You can often do simple things yourself to ease an itchy bottom (anus). See a GP if the itching doesn't stop.

do not eat spicy food or drink lots of alcohol and caffeine – these can make itching worse

do not use perfumes or powders near your anus

do not use scented soaps, bubble bath or bath oil

do not strain when you go to the toilet

do not scratch – if you can't stop, keep fingernails short and wear cotton gloves at night

do not wipe your bottom after pooing – instead, wash with water or pat clean with moist toilet paper, then pat dry

eat plenty of fibre – such as fruit and vegetables, wholegrain bread, pasta and cereal – to avoid runny poo or constipation

keep cool – avoid clothing and bedding that makes you overheat

gently wash and dry your anus after pooing and before bed

Children under 2, and pregnant and breastfeeding women, can't usually take medicine for threadworms – see your GP, midwife or health visitor instead.

An itchy bottom that's worse at night is often caused by threadworms , especially in children.

You can ask the pharmacist if they have a private area where you can speak. They can suggest:

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if you have an itchy bottom that: doesn't ease after 3 or 4 days

keeps coming back

worries you or makes it hard to sleep

comes with itching elsewhere on the body Information: Coronavirus update: how to contact a GP It's still important to get help from a GP if you need it. To contact your GP surgery: visit their website

use the NHS App

call them Find out about using the NHS during coronavirus

What happens at your appointment

A GP will try to work out the cause of your itching. They might need to check your bottom (rectal examination).

Depending on the cause, the GP might:

suggest trying things to ease it yourself for a little longer

prescribe medicine, or stronger creams and ointments

Important Tell the GP immediately if a medicine, cream or ointment makes the itching worse.