Are you experiencing uncomfortable itching on your bottom and sometimes getting an uncontrollable urge to give it thorough scratching in public? Well, blame it on various factors including the food you eat, moisture around the anus, among other triggers. Anal itching-what can be considered as a social taboo, can also be referred to by its polite Latin name as pruritus ani. A large percentage of people find this condition highly embarrassing, and as a result, do not seek medical help. They prefer to look for a solution online and either use home remedies or Pruritus Ani Ointment for relief and prevention. Understand that pruritus ani is a common condition affecting up to 1-5 percent of adults, and is more common among men than it is among women. There are so many causes of anal itching, and many times if a medical condition is not the culprit, then a dietary trigger could be involved. Notice that the anus contains a highly sensitive skin aligned with the fecal stream. It means that dietary components or medical problems could provoke itchiness and even pain. So, what are some of the things you need to avoid when you have an anal itching menace? Frequent Cleaning of the Anal Area Although you should have the anal area cleaned after every bowel movement, it should not be rough but gentle. Avoid rubbing and scrubbing with cleansers and soaps as this will most likely trigger itching. Soaps tend to remove the natural protective oils leading to abrasion and dryness. Cleansers may also contain skin irritants. Use a wet cloth or a wet toilet paper to clean the area gently. Avoid Frequent Spicy Meals If you have been taking spicy meals, they could be the cause of the itchiness. Avoid them in entirety. They tend to irritate the entire digestive system. Some of the highly acidic foods include citrus fruits and tomatoes, while some of the most irritating spices include chili and cayenne. Caffeine and Carbonated Drinks If your anus is itchy, avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks. These include teas, coffee, chocolate, and soft drinks. You could try to eliminate them for about two weeks and then gradually reintroduce them one at a time to distinguish the source of the itching. Refined Carbohydrates Incorporate more high fiber foods instead of those classified as refined carbohydrates. Refined carbohydrates including rice and pasta can cause constipation. This can then lead to more cracks around the anal area and hemorrhoids both of which could result in more itching. Avoid Tight Undergarments Keep off constricting underwear, and be sure to choose cotton over synthetic fiber. Cotton is better at absorbing moisture. The underwear should be worn to fit well and be sure to change it frequently. The undergarments should be cleaned with detergents free of fragrance. Resist the Urge to Scratch No matter how itchy the area feels, resist the urge to scratch it. With time, the scratching will stop. The more you scratch, the more time it will take for the itching to pass. Excessive Consumption of Alcohol Alcohol is known to irritate the lining of the digestive tract and result in fermented carbohydrate content. As a result, stool can become acidic and continue to irritate the already itchy bottom. Eliminating the Itchiness Some of the common medical causes of anal itching are food allergies, skin issues, diarrhea, anal fissures, constipation, anal tumors, fecal incontinence, hemorrhoids, STDs, parasite, or yeast infection. A specialist can examine the area if the itching persists to identify the cause. Remember, anal itching is a common phenomenon that you don't have to be embarrassed about. Also, you cannot properly examine the itching yourself, so be sure to check with your healthcare provider for adequate help.