Anal Itching Remedies

          What Causes Anal Itching?

The majority of cases are caused by skin irritation from fecal soilage. In older people, or in anybody with diarrhea, seepage of fecal matter may occur. Also, as people grow older, anal skin becomes more irregular and harder to clean. People with hemorrhoids (which may trap small fecal particles) are more prone to itching.

At any age, not taking the time to wipe thoroughly may contribute to poor hygiene, which causes itching and irritation. Then, too, being overzealously hygienic, such as rubbing energetically with dry toilet paper, can injure the skin. Another precipitating factor may be the hard stools of constipation, which can irritate the anal area.

Once the itch starts, many factors can exacerbate it. Hot weather and sweating, tight clothes that compress the buttocks, and nonabsorbent nylon panty hose and underpants may make matters worse, as can activities such as walking, sitting—particularly prolonged sitting on a plastic seat, which hampers the evaporation of any sweat—and bike riding. Some experts think stress may also be a factor in anal itching.

What If You Do Nothing?

Until the cause of anal itching is eliminated, the condition may persist indefinitely.

Home Remedies for Anal Itching

·         Clean carefully. Meticulous, gentle cleaning provides relief. One option is to regularly use premoistened wipes. You can also wash the anal area gently—in a shower or bath or over the toilet—with soap and water. Take care to rinse thoroughly, then gently pat the area dry with a towel or cotton ball.

·         Control the itch. Corticoid lotions or creams can be effective if used for a short time. Avoid the “-caine” creams sold for topical relief, since they can further inflame sensitive skin.

·         Don’t scratch. It only causes additional irritation and invites infection.

·         Consider changing your toilet tissue. Use plain, unscented, noncolored tissues.

·         Eat foods high in fiber, such as cereals, fruits and vegetables. Consume prunes, spicy food, orange juice, figs, coffee and beer only in moderation.

·         Be prepared. When away from home, carry a few premoistened, individually packaged wipes—the kind you use for a baby.

·         Manage leakage. If you are bothered by leakage, wear a small cotton pad against the anal opening and change it frequently. Wear undergarments with a cotton crotch and generally avoid tight clothing.

·         Don’t schedule long bike rides—at least until the problem is resolved. Also, avoid other activities that may cause excessive perspiration.

Anal Fissure

An anal fissure is an elongated ulcer—or crack—in the skin lining the anal canal. Fissures usually result from constipation and the passage of hard stool, stool that is inadequately emptied, or in association with hemorrhoids. Subsequent bowel movements can irritate the fissure and cause spasms of the sphincter muscle—which can be extremely painful—and sometimes bleeding.

The best way to treat anal fissures is to avoid constipation by eating a diet high in fiber along with drinking plenty of fluids.

If you experience pain during bowel movements, or notice any bleeding, don’t simply assume it’s an anal fissure. Contact your physician to rule out potentially more serious problems. If your doctor diagnoses anal fissure, avoiding constipation can help make it less likely to cause pain. Warm baths can help ease the pain of spasms. Your doctor may prescribe stool softeners. Cleaning the anal area after each bowel movement is also important: use moistened cotton (and soap if necessary), then pat dry with dry cotton. A fissure will usually heal within two to three weeks.

Prevention

·         Bathe regularly. Wash your anal area with soap and water and dry thoroughly.

·         Make use of moistened tissue. After a bowel movement, cleanse carefully with tissues moistened with vegetable or mineral oil. Several brands of premoistened varieties are now available in stores. You can also use toilet tissue that you’ve moistened and lightly soaped, then rinse with plain wet tissue and dry the area.

·         Avoid tight underclothing. Choose roomy, breathable underwear made of cotton rather than synthetics. This will keep the anal area ventilated and relatively dry.

Beyond Home Remedies: When To Call Your Doctor

Contact your physician immediately if anal itching occurs along with bleeding or any unusual pain. Very rarely, persistent anal or rectal itching may be a sign of serious infection, so if it does not respond to simple treatments or the passage of time, contact your physician. Scabies and pinworms are possible causes that require a doctor’s advice.

What Your Doctor Will Do

Your doctor will make a careful physical examination that may include a close inspection of the anal area using a plastic device known as an anoscope. You may also be examined for pinworm eggs or scabies.

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Treat Skin Rashes with Natural Remedies

Treat Skin Rashes with Natural Remedies

Skin rash is a common term that describes an outbreak of red bumps on the body that changes the texture of the skin. A skin rash can be the result of many different conditions, ranging from allergies to infections. In this article, we will address how to naturally treat common skin rashes, especially those that are caused by allergies.

Allergic rashes fall into two categories: dermal and systemic. A dermal allergy is caused by the skin coming into direct contact with an allergen. A systemic allergy is the consequence of something ingested. Systemic allergies can be more serious and difficult to diagnose. When addressing food allergies, it is important to note that the most common offenders are eggs, milk, seafood, soy, wheat, tree nuts, and peanuts.

A skin rash can be localized or widespread. It can itch, tingle, burn, cause pain, swell or blister, or it can be present with no discomfort whatsoever. Some rashes go away by themselves as soon as the allergen is removed. Others necessitate treatment. Specific causes of skin rashes include change in temperature, food allergens, sensitivity to certain drugs, pollens, dust, smoke, soap products, perfumes, lotions, and latex rubber.

Remedies that can be effective in treating skin rashes include:

*Washing the affected area with chamomile tea.

*Applying olive oil to the rash.

*A mixture of cod liver oil and vitamin E is very effective in eliminating rashes.

*Grinding holy basil leaves, combined with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 2 garlic cloves, a pinch of salt and a pinch of pepper, and smearing over the rash.

*Taking an oatmeal bath is one of the best body rash treatments. Pour one cup of uncooked oatmeal into the bathwater and soak in this solution.

*Another extremely effective treatment is applying mashed almond leaves to the affected area.

*Vitamin C has strong antioxidant properties that can help heal rashes and reduce the chances of subsequent allergic reactions.

*Raw apple cider vinegar and raw honey are very effective in eliminating allergies. Take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and honey three times a day or mix the apple cider vinegar and honey in a glass of water. The honey should be obtained from a local source.

*Another good remedy for skin allergies is to crush one tablespoon of poppy seeds, mix with one teaspoon of water and one teaspoon of lime juice and apply to rash.

Liver toxicity can also be the cause of certain skin rashes. It may be beneficial to do a liver cleanse. Herbs that help to detoxify the liver are turmeric, milk thistle, and dandelion.

One item that can help avoid allergies due to local pollens is regular consumption of locally grown raw organic honey. Avoidance of smoking, heavy alcohol consumption and cosmetics can also help prevent many allergies.

Natural remedies are safer than most conventional treatments such as lotions, steroids and antihistamines. In many instances natural remedies are also more effective.

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Natural home remedies: Body odour

            Natural home remedies: Body odour

It's natural—and healthy—to sweat, but no one wants to smell that way all day. Learn about home remedies that will help reduce body odour and find out when you should visit your doctor

Body odour starts with certain types of sweat. Eccrine glands pour out clear, neutral-smelling sweat, which cools your body as it evaporates. Apocrine glands, concentrated in your underarms and genitals, secrete a substance that bacteria feast upon, causing strong odours. Stress, ovulation, sexual excitement and anger can cause apocrine glands to kick into high gear. Some diseases cause the body to produce particular odours, and so do drugs such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and bupropion (Wellbutrin).

Natural remedies for body odour

• Wipe rubbing alcohol, vinegar or hydrogen peroxide onto your underarms during the day to cut down the numbers of odour-causing bacteria.

• Dab on witch hazel. You can splash it directly on your skin or apply it as often as necessary with a cotton pad. The clear, clean-smelling liquid has drying and deodorizing properties.

• Dust baking soda or cornstarch on any odour-troubled part of your body. Both of these powders absorb moisture, and baking soda also kills odour-causing bacteria.

• Shave regularly under your arms. Underarm hair can increase body odour because it traps sweat and bacteria.

·         What to do if you sweat too much

·         Which deodorant is right for you?

·         How hot yoga helps my running

·         The truth about fragrance sensitivity

• Apply tea-tree oil to problem areas, as long as it doesn’t irritate your skin. This oil, from an Australian tree, kills bacteria and also has a pleasant scent.

• Essential oils of lavender, pine and peppermint fight bacteria. They also smell nice. Since some people have a skin reaction to certain oils, test the underarm area or a small patch of skin before using.

• Delightfully fragrant, sage can fight bacteria and reduce perspiration. You can purchase a solution of sage tincture or diluted sage oil, or brew some sage tea that you cool and store in a bottle. Any of these liquids can be used in the underarm area, but not around the genitals. And after using sage, wash your hands before touching your face.

• A citrus fruit like lemon changes the pH level of your skin, making it more acidic. All bacteria, including the odour-causing kinds, have a hard time surviving in a highly acidic environment. Just rub on some lemon and pat dry.

Eat the right foods to counteract body odour

• Eat plenty of spinach, chard and kale. Green, leafy vegetables are rich in chlorophyll, which has a powerful deodorizing effect in your body.

• Have a few sprigs of parsley, credited with anti-odour properties. Or make parsley tea by steeping a teaspoon of chopped fresh parsley in a cup of boiling water for five minutes. Let it cool a bit before you drink it.

• Try wheatgrass juice, sold in health-food stores. Warning: It has a very strong taste, and some people feel nauseated the first time they try it. You might want to start with just 2 Tbsp (30 mL) of wheatgrass juice in 3/4 cup (200 mL) of water, then increase the proportion of juice in subsequent tastings. On first tasting, it’s wise to try this drink on an empty stomach just in case your stomach overreacts.

• Buy tablets containing chlorophyll. Many brands are available, made from plants like kelp, barley grass, and blue-green algae. Check the label for the dosage recommendation.

When to see your doctor

If you’re sweating frequently or heavily, you could have an overactive thyroid gland, low blood sugar or a problem with the part of the nervous system that controls sweating. If you think you’re sweating too much or you may have a medical condition causing your body odour, see your doctor. And if you’re taking a prescription medication that might be contributing to excessive odour, ask your doctor about switching to another drug

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