Itchy buttocks? Why hygiene down at the back matters and what you need to know according to an expert

Anal hygiene is often overlooked by Filipinos, but according to Dr. Arcelie Bucag, an aesthetic physician, it plays an important role in overall wellness.

Failing to give importance to the anal region often leads to common issues, including anal fissures, persistent itching, and hemorrhoids.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Dr. Arcelie shared essential information on preventing these problems and maintaining good anal hygiene.

Why does anal health matter?

Proper anal care prevents bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. It's the area where excrement exits our bodies, after all.

Bucag said many patients tend to seek medical help only when their conditions have started to worsen.

“‘Yung tipong lumabas na ‘yung hemorrhoids, hindi pa talaga [pinapa-check]. Nung dumudugo na, tsaka lang sila magpapa-check up. Doon ko na-realize na ang Filipinos, hindi gaanong binibigyan ng importance and anal hygiene and anal health,” she said.

[People won't get themselves checked even if their hemorrhoids are already showing. They'd wait until it's bleeding. That's when I realized Filipinos don't really give importance to anal hygiene and health.] 

This reactive approach highlights the need for greater awareness of preventive measures.

“Prevention is better than cure,” she said, adding that ensuring the anus is properly cleaned can help prevent further issues, including anal itching, fissures, and various infections.

Just like any part of our body, the anal area is also important and must be given proper care.

“If you take care of your face, if you take care of your mouth, if you take care of your hands, of course, you should take care din of your anus kasi it's part of your overall health. Yes, tago siya, but with good [and] proper hygiene, marami kang mape-prevent na diseases.”

Best practices for anal health care

1. Wash properly

One major misconception Bucag encounters is the belief that water alone is enough for cleaning the anal area. While water does remove some residue, it does not eliminate all bacteria.

“It's better to use also mga unscented or mga hypoallergenic products that are dermatologically tested, na designated on that anal area. That's the reason why we created ABU (All ‘bout Under),” she said.

“Kailangan normal ‘yung pH (level), so dapat you use designated na anal wash na maba-balance out niya ‘yung pH doon, just like any other parts of the body,” she said, noting that the anal pH level must be maintained at 5.5 to 7.

2. Wipe correctly

Be sure to wipe front to back to prevent bacteria from spreading toward the vaginal area, which can cause urinary tract infections.

Avoid wiping vigorously with dry towels, as this can cause irritation and microtears. Instead, use soft and unscented toilet paper.

3. Be mindful of positioning during defecation

Bucag recommends elevating the feet slightly using a stool to reduce rectal pressure and avoid excessive straining.

“Importante iyon para hindi ka magkaroon ng almoranas,” she said.

4. Limit time on the toilet

Reading while sitting on your throne might not be a good idea after all. According to Bucag, prolonged sitting on the toilet can also affect rectal pressure.

“Just stay seated lang for 5 minutes. May iba, nag-se-cellphone pa. Aside from that, kapag sobrang tagal mong nakaupo, bigla kang tatayo. So ‘yung blood pressure ay magkakaroon ng alterations,” Bucag said.

5. Diet matters

A well-balanced diet, as well as proper hydration, is also essential to prevent anal health problems.

“Dapat high fiber diet ‘yung kinakain ng patient [para] maganda ‘yung bowel elimination mo. ‘Pag hindi maganda yung bowel elimination mo, of course, you are constipated,” Dr. Arcelie said.

Straining during defecation due to constipation can cause anal fissures and hemorrhoids. 

When to see a doctor?

Dr. Arcelie acknowledged that not everyone has access to healthcare, hence the hesitation to visit doctors for consultation.

“Kung mild itchiness lang naman, hindi pa naman siya concerning kasi pwede yan ma-relieve ng mga designated products natin kasi there are those products like ABU na may tea tree oil na merong mga antifungal properties, antimicrobial properties,” she said.

“Baka kasi hindi lang maganda yung hygiene mo kaya ka nagkakaroon ng itchiness.”

But if the anal itching persists despite good hygiene, or if there is rectal bleeding or small pellet-like stools, it is best to consult a doctor immediately.

Hemorrhoids, on the other hand, must be checked ASAP to prevent them from worsening.

“There are different stages kasi ng hemorrhoids. ‘Pag pumunta ka na doon sa severe type ng hemorrhoids, kailangan mo na ng surgery,” she said.

— LA, GMA Integrated News