treating yeast infections include clotrimazole, Lamisil, Lotrimin, and Monistat. Lamisil and Lotrimin are used to treat jock itch and Monistat is used to treat vaginal yeast infections, but both are effective against yeast infections of the bum as well.
To treat bum irritation, creams for diaper rash, such as A+D Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream, is very helpful. MayoClinic.com states that Cortaid and Preparation H Anti-Itch Cream can also reduce inflammation and itchiness.
Soreness of the "butt crack" is embarrassing, but it is easy to treat when it is caused by a yeast infection. Over-the-counter medications for fungus infections are effective. However, if a fungal infection of the bottom lasts for more than a week with treatment, it is best to make an appointment with a doctor. The fungus may require a prescription medication to clear it up.
Sources:
EmbarrassingProblems.com, “Anal Itching” (October 27, 2010).
MayoClinic.com, “Anal Itching” (October 27, 2010).
SearchWarp.com, “Itchy Bum & Fungal Infections That Cause Anal Itching – Stop Scratching Your Itchy Bottom Today” (October 27, 2010).
Aimee Larsen Stoddard - Aimee is a professional writer/editor. She has a BA in English and is currently completing an MS in Theology.
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