WE'VE all been there.
You're out and about for the day, when suddenly you get the sudden urge to itch your bum.
Most of the time, it's nothing to worry about, but one doctor has revealed when it could actually be a cause for concern.
While it's an uncomfortable topic, Dr Christal Blanchard, said it's a lot more common than you think.
Taking to TikTok, she said: "Don’t be embarrassed.
"Gather the information that your body is giving you and this is how you and your practitioner come up with the root cause and a plan."
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Dr Blanchard said there are usually three main causes of an itchy bum and the first, she said, can mean you have a vitamin A deficiency.
She explained: "You can actually check that through your medical doctor who will do a blood test which could show a deficiency.
"If you're going to start taking vitamin A then please check in with your medical practitioner because your liver enzymes need to be monitored.
"Vitamin A can be very hard on your liver if taken for too long and too high of a dose," she said.
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Vitamin A is important as it helps your body's natural defence against illness and infection work properly.
It also helps vision in dim light and can contribute to the maintenance of the lining of the skin.
Most people can get what they need through diet, but if you need to up your intake of vitamin A then you can also try adding cheese, oily fish, eggs and milk to your routine.
The second reason you might have an itchy bum, Dr Blanchard said is because you have low stomach acid.
To check this she said you can do tests at home such as the baking soda challenge or a hydrochloric acid test.
Low stomach acid can contribute to ailments such as heartburn, bloating, constipation and hair loss in women.
To do the baking soda challenge, you need to take the test first thing in the morning before you eat or drink.
BURP TEST
First you mix a quarter of a teaspoon of baking soda into 120ml of water.
Drink it and set a timer to see how long it takes you to burp.
If you have enough stomach acid then you will burp within two to three minutes – any time after this could indicate low acid levels.
Other causes of itchy bum you need to know
The NHS says there are some other causes of itchy bum that you need to know:
- worms
- piles
- diarrhoea
- incontinence
- ringworm
- STIs (like genital warts)
- skin conditions like eczema
- side effects of steroid creams
Official guidance states: "It's unusual for an itchy bottom on its own to be related to something more serious.
"But rarely, it may be a sign of something like anal or bowel cancer, so it's important to get it checked by a GP."
Source: NHS
She added: "You can even just try apple cider vinegar and see if your symptoms improve.
"When you take apple cider vinegar, do it 15 minutes before meals, and dilute it in some water."
This, she added, may resolve your itchy bum and bloating.
Dr Blanchard said that the third reason you might be a bit uncomfortable down there, isn't everyone's favourite.
She said: "It's a parasite.
"If you have an itchy bum at night or feel restless at night the cause of your itchy bum could be a parasite."
In the UK, this would be referred to as worms.
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If you think you have worms then you need to see your GP who will be able to prescribe medicine to kill them.
This usually takes one to three days and the people you live with will also have to be treated.
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