My itchy bum is out of control

QWhy has my bum started to itch? I find myself scratching by day and can’t sleep at night! Leah, Carmarthen

AThe polite medical term for an itchy anus is pruritus ani. If you have children, check for threadworms – wriggly white worms about a centimetre long that can cause intense night-time itching. If there’s a rash, or itching also around your vagina, then thrush is a possibility. Allergy to creams, skin conditions such as eczema, or piles are other possible causes.

Sometimes you’re simply not cleaning yourself properly after using the loo, leaving behind tiny traces of poo that irritate your skin. Try using wet wipes after a poo (but don’t flush them).

Tablets from your chemist will treat threadworms and antifungal cream should clear thrush. See your GP if itching persists.