Rectal Problems

Rectal problems are common. Almost everyone will experience some rectal itching, pain, or bleeding at some time during his or her life. These problems are often minor and may go away on their own or with home treatment.

Rectal itching

Rectal itching (pruritus) is usually not a sign of a serious disease. At first, the skin of the Reference anal area Opens New Window may appear red. Itching and scratching may make the skin become thickened and white. Common causes of rectal itching include:

• Poor cleaning of the area after a bowel movement. Itching and discomfort may occur when pieces of stool become trapped in skin folds around the Reference anus Opens New Window.
• Medicines, especially medicines that cause diarrhea or constipation, such as Reference antibiotics Opens New Window.
• Cleaning of the anus with very hot water and strong soaps. The anal area is normally oily, and this barrier protects against the irritation of bowel movements. Repeated cleaning or showering will remove these oils and can lead to a cycle of itching and scratching that can be hard to stop.
• The use of scented toilet paper, scented soap, or ointments (such as those that contain benzocaine).
• A generalized dry skin condition that affects the entire body. This condition is more common in older adults. For more information, see the topic Reference Dry Skin and Itching.
• Reference Hemorrhoids Opens New Window. Hemorrhoids are enlarged veins near the lower end of the Reference rectum Opens New Window or outside the anus. For more information, see the topic Reference Hemorrhoids.
• An infection of the anus or rectum, which may be caused by viruses (such as Reference genital warts Opens New Window), Reference bacteria Opens New Window, Reference pinworms Opens New Window, Reference scabies Opens New Window, fungus, yeast, or parasites. Pinworms are the most common cause of anal itching in children. For more information, see the topic Reference Pinworms, Reference Scabies, or Reference Genital Warts (Human Papillomavirus).
• Certain foods, such as coffee, tea, cola, alcoholic beverages, chocolate, tomatoes, spicy foods, and large amounts of vitamin C.

Rectal pain

Rectal pain may be caused by diarrhea, constipation, or anal itching and scratching. Rectal pain caused by these conditions usually goes away when the problem clears up.

Other less common causes of rectal pain include:

• Enlarged, swollen veins in the anus (hemorrhoids).
• Structural problems, such as Reference anal fissures and fistulas Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window or Reference rectal prolapse Opens New Window.
• Infection, such as a Reference sexually transmitted infection Opens New Window, Reference prostate infection Opens New Window, an Reference abscess Opens New Window, or a Reference pilonidal cyst Opens New Window.
• Injury from foreign body insertion, anal intercourse, or Reference abuse.
• Diseases, such as Reference cirrhosis of the liver Opens New Window, Reference diabetes, Reference lymphoma Opens New Window, Reference Crohn's disease Opens New Window, or Reference ulcerative colitis Opens New Window.
• Cancer of the rectum or the prostate or skin cancers, such as Reference squamous cell cancer Opens New Window and Reference Bowen's disease Opens New Window.
• Previous treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy to the rectum or pelvis.
• Reference Rectal spasms Opens New Window (proctalgia fugax).

Rectal bleeding

Many people have small amounts of rectal bleeding. Irritation of the rectum from diarrhea or constipation, a small hemorrhoid, or an anal fissure can cause a small amount of bright red blood on the surface of the stool or on the toilet paper. Hemorrhoids and anal fissures usually occur after straining during a bowel movement because of constipation. This type of bleeding can cause pain during a bowel movement and does not make the toilet water bloody. It is not serious if there is only a small amount of blood and the bleeding stops when the diarrhea or constipation stops. Home treatment is usually all that is needed.

Bleeding can occur anywhere in the digestive tract. The blood is digested as it moves through the digestive tract. The longer it takes the blood to move through the digestive tract, the less it will look like blood. Often blood that is caused by bleeding in the stomach will look black and tarry. A tarry stool has a black, shiny, sticky appearance and looks like tar on a road. Blood that has moved quickly through the digestive tract or that begins near the rectum may appear red or dark red.

Reference Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor.

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.