Anal skin becomes irritated easily because it is thinner, highly sensitive, exposed to constant friction and moisture, and lacks natural lubrication. This makes the area more vulnerable to inflammation, itching, fissures, haemorrhoids, and skin barrier breakdown.

Colorectal surgeon Dr Hamish Urquhart gets deep inside butt health — breaking down fissures vs haemorrhoids, constipation, sphincters, aftercare, and when to stop suffering in silence. Practical, reassuring, and refreshingly un-awkward.