Introduction
Burning at the anus can have different causes, but in any case it is very unpleasant for the person concerned. Many patients do not go to the doctor for a long time out of shame, although the doctor can usually help in a simple and uncomplicated way, for example by prescribing ointments.
Causes
Burning on the anus is caused by various factors. The most common are listed below:
- Food intolerances and spicy food
- Incorrect toilet paper or underwear that is too tight
- Anal fissures
- Worm infections
- Hemorrhoids
- Bacterial infections
- Antibiotics
- Fungal diseases
- Other rare diseases
Certain foods can cause a burning sensation after defecation or at the anus in case of hypersensitivity or intolerance. Spices that are too hot are also a reason for burning sensation in the anus.
A burning sensation on the anus is also caused by toilet paper that is too rough. Too tight underwear leads to a permanent mechanical irritation of the anal area and can also cause a burning sensation in the anus. As a reaction to soaps or moist toilet paper with scent and preservative, anal eczema can develop, which causes a burning sensation in the anus.
This topic may also be of interest to you: Anal eczemaIf a patient has too hard a bowel movement, pressing too hard when going to the toilet can cause the mucous membrane of the anus to tear, resulting in anal fissures. These anal fissures cause a burning sensation in the anus during or after bowel movements. Many people suffer from haemorrhoids, which can be harmless, but can also cause pain and a burning sensation in the anus.
Haemorrhoids make anal hygiene more difficult after going to the toilet, any remaining stools then cause irritation of the skin in the anal region and a burning sensation in the anus. Up to 70% of all adults have haemorrhoids, of which there are different degrees of severity. The lighter degrees of severity are not visible from the outside, but can still cause a burning sensation during and after bowel movements.
Infections in the anal region such as a pinworm infection are also possible triggers of burning sensation in the anus. In the case of a pinworm infection, the females lay their eggs in the anal region, causing burning and itching. Children in particular are often affected by a worm infection.
By taking antibiotics, disease-causing bacteria are combated. The intestinal mucosa of every human being is colonised by many good bacteria that support digestion. Unfortunately, it can happen that these good bacteria are also fought by taking antibiotics.
The longer a patient has to take antibiotics, the more likely it is that good bacteria will also be killed. If the bacteria that normally colonise the intestinal mucosa die off, the intestinal flora gets mixed up. This can even lead to fungal infections in the bowel.
As a result, the mucous membrane of the intestine and in the area of the anus is irritated, causing a burning sensation in the anus, which occurs mainly during bowel movements. A burning sensation in the anus during or shortly after ingestion is not uncommon. It is recommended to clean the anus with water after each bowel movement and to dry it off afterwards.
If the symptoms are more severe, anti-inflammatory ointments or sitz baths, for example with chamomile, are useful to calm the skin. The burning sensation in the anus after antibiotics can last from a few days to several weeks. Fungal diseases in the anal region can occur if the immune system is weak or if antibiotics are taken.
Candida albicans is the most common fungus that causes diseases of the skin in the anal region and burning sensation in the anus. In addition to the burning sensation on the anus, dandruff, redness or blisters occur. In most cases, treatment for a few days with special ointments containing active ingredients against fungi (antimycotics) is sufficient. Other causes of burning sensation in the anus are skin diseases such as psoriasis, which can also affect the anal region. Systemic diseases such as diabetes or kidney disease can also be responsible for itching and burning of the anus.
