Why Your Anus Smells Even After Washing and How to Treat It

Why Does My Anus Smell Even After Washing?

It's an uncomfortable thing to deal with, but many people experience an anal odor even after washing the area thoroughly. There are several potential causes behind this unpleasant symptom. The good news is that in most cases, it's treatable once the underlying issue is identified.

Causes of Persistent Anal Odor

Here are some of the most common reasons your anus continues giving off a smell after you wash it:

• Improper hygiene: Not washing correctly or thoroughly enough in the anal region.
• Skin tags: Extra folds of skin near the anus can collect bacteria and odors.
• Sweat: Excessive perspiration from heat, exercise or stress.
• Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins that may discharge mucus or blood.
• Diarrhea or leakage: Loose stools or incontinence can cause soiling.
• Fistula: An abnormal passageway between two organs like the anus and vagina.
• Diet: Eating lots of strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, or spices.

Let's go over these possible causes in more detail so you can determine if any apply to your situation.

Improper Hygiene

One of the most common reasons for persistent bad odor around the anus is inadequate personal hygiene. Washing properly is essential, even if you feel uncomfortable touching the area.

Be sure to:

• Wash the anus and between the cheeks thoroughly with soap and water daily.
• Rinse well, going into the anal creases. Avoid soap inside the anus itself.
• Pat dry instead of rubbing harshly.
• Change and wash underwear daily.

Gently scrubbing with a washcloth ensures better cleaning than just using your hand. Mild, unscented soap is ideal for sensitive skin.

Skin Tags

Skin tags are small, soft growths that form in areas where skin rubs together, like around the anus. They look like tiny warts or floppy sacs hanging off the skin. They're harmless, but can collect bacteria leading to odor.

Keeping skin tags very clean and dry can help reduce smells. See your doctor about safe, painless tag removal if hygiene doesn't solve the issue.

Sweating

When we sweat, bacteria on our skin breaks down the perspiration causing body odor. The anal region contains many sweat glands and is prone to this issue.

Excessive sweating from hot weather, tight clothing, exercise or anxiety can make smells worse. Changing sweat-dampened underwear frequently and washing the anal area after sweating can help.

Antiperspirants, powders and moisture-wicking fabrics may also be used. See a dermatologist if excessive sweating is impacting your daily life.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are swollen, inflamed veins around the anus. They can ooze mucus, fecal matter, or blood, leading to anal odor.

Symptoms like painful swelling, bleeding during bowel movements, and itching indicate hemorrhoids. Over-the-counter treatments like witch hazel, special wipes, or hemorrhoid creams may provide relief.

See your doctor if at-home care doesn't help. Severe hemorrhoids may need additional treatments like banding or surgery to shrink them.

Diarrhea or Incontinence

Uncontrolled passing of stool, whether due to diarrhea or incontinence, often causes unpleasant odors. It leads to soiling around the anus that's difficult to clean fully.

Treatment depends on the cause. For diarrhea, drink fluids, modify your diet, or use anti-diarrheal medication. Seek medical advice if it persists over two days.

For fecal incontinence, pelvic floor exercises, fiber supplements or medications can improve control. See a doctor to explore solutions if it's impacting your quality of life.

Fistula

An abnormal passageway called a fistula can sometimes form between the anus and reproductive tract. This allows gas or stool contents to escape through the vagina, causing vaginal odor.

Anal or vaginal pain, discharge, bleeding and itching suggest a fistula. They require surgical repair and antibiotic treatment. See your OB-GYN if you suspect this.

Diet

Strong-smelling foods like garlic, onions, curry, beans, cabbage or fish can contribute to anal odors when eliminated. The same goes for heavily spiced cuisine.

Eating more fruits and vegetables can help produce less offensive smelling gas and stool. Drinking plenty of water also allows waste to pass easier.

Reduce foods more likely to cause odors if the smell lingers only after eating them. But extensive diet changes usually aren't required.

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider if:

• Improved hygiene doesn't resolve the smell
• It's associated with itching, pain, or discharge
• You have other symptoms like bleeding, diarrhea, or constipation
• An odor starts suddenly and persists

A doctor can examine the anal area, ask about your symptoms, and determine if an underlying condition is causing the smell. This will guide appropriate treatment.

Medical Causes of Anal Odor

Rarer medical conditions that can lead to ongoing anal smells include:

• STDs: Sexually transmitted diseases like gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis
• Anal fissures: Tears in the delicate anal tissue
• Anal fistulas: Abnormal tunnels opening in the perineum near the anus
• Colon cancer: Can cause changes in bowel habits and discharge
• Crohn's disease: Chronic inflammation in the digestive tract

Diagnostic tests like a stool culture, anoscopy, or colonoscopy help detect any underlying infection, tears, abnormalities or inflammation. Proper treatment can then be started.

When It's Normal

Mild, temporary anal odors are normal. Passing gas and pooping aren't meant to smell pleasant. As long as it's not ongoing or associated with other symptoms, there's little cause for concern.

Everyone's anal anatomy is a little different too. Some people naturally produce more odor due to sweat glands, skin folds, or hair in the region. Good hygiene helps offset this.

If the smell isn't negatively impacting your quality of life, extensive evaluation may not be needed. But do bring it up with your doctor periodically to be sure.

Treatments for Anal Odor

Treatment depends on identifying the specific cause. But some general remedies include:

• Improving bathroom hygiene
• Using gentle cleansing wipes or bidets
• Trying topical creams like zinc oxide
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear
• Taking oral antibiotics or antifungals
• Having anal skin tags removed

Lifestyle measures like drinking enough fluids, exercising regularly, and eating more fiber supplements can also help normalize bowel movements and odor.

Home Remedies

Some home remedies may temporarily help counteract anal odors, including:

• Baking soda - Sprinkling a little in underwear can reduce moisture and smells
• Essential oils - Diluted tea tree, lavender or eucalyptus oil provide cleansing aromas
• Apple cider vinegar - Add a cup to bath water to adjust pH
• Yogurt - The probiotics can improve gut health and waste odor
• Pineapple - Bromelain enzymes may aid digestion

Keep in mind these aren't cure-alls. See your doctor if odors persist despite home treatments.

When to Consider Surgery

For severe or recurrent cases of anal odor not helped by other methods, surgery may be an option. Potential procedures include:

• Fistulotomy: Opens and stitches fistulas to allow drainage
• Hemorrhoidectomy: Removes large, prolapsed hemorrhoids
• Anal abscess drainage: Lances and cleans out infected anal glands
• Seton placement: Thread placed through fistulas to drain infection
• Fecal diversion: Redirects feces away from diseased lower colon

Talk to a colorectal surgeon or gastroenterologist to see if any surgical intervention may help improve odor and quality of life.

Preventing Anal Odor

Practicing good hygiene and healthy bowel habits can help prevent unpleasant anal odors. Try these tips:

• Wash anal area thoroughly with mild soap and water daily
• Keep the area dry - change damp underwear and avoid tight clothes
• Shower after exercising, sweating, or bowel movements
• Treat hemorrhoids, diarrhea, or incontinence promptly
• Eat high fiber foods and stay hydrated for regular bowel movements
• Gently clean skin tags around the anus
• Take probiotics to support gut and anal health

See your doctor annually for routine checkups too. Anal issues are common, so don't be embarrassed to bring up odor concerns.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Rarely, a persisent bad odor around the anus may indicate a medical emergency requiring prompt care. Seek emergency treatment if smell is accompanied by:

• Severe pain
• Fever over 101F (38C)
• Signs of infection like pus/discharge
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Inability to pass stool or gas

Any of these symptoms indicates a possible abscess, ulcer, bowel obstruction or other issue needing immediate diagnosis and care to prevent serious complications.

Living Better with Anal Odors

Coping with embarrassing anal smells involves:

• Being diligent about hygiene and seeking treatment
• Using odor-minimizing products
• Wearing breathable cotton underwear
• Following a high fiber diet
• Practicing self-acceptance
• Having compassion - most people deal with this issue!

Instead of isolation, reach out to your healthcare provider for solutions. With the proper treatment, ongoing anal odors can often be resolved or well-managed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.