When you should be worried about 'pruritus ani' bumhole problem that two-thirds of men have

'Pruritus ani' - commonly known as an itchy bottom - is an uncomfortable but very common problem for men.

Up to 61 percent experience Pruritus ani at some point in their lives, according to a survey by Anusol, and it's not serious for most people.

The condition simply refers to persistent itching around the anus, often caused by irritation of the sensitive skin in that area.

"90 out of 100 cases are caused by a minor leakage (soiling) from the bottom. If small amounts of poo (stool) or liquid mucus leak from the bottom, this can irritate the delicate skin around this area," the NHS explains.

Other causes include skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis, infections, piles or fissures.

In more serious cases it could be a sign of bowel cancer.

Most of the time, however, the problem can be eased with simple lifestyle and hygiene changes.

But if the itching persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it may be a sign that medical advice is needed.

When to see a GP

90 percent of 'pruritus ani' cases are caused by a minor leakage from the bottom (Getty Stock Images)

The NHS advises people to visit a doctor if:

• you have a persistent itchy bum
• the itch keeps coming back
• you have pain in your bottom
• you have blood in your poo, which might be dark red or black
• you're bleeding or leaking liquid from your bottom
• you've noticed a change in your bowel habits
• you have an itchy bottom and feel itchy on other parts of your body
• you notice a change around your anus that is not usual for you

How to stop an itchy bum

An itchy bum is a very common problem for men (Getty Stock Images)

Dr Cheryl Lythgoe, matron at Benenden Health, suggests that discomfort can stem from your bum 'reacting to something you’ve used, whether that is scented wipes, harsh soaps, or even laundry detergent'.

“Use your over-the-counter or prescribed emollients in the area every time you go to the loo and avoid scented products and stick to cotton undies,” she advises, as reported by The Sun.

Sometimes, if your stool is hard, it can split the skin as it passes through.

“The skin around our anus is very thin and fragile and it can be common to create a painful split in this skin,” Dr Lythgoe adds.

“Anal fissures are tiny tears that sting like mad during bowel movements and can cause itching as they heal.

“To help manage and mend an anal fissure, having warm shallow baths, using stool softeners, and topical treatments can help. If it doesn’t heal, see your GP.”