Suffering from a sore bum due to diarrhea can be really uncomfortable. Let’s get straight to how to relieve sore bum from diarrhea with simple home remedies. This article covers effective tips for cleaning the area, soothing sore skin, using protective creams, and making dietary changes to ease your discomfort.
Key Takeaways
- Maintaining anal hygiene, using soft toilet paper or wet wipes, and gentle drying methods are crucial for relieving irritation caused by diarrhea.
- Soothing baths, including sitz and oatmeal baths, provide immediate relief and promote healing, while using barrier creams protects the skin from irritants.
- Dietary adjustments and proper hydration are essential for managing diarrhea, along with prompt treatment options to reduce symptom severity.
Keep the Anal Area Clean
Maintaining a clean anal area helps minimize skin irritation from stool. Regular cleaning after bowel movements prevents conditions like pruritus ani, reducing overall discomfort in the rectum.
Cleansing methods such as using plain water rinse can be very effective in maintaining anal hygiene.
Use Soft Toilet Paper or Wet Wipes
Choose soft toilet paper or wet wipes to lessen irritation. Unscented toilet paper and moistened wipes without harsh chemicals offer gentler cleaning for sensitive skin.
Consider using wipes with soothing ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera, and avoid those that contain alcohol or fragrances to prevent further irritation.
Pat Dry Instead of Rubbing
After cleaning, gently pat the area dry instead of rubbing. This method helps prevent further irritation and inflammation, reducing discomfort and promoting healing. Allow the area to air dry for optimal results.
Soothing Baths for Relief
Soothing baths offer immediate relief and help relax inflamed skin, promoting healing to prevent flare ups. Warm water, taken several times a day for 10 to 20 minutes each, provides optimal relief.
Adding baking soda or salt to the bath can enhance the soothing effect.
Sitz Bath
A sitz bath, a warm, shallow soak, alleviates anal pain. Fill a bowl or bathtub with lukewarm water, sit for relief, and add Epsom salts for enhanced soothing and anti-inflammatory benefits. Sitz baths can also provide additional comfort.
This method can significantly reduce swelling and pain in the affected area.
Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath relieves itching and irritation. Colloidal oatmeal is known for its ability to soothe sensitive irritated skin and reduce itching.
To prevent further irritation, it is advisable to avoid bubble baths. Additionally, refrain from using fragranced bath oils or salts.
Apply Barrier Creams
Barrier cream offers protection against acids present in watery stools. They also defend against digestive enzymes. Creams like petroleum jelly or zinc oxide prevent skin irritation and reduce inflammation by forming a protective layer on the skin.
Apply a light layer after each bowel movement and before bowel movements for optimal protection.
Zinc Oxide Cream
Zinc oxide cream, often used in skincare, provides protection and healing. It forms a barrier on the skin, reducing irritation from bowel movements.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly acts as a protective barrier for the anal area, minimizing skin irritation by retaining moisture and preventing further damage.
Zinc oxide cream can also act as a protective barrier, reducing irritation from bowel movements.
Hydrocortisone Cream
Hydrocortisone cream can provide relief by minimizing swelling and redness associated with anal irritation. It is particularly useful for severe irritation, helping to alleviate inflammation and provide instant relief.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable clothing alleviates irritation during diarrhea. Wear breathable cotton underwear to keep the anal area dry and prevent moisture buildup.
Loose-fitting clothing reduces friction and irritation around the anal area. Wearing loose fitting pants can further enhance comfort.
Avoid Tight Clothing
Tight clothing worsens irritation and contributes to moisture buildup, making the problem worse and leading to flare ups. To reduce discomfort, avoid tight pants and opt for loose-fitting garments to minimize friction and irritation.
Change Frequently
Regularly changing clothes, especially after sweating, keeps the anal area dry and reduces the risk of fungal infection. Changing out of damp clothing lowers the risk of skin infections and bacterial growth.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated prevents dehydration and ensures smooth bowel movements. Proper hydration softens stools, reducing irritation during bowel movements.
Recommended fluids include water, broths, and electrolyte solutions.
Drink Plenty of Water
Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily to stay hydrated. This is especially important during diarrhea to prevent dehydration and maintain healthy digestion.
Include Electrolyte Drinks
Electrolyte-rich sports drinks replenish lost electrolytes due to diarrhea, effectively maintaining hydration levels and preventing further dehydration.
Dietary Adjustments
Diet adjustments and dietary changes play a key role in managing diarrhea and reducing anal irritation. Proper hydration softens stools, easing bowel movements. Avoid trigger foods and choose easy-to-digest options to maintain healthy digestion.
Eat Bland Foods
Bland foods ease diarrhea symptoms due to their easy digestibility. Examples include rice, bananas, and toast, which help solidify stool and reduce bowel movement frequency.
Avoid Spicy Foods and Citrus Fruits
Avoiding foods that exacerbate diarrhea is crucial. Spicy and acidic foods, like citrus fruits, can irritate the digestive tract, worsening symptoms and discomfort.
Take Care During Bowel Movements
Keeping the skin clean, dry, and intact is vital for healing and comfort during bowel movements. Neglecting this can cause tissues to dry out and crack, leading to anal fissures. Frequent wiping can also cause irritation and small cuts, complicating healing.
Use a Bidet or Spray Bottle
A bidet, which uses water to clean the anus, helps with diarrhea irritation by reducing toilet paper use and offering gentle cleaning.
Avoid Prolonged Sitting
Avoid prolonged sitting to reduce pressure on the sore area. Extended sitting can create moisture, causing chafing and increased pain. To avoid sitting for too long, consider taking breaks.
Breaking up long periods of sitting every 20 to 30 minutes and using specially designed cushions can help relieve discomfort.
Treat Diarrhea Promptly
Diarrhea treatments and treatment options may include antibiotics or antiparasitic medications if caused by bacterial infections or parasites. Eating certain foods helps reduce the frequency and severity of diarrhea.
Replenishing electrolytes during diarrhea prevents further dehydration and helps balance the body’s mineral levels.
Natural Remedies
Herbal teas like chamomile may alleviate digestive discomfort and promote relaxation, supporting healthy digestion and naturally relieving symptoms.
