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Itching in the buttock cleft

Itching between the buttocks or around the anus is often called pruritus ani. Stool residue, moisture, sweat, excessive cleaning, perfumed products, haemorrhoids, a fissure, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection, threadworms and other causes can irritate the skin. Gentle cleaning, thorough drying and loose cotton clothing often help, but scratching usually worsens itching. Avoid prolonged self-treatment with steroid creams or antifungals. Bleeding, a palpable swelling, pus, fever, diabetes, reduced immunity or significant pain need medical assessment.

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  • Itching between the buttocks or around the anus is often called pruritus ani. It is a symptom, not a diagnosis itself.
  • This skin is easily irritated by moisture, sweat, stool, leakage, diarrhoea, harsh wiping or perfumed products.
  • Haemorrhoids, an anal fissure, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection, threadworms and other skin or bowel problems can cause the same symptom.
  • Gentle cleaning, thorough drying, loose cotton clothes and avoiding scratching are the safest first steps.
  • Do not use steroid or antifungal cream long-term on your own, as this may obscure the cause or make skin thinner and more sensitive.
  • Blood, a lump, pus, fever, severe pain, marked wetness, diabetes or reduced immunity are reasons to call a doctor.

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ThreadwormsThreadworms are small white worms that mainly cause itching around the anus or vulva at night and often spread within families and schools. They are usually harmless and treatable, but severe abdominal pain, fever, bleeding, weight loss or another type of worm needs a different medical assessment.
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Ingrown toenailAn ingrown toenail develops when the nail edge presses or grows into the skin beside it. This often causes pain, redness and swelling, usually in the big toe. Early on, reducing pressure, drying carefully and trimming correctly may help, but picking, digging or cutting a V shape often makes things worse. Seek assessment sooner with diabetes, poor circulation, neuropathy, reduced immunity, pus, spreading redness, cellulitis or fever.
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Athlete's footAthlete's foot is a superficial dermatophyte infection, usually between the toes or on the sole and edges of the foot. Scaling, cracks and itching often respond to a topical antifungal and keeping the skin dry, but eczema and bacterial infections can look similar. A warm foot with rapidly spreading redness, pus, fever or a wound in someone with diabetes needs prompt assessment.