Top 8 Home Remedies for Burning Sensation While Passing Stool

Struggling with a burning sensation when passing stool? You're not alone! This discomfort can be frustrating, but the good news is that there are several home remedies for burning sensation while passing stool that can help ease the irritation. While it's always best to consult a doctor for persistent symptoms, simple at-home solutions can provide relief and prevent further discomfort.

This article covers effective remedies you can try at home, as well as lifestyle changes and dietary tips that support better digestive health. Let's read!

8 Effective Home Remedies for Burning Sensation While Passing Stool

1. Warm Sitz Baths: A Soothing Solution

According to research, sitz baths relieve inflammation and increase circulation to the anal area, reducing burning sensation. You can try it many times a day, particularly after a bowel movement (pooping).

How to do it:

• Fill a tub with some warm water (not very hot).

• Sit in the tub, allowing your butt to soak in for about 20 minutes.

• Then, pat dry the area gently using a soft towel.

2. Epsom Salt Bath: Natural Anti-Inflammatory Relief

The anti-inflammatory properties of Epsom salt help relax the anal muscles and alleviate inflammation. It soothes the irritated area and relieves the burning sensation caused by anal fissures or hemorrhoids.

How to do:

• Pour 1 to 2 cups of quality Epsom salt into a tub of warm water.

• Soak your bottom area in the water for about 10 to 15 minutes.

For a soothing experience, try adding a few drops of lavender oil to the bath.

3. Ice Packs: Instant Cooling Relief

An ice pack soothes skin, temporarily reduces swelling, and prevents a burning sensation while passing stools. However, avoid using it directly on the skin as it can damage the skin.

How to use:

• Wrap ice cubes in a small, clean, towel.

• Put the ice pack in the affected area for 10-15 minutes.

• Repeat this process after 1 hour (if needed).

4. Aloe Vera: Naturally Healing and Soothing

The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing effects of aloe vera gel can help soothe the irritated skin caused by anal fissures around the anus.

How to use:

• Apply a fresh layer of aloe vera gel directly to the irritated area.

• Reapply it every 3-4 hours.

• You can also drink aloe vera juice on an empty stomach (start with a small amount) to promote digestive health.

5. OTC Creams & Ointments: Fast Relief

Several over-the-counter (OTC) creams and ointments are available that can immediately bring relief from a burning sensation. Buy the products that have zinc oxide or hydrocortisone as ingredients as they reduce inflammation and soothe the irritated area.

How to use:

• Clean the area with water and mild soap and pat it dry.

• Apply the cream or ointment as directed on the product packaging.

• Make sure to avoid overuse, as it can lead to skin thinning.

6. Coconut Oil:  Moisturizing & Healing

The anti-inflammatory, healing, and moisturizing properties of coconut oil can relieve discomfort caused by a burning sensation. Additionally, it can help with quick healing of damaged skin around your anal area.

How to use:

• Apply a few drops of coconut oil to the irritated area with the help of a cotton ball.

• Leave it on for some hours or overnight.

7. Witch Hazel: Reduce Redness and Swelling

Being rich in soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, witch hazel can treat anal irritation and swelling that comes with a burning sensation. It also helps reduce redness and pain around your anus area.

How to use:

• Apply witch hazel to the affected area with the help of a cotton pad or ball.

• Then, dab the area gently.

8. Buttermilk & Curd: Cool Your Digestive System

A study reports that these dairy products are highly rich in probiotics which prevent constipation. This, in turn, helps relieve pressure in your anal area. Moreover, as buttermilk can have a cooling impact on your digestive system, it also reduces the burning sensation.

How to use:

• Drink one glass of plain buttermilk after consuming a meal.

• Add some cumin seeds or a rock salt for added relief.

• You can have plain curd with food.

Though some home remedies can bring relief from a burning sensation while pooping, they might not suit everyone. Hence, it's important to seek professional help for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. 

Lifestyle & Dietary Changes to Prevent Burning Sensation While Passing Stool

In addition to home remedies, incorporating these lifestyle and dietary changes can significantly improve your bowel health and reduce discomfort.

Lifestyle Changes:

• Stay Active: Regular physical activity, like yoga, walking, or jogging, helps prevent constipation, eases healthy bowel movements, and relieves burning sensation.

• Avoid scratching your butt: This may damage the fragile skin and worsen the burning sensation. In case of irritation, apply aloe vera gel for a soothing effect.

• Avoid straining: Straining while pooping can make the burning sensation worse. So, relax and take some time to poop. Utilize a stool to raise your feet and make a squat position. This eases bowel movements.

• Stay hydrated: Proper hydration keeps your stool soft, making it pass easier. So, drink a lot of water throughout the day. You can use natural laxatives like prune juice to pass your stools.

• Limit or avoid alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can cause dehydration which can contribute to a burning sensation while passing stool. So, limit or avoid it completely.

• Take Breaks from Sitting: If you sit for long periods, take breaks to move around and reduce pressure on the anal area.

Dietary Changes:

• Avoid spicy foods: Being high in acid and spices, these foods can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen the burning sensation while pooping. So, avoid chili peppers, hot sauces, and cayenne pepper.

• Increase fiber intake: A diet that lacks fiber can make stools dry, hard, and difficult to pass. So, consume fiber-rich foods such as legumes, whole grains, green veggies, and fruits to soften stools and ease bowel movements.

• Avoid processed foods: Processed foods lack nutrients which contributes to hard stools, constipation, and irritation, leading to a burning sensation while passing stools. So, avoid frozen dinners, sugary cereals, fast foods, and white bread. Instead, eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Eat bananas & berries: Add bananas and berries to your everyday diet. This is because they act as potent stool softeners that facilitate stool passage.

• Practice portion control: This prevents overeating and regulates digestion, which can contribute to better digestive health. So, eat smaller and more frequent meals that consist of several nutritious foods.

Potential Causes of Burning Sensation During Bowel Movements

Understanding the root cause of the burning sensation is key to addressing it effectively. Possible causes include:

• Hemorrhoids: Swollen or inflamed blood vessels in your anal or rectal area that causes pain, burning sensation, and itching.

• Anal Fissures: Small skin tears in your anal canal, often caused by hard stools due to constipation, anal trauma, or persistent diarrhea.

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), can lead to irritation, inflammation, and burning sensation.

• Spicy Foods or Irritants: Certain spicy foods or medications can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, contributing to a burning sensation during digestion and bowel movements.

• Dietary Factors: Excessive alcohol, low fiber intake, or dehydration can also contribute to bowel discomfort and cause a burning sensation. 

• Skin Conditions: Issues such as psoriasis or eczema can impact the skin near your anal area and irritate while passing stools.

When to See a Doctor?

While home remedies can provide relief, you should consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or worsening symptoms

• Bleeding from your rectum

• Stomach pain that gets worse, especially at night

• Changes in Bowel habit

• Unexplained weight loss

These symptoms can be a sign of some underlying issues that may need professional treatment.

Professional Treatment Options

If home remedies aren’t enough, doctors may recommend treatments like:

• Topical Medications: The healthcare providers may prescribe creams or ointments containing witch hazel, hydrocortisone, or other soothing substances to reduce pain, burning sensation, and inflammation.

• Pain Relief Medications: In certain cases of severe pain, doctors may provide pain medications or topical anesthetics like calcium channel blockers, nitroglycerin ointment, or lidocaine to reduce pain and itching.

• Antibiotics or Antifungal Treatments: If a burning sensation is caused by infections, doctors might give some antifungal or antibiotic medications. These medications can help kill harmful bacteria and fungi that are causing infections.

• Sitz Baths with Medications: In case of anal fissures or hemorrhoids, the providers may advise medicated sitz baths. Soaking your bottom area in a warm solution of povidone-iodin or betadine and water can help boost blood flow to the affected area and let the medication soothe the irritated tissues. This, thus, relieves the burning sensation.

• Steroid Injections: For severe anal fissures or hemorrhoid cases, the healthcare providers might recommend steroid injections. These shots may help relieve redness and swelling in the affected area.

• Surgery: In cases of large, persistent anal fissures or hemorrhoids, doctors may suggest laser therapy or sphincterotomy to relieve pressure in your anal area due to these conditions. These procedures also help promote faster healing.

7 Tips To Prevent Burning Sensation During Bowel Movements

Follow these tips to prevent a burning sensation during stool passage:

1. Practice good hygiene: Gently clean your genital area and thoroughly dry it out after every bowel movement.

2. Avoid straining: Do not strain during bowel movements as it can cause damage to your anal area.

3. Take breaks during prolonged sitting: If your work requires extended hours of sitting in one place, make sure to take breaks and move around to avoid too much pressure on the anus.

4. Exercise regularly: Engage in physical activities to keep moving your digestive system, which will, in turn, prevent constipation.

5. Avoid wiping with dry toilet tissue: It can worsen the burning sensation. So, instead, use unscented toilet paper or moistened wipes to clean your anal area after each bowel movement.

6. Wear comfortable clothes: Wear cotton-made, comfortable underwear to let the air in your anal area and prevent moisture accumulation which can cause further irritation of the skin.

7. Stay well-hydrated: Drink a lot of water every day and throughout the day to soften the stool and ease their passage.

Final Thoughts

A burning sensation during bowel movements can be uncomfortable, but several home remedies for burning sensation while passing stool, along with lifestyle changes, can provide relief. If symptoms persist or worsen, don't hesitate to consult a doctor to ensure there are no underlying conditions that require medical treatment. Taking a proactive approach to your digestive health can help you manage and prevent this discomfort.

Disclaimer:The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before trying any remedies or making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you have underlying health conditions or persistent symptoms.