Let’s talk about butt stuff. Not the sexy kind, unfortunately, this is not that kind of blog (at least not today). I mean the totally normal messy problems that our backdoor is capable of causing for us. Today’s butt-related issue is something I sincerely hope you don’t need to know, but unfortunately many do: what are skid marks?

Although there are many butt shapes and sizes in the world, all butts' functions are the same. They house the human garbage chute, so it’s likely to get a little dirty. Whether you’re dealing with skid marks, a sweaty vagina , or any other downstairs issue, it’s a good idea to know how to hand wash underwear so that you can handle your own stinky situations!

An out of the blue messy accident in your underwear is nothing to be embarrassed about, it’s all a consequence of nature. However, these are the kinds of things that you want to prevent from happening in the first place. If you’re prone to skid marks then stick around to learn all about why they occur and how to keep from having any more skid marks panties!!

Before we get into the preventative measures, we first have to answer the question, what are skid marks? Well, the Cambridge dictionary will have you believe the term refers only to the marks left on the road by the tires of a vehicle when it starts or stops moving quickly.

While that is the formal definition, most other online dictionaries include a second, informal definition that reflects the problem we are discussing today. Skid marks are also a slang term for a line of fecal matter left behind in your underwear.

The most common cause for this issue is improper wiping or clean up after a bowel movement, however, the causes of skid marks can be a little more complex. Let’s take a closer look. 

Okay, so the most common reason why skid marks occur is that you aren’t wiping properly. If that’s the case, the fix is easy. There’s no need to be embarrassed but if you frequently soil your underwear without any related health issues, the problem is probably your wiping skills. 

With the butt wiping lesson out of the way, let’s take a look at some of the more medical causes of skid marks. They can easily occur if you’re experiencing a bout of diarrhea or any temporary stomach upset. They can also be a symptom of a chronic disorder.

If you have IBS , you’re likely used to the experience of skid marks. If you know the problem is related to an ongoing condition, it’s best to consult your gastrointestinal doctor. In most cases, IBS is closely tied to digestive issues and food sensitivities so changing your diet or eliminating certain foods might be the best course of action. 

Fecal incontinence is another medical issue that involves passing a bowel movement without control (this is most common among seniors). In its most severe cases, this goes well beyond the territory of skid marks, but for many people, light staining of the underwear is common.

Another cause of skid marks could be that you have hemorrhoids that you don’t even know about (these could be both internal or external hemorrhoids). Hemorrhoids can prevent the anus from closing properly which can lead to leakage.

With hemorrhoids, you’ll probably experience other symptoms like itching, swelling, and even a bit of blood. Don’t worry, hemorrhoids are quite common and can be treated easily. Be sure to consult with a doctor to find the best treatment for you. 

If skid marks are a frequent occurrence for you but you’ve never actually been evaluated for one of the medical conditions I mentioned in the previous section, then I highly recommend you consult a doctor. Medical intervention might be the only way to fully prevent skid marks that are occurring regardless of how well you clean your backdoor.

For all the rest of us with skid marks underwear, it’s time to step up our hygiene game. This is a delicate subject and we’re all trying to maintain our dignity, but if you’re an adult who doesn’t know how to clean off their own doo doo, it’s very much time to change that.

I get it. Life is busy, pooping is a stinky necessity, wiping is a thing you do real quick and then you’re good to go, right? Well, depending on the type of bowel movement you’ve had, one quick swipe of toilet paper might not be enough.

Of course, you also don’t want to spend 3 minutes and waste a mountain of toilet paper trying to clean your butt. Here are some things you can do to help prevent skid marks caused by improper wiping:

I’m all about sustainability and being conservative with resources, however, I don’t usually apply this to toilet paper. Sometimes you just need a little more of it than you may think. Folding a nice square that covers your hand and wiping front to back will usually be enough. Don’t hesitate to give it another pass if you think you need it and really get on in there. It’s your own poop chute, you’re not allowed to be afraid of keeping it clean.

To further expand on that concept, carrying around some flushable toilet wipes is a great way to ensure your booty stays clean. It’s no different than carrying around a pack of antibacterial wipes and, honestly, they’re great to have even if you don’t deal with skid marks panties. They’re especially useful for long travel days or road trips. When you don’t have access to a shower, a quick refreshing wipe down of your nether regions can instantly refresh you. 

If skid marks are a frequent occurrence caused by an underlying health issue, you may consider a long term solution to aid with the clean up. A bidet is a great way to freshen your booty up after you number two. You don’t even have to buy a full, fancy bidet set up. There are many options that you can install onto your existing toilet!