Medically Reviewed by Melinda Ratini, DO, MS on May 15, 2021 It’s a huge relief to get over a bout of diarrhea. But afterward, sore skin around your bottom might keep you feeling uncomfortable. People with conditions that cause regular diarrhea, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), know that all that wiping can hurt the delicate skin in that area. Soothe the irritation quickly with a few easy tips. It’s important to wipe thoroughly after you have diarrhea. But too much cleaning can backfire. Even the softest toilet paper can be rough on your skin, and crumbled bits of it can get trapped inside skin folds. In the bath or shower, even “natural” or “gentle” soaps that don’t have perfumes can strip your skin of its natural oils, which makes the problem worse. Instead, use lukewarm water to gently clean your bottom, instead of scrubbing or wiping. A spray bottle can help you reach the area. Then let it air-dry, or gently pat yourself with a clean, dry cloth. You may think that wet wipes are better than toilet paper for getting yourself as clean as possible. But if they have alcohols, fragrances, or any other chemicals, they can dry out your skin and make irritation worse. Many doctors say gentle cleaning with water is still the best way to treat sore skin. A gentle ointment like petroleum jelly can provide a barrier that helps protect your skin. It’s a better choice than medicated creams, which can cause dryness and irritation. But use just a little -- an overload of ointment can keep skin from getting air, which will help it heal. Soaking in plain old warm water can work wonders, too. Fill your bathtub with a few inches of lukewarm water and sit for about 10 minutes, a few times a day. (Don’t stay for too long -- over soaking will eventually dry out your skin.) No bathtub? You can buy a small tub made for soaking just your hips and buttocks at the drugstore. If your bottom itches, talk to your doctor. They may recommend that you use an anti-inflammatory cream, such as cortisone, for a few days to keep you from scratching. One of the best ways to keep skin healthy is to let it get as much air as possible. Avoid tight clothing, and wear light, breathable cotton underwear. If you sweat when you exercise or because it’s hot outside, rinse off with water as soon as possible. It can make soreness worse, too. If you have to stay seated at work or school, you may find it more comfortable to sit on a small ring-shaped cushion, or doughnut. And of course, do your best to keep diarrhea from coming back. If you have a digestive disorder, take any medications that your doctor has prescribed for your condition, and let them know if you think they’re not working. If you have any new symptoms, such as blood in your stool, call your doctor. © 2021 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved. View privacy policy and trust info
Do you know how to wipe your butt? It's a surprising question, we know, but doing it the wrong way has health implications. Failure to wipe correctly could leave you vulnerable to a urinary tract infection or aggravate any existing rectal issues, like hemorrhoids or anal fissures. That's why we turned to a gynecologist (who actually gets asked about this quite often) and a gastroenterologist to give us the scoop on wiping after you poop. Here are the right and wrong ways to do it, plus some helpful tips and tricks. You've probably heard this directive since you were a kid, and it's really important. "This means wiping in the direction from your urethra to your anus," Alyssa Dweck, MD, a gynecologist in Westchester County, New York, and author of The Complete A to Z for Your V, told Health. "There's far more bacteria in the rectal area; that's why you want to avoid dragging the toilet paper in the other direction toward your urethra. Bringing this bacteria up [towards the] front can contribute to a urinary tract infection." Wipe front to back whether you've urinated or had a bowel movement. The best type is soft, white toilet paper that hasn't been dyed and isn't scented. Thin, scratchy toilet paper, scented toilet paper, and recycled TP can cause irritation or even an allergic reaction. Not everyone will have a reaction if they don't use the best toilet paper—"some people can use sandpaper to wipe themselves and they'll be fine," said Dr. Dweck. But if you can help it, go with the right kind. Don't worry about whether to sit or stand when you wipe. What you choose is a matter of preference and mobility, Monica S. Borkar, MD, a gastroenterologist with NorthShore University HealthSystem in Glenview, Illinois, told Health. Whatever position is most comfortable and gives you access is the right one. After wadding up a ball of toilet paper (or neatly folding a few sheets), "reach either behind you or between your legs, if that's easier" to make the front-to-back wiping motion, said Dr. Borkar. Keep wiping until all the poop is gone and you feel clean. "Always take your time with these techniques; this is one of the most important things you can do for your health on a daily basis," she said. If you have hemorrhoids—swollen veins that may bulge out from the anus—you might feel as if you need to vigorously rub with TP to get rid of all residue. "Hemorrhoids create folds and make it tough to clean the area," said Dr. Dweck. So here's how to deal with that. Many people find that they have to poop in the morning—it's a natural reaction to getting up and having breakfast, and drinking coffee helps move things along, too. In that case, you might be able to plan on pooping and then taking a shower before you get started with your day. It's something that Dr. Borkar suggests to patients who have hemorrhoids. "External hemorrhoids often cause pain, itching, or bleeding, so showering with warm water after a BM is a good option," she said. Gently dry the area with a soft towel after your shower. If hopping in the shower won't work, people with hemorrhoids still have options, says Dr. Dweck. First up is a bidet, if you have one available to you; it's a bathroom appliance that gently sprays water on you after you pee or poop. Or use a peri bottle to squirt water on your anus, which moistens things up and makes it easier to wipe. A quick sitz bath (where you sit in a couple of inches of water) can also work, and they make versions that go over your toilet, which can be especially helpful for mobility issues. Another option is Balneol, a mild cleansing lotion. Apply a bit to the toilet paper and then wipe, moisturizing your anal area and whisking away any traces of stool. Another anal-area problem that might make wiping your butt a challenge is an anal fissure. These are small tears in the lining of the anus, typically caused by hard stools from constipation, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Like hemorrhoids, symptoms of an anal fissure include itching, bleeding, and pain said Dr. Borkar. If you have a fissure, she recommends using a medicated pad or wipe after a BM. Unless advised by your doctor because you have hemorrhoids or a fissure, avoid wipes. You might like wipes for that fresh butt feeling, but they can cause their own problems. "I see so many people who have irritation and rashes around the vulva and perianal area from using wipes," said Dr. Dweck. This area can be especially sensitive to ingredients like fragrances in scented products, she says. If you are using wipes for a medical reason, choose unscented products made for sensitive skin, advised Dr. Borkar. If you feel as if you just can't get clean after a BM, call your healthcare provider, said Dr. Borkar, especially if this is something new and lingering. (Also, if you ever see blood on the toilet paper after wiping, check in with your healthcare provider. You can't assume the cause is hemorrhoids until your healthcare provider has told you so.) This stuff can feel embarrassing, but remember that your healthcare provider is there to help you, and they have heard it all before. Ultimately, wiping is a common concern. "If you're dealing with any issues wiping, you're not alone," said Dr. Dweck.
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