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3 signs you’re not cleaning your butt properly

We always pay attention to cleaning the vagina. But what about butt hygiene? Know 3 signs that show you are not cleaning your butt properly.
Butt cramp
These butt hygiene tips will help you keep your anal region clean. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock
Team Health Shots Published: 13 May 2023, 16:30 pm IST
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Skincare is not just about keeping your face, arms and legs clean. Keeping your intimate health hygienic goes a long way in protecting your overall well-being. While your vagina is a self-cleansing organ, yet your private parts need you to keep them washed and dry. Your anal region or buttocks need the same care. Yes, everyone cleans it every day after pooping, but are you cleaning your butt in a proper way?

There are many bacteria present around the butt such as streptococcus. So, if you don’t keep the area clean, bacteria might lead to infections, which may cause major challenges to your health. Read on to find out the signs which show that you are not maintaining proper butt hygiene and the right way to clean it.

Signs of poor butt hygiene

You might think that this is very silly, as you have been cleaning your buttocks area for longer than you can remember. But the way you’re cleaning your butt is the real issue. Not wiping properly can raise the risk of infections that can even spread to the vagina. This may cause anal discomfort and itching.

To know the signs and symptoms of poor butt hygiene, Health Shots spoke to Dr Pooja Divan, a gynaecologist and test tube baby specialist, Apollo Delhi and Arkady Women’s Health Care and Fertility.

Here are 3 signs of poor butt hygiene:

1. Bad odour

Dr Divan says, “If you do not clean your butt properly, you may end up with a bad smell coming from your butt. A foul smell is a sign that your butt hasn’t been cleaned properly.” A bad odour can also be a symptom of an infection which may need medical attention.

Butt hygiene symptoms
Yes ladies, a bad odour can be a sign of poor butt hygiene. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Itching or boils

Due to poor butt hygiene, you may also have many other problems, including itchiness, a burning sensation, acne, and rashes. These issues can be quite uncomfortable and annoying. If not taken care of in time, they may even lead to severe pain.

3. Difficulty in passing stool

Poor butt hygiene may also be the cause of pain and difficulties passing feces. Urinary incontinence is another possible issue. In fact, this might lead to vaginal irritation, infection, and foul odor.

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Know causes of anal infection

Apart from poor butt hygiene, here are other 3 reasons which can lead to anal infections:

1. Wetness

If you don’t thoroughly clean and wipe the anal area after passing a stool, you could have a butt infection. Your butt has hair. If it stays damp, it could raise the risk of infections.

Butt hygiene
Wetness can cause infection. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Sweating

It is fairly common to experience sweating in the middle of the butt, and those who sweat more and those who are obese are more likely to experience this issue. Sweating causes bacterial and fungal infections, which can also result in itching, redness, and irritation.

3. Waxing

Women often use waxing, trimmer, or razor to remove the hair around the vagina and butt. Post-hair removal, if you are not cleaning the area properly, you may develop genital burns, skin irritation, and butt pimples. This can even lead to an infection.

How to clean your butt properly?

Here is the right way to clean the butt or anus, according to Dr Divan:

  • Wipe front to back. This prevents you from spreading bacteria to your urinary system.
  • To wipe your butt, use soft toilet paper, unscented tissue paper, or a soft, moist washcloth.
  • Do not rub the area vigorously with tissue.
  • Cleanse your bottom with gentle soap and warm water, and then pat it dry with a soft cloth.
how to clean your butt
Always clean your butt properly. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Don’t forget to dry your butt

Most people do not dry their butt after washing it with water and directly wear their undergarments. Due to the wetness, the risk of fungal infection increases. So don’t forget to dry your butt with cloth or tissue.

Obese people should pay more attention to cleaning their butt:

Overweight people need to clean their butt properly. If the faeces are loose, they can spread bacteria to your vagina, increasing the risk of infections.

So ladies, make sure you are maintaining proper butt hygiene!

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