Proctologist Ivan Pakhomov has warned against using intimate hygiene cleansers to wash the anal region, advising individuals to use basic soap or shower gel instead. Writing on Instagram, the medical specialist explained that intimate cleansing products are specifically formulated for female reproductive anatomy and can cause severe skin irritation when applied to other parts of the body.
Pakhomov stated that while the anal area must be washed every single day, intimate hygiene washes are categorically unsuitable for this purpose. He explained that these specialized products were created for an organ present only in women, which relies on an acidic environment and specific beneficial bacteria that depend on that acidity to survive.
The doctor warned that using intimate hygiene products in the anal zone, where the skin environment is naturally neutral, risks disrupting the resident microflora. He noted that altering this delicate microbial balance can trigger contact dermatitis, a skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, and persistent soreness.
Risks of acidic cleansing products
Proctology is the branch of medicine concerned with diagnosing and treating disorders of the rectum, anus, and colon. Medical experts emphasize that perianal skin possesses a unique microbial ecosystem that protects tissue against external pathogens. While feminine intimate washes maintain a low pH, typically ranging between 3.5 and 4.5 to match vaginal acidity, healthy skin across the rest of the body maintains a neutral to slightly acidic pH balance.
To preserve the natural barrier of the skin, the proctologist recommended washing the anal region using standard shower gel or regular soap. Pakhomov emphasized that daily washing with these ordinary products provides effective hygiene without stripping protective lipid layers or disturbing the neutral environment of the skin.
Underlying causes of anal itching
The recommendations from Pakhomov follow earlier guidance from gastroenterologist Sergei Vyalov, who outlined common clinical causes of persistent anal itching. Vyalov highlighted that perianal irritation is not always caused by hygiene habits, pointing to specific forms of intestinal polyps and certain types of hemorrhoids as primary underlying factors.
Gastroenterology focuses on the human digestive system and its disorders. Intestinal polyps are benign growths that form on the inner lining of the colon or rectum, whereas hemorrhoids are inflamed or swollen veins located in the lower rectum and anus. Medical professionals advise patients experiencing chronic itching or discomfort to seek evaluation from a healthcare provider, as unaddressed symptoms may require targeted medical treatment rather than simple hygiene adjustments.
