Itchy Rash On Butt Crack



Many adults think they’re immune from butt rashes. Then they wake up one day with butt swelling, irritation, and redness.

Symptoms like this one have a social stigma attached to them. People often hide it from doctors, friends, or family out of fear of being judged.

The itching accompanying the rash on buttocks and butt crack is because of the sweat that is present below the skin and may range from mild annoyance to extreme discomfort. You can easily resolve this. Butt crack rashes can be single or clustered reddish spots or bumps that lead to itching of the skin. They usually appear on the butt crack or the opening of the anus or even around the butt cheeks. In adults, the location, pattern and extent of the rash can vary from individual to individual.

But the sooner you realize that anyone can experience a butt rash, the better you’ll feel about seeking help. In this article, we’ll talk about what causes this annoying symptom, as well as what you can do about it.

What Causes Adult Butt Rashes?

Butt Cheeks; Butt Crack; Rashes within the crack are usually more common. That’s because it’s easier for infectious microorganisms to harbor here. Rashes focused around the anus are usually the worst. They can cause severe itching and burning that lasts for days. This is why it’s so important to keep the area around your anus clean. Sep 09, 2020 This is a kind of rash that would take place in your gluteal crack or perianal area. But it actually stems from an intestinal worm infection. “The worm comes out of the anus and implants eggs into.

So, what causes a butt rash in adults? As embarrassing as it sounds, a common cause is uncleanliness.

If for whatever reason you don’t take care of yourself “back there”, a rash may develop. Be honest with yourself: are you cleaning your buttocks area regularly?

If not, you’re allowing microorganisms to prosper. Things like fungi, bacteria, and yeast can grow rapidly in warm, unsanitary conditions.

The anal area is the prime hotspot for these microorganisms. If you’re not washing this area regularly, rashes are more likely to form.

What is a Rash?

A rash happens whenever inflammation occurs in the buttocks area. Inflammation can be characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Itchiness
  • Burning
  • Redness
  • Warmth
  • Swelling

For many people, the itching can be incredibly fierce. The reason rashes are so itchy is because of the body’s natural immune response.

During an infection, blood vessels in the butt dilate (get larger) to accommodate white blood cells (WBCs). This is one reason why rashes feel warm and look red. It’s your body’s way of fighting an infection.

Additional Causes of Butt Rashes

Here are some other common causes:

  • Genetics
  • Sickness
  • Allergies
  • Insect Bite
  • Drug Use
  • Irritants
  • Swimming

With the exception of genetics, many of these causes are within your control. Once you pinpoint the problem, then you can focus on fixing it.

For instance, certain medications have been known to cause a butt rash. In that case, the solution is simple: switch medications.

Swimming in stagnant water or being sick can also lead to a rash. Additionally, there’s more than one type of rash you can have.

Types of Butt Rashes

There’s no such thing as a “universal rash”. They’re all different. Firstly, you need to determine what type of rash you have.

Never try to guess on your own. Always consult a doctor. Why? Because you can guess wrong (which can lead to delayed treatment).

Here are some common rash types:

  • Dermatitis
  • Fungal Rash
  • Poison Ivy
  • Eczema
  • Hives
  • Impetigo

The list goes on and on. Note, you can also have additional symptoms with your butt rash including fever, headache, diarrhea, and so on.

In rare cases, your rash might signify a much more serious underling problem. We don’t say this to scare you, but rather, to make you aware of what your body is telling you.

Can Dermatitis Cause a Butt Rash?

Dermatitis simply refers to inflammation of the skin- in this case, the skin of the butt. In the early stages, it can cause redness, dryness, and itchiness.

As it progresses, it can lead to painful blisters, flaking, and scaling. It’s possible that your annoying symptom is the result of dermatitis.

There are many types of dermatitis. A common one is allergiccontact dermatitis. As its name implies, this is when your butt touches a specific allergen.

Butt

For cases of allergic contact dermatitis, you’ll need to determine what that allergen is so that you can avoid it. There’s also atopic dermatitis.

Also known as eczema, it causes itching, swelling, and burning. Things like stress, asthma, and allergies can cause atopic dermatitis in the butt.

Where is the Butt Rash Located?

There are two main areas where a butt rash can exist:

  • Butt Cheeks
  • Butt Crack

Rashes within the crack are usually more common. That’s because it’s easier for infectious microorganisms to harbor here.

Rashes focused around the anus are usually the worst. They can cause severe itching and burning that lasts for days. This is why it’s so important to keep the area around your anus clean.

Treatment Options

Fortunately, there are things you can do to lessen the symptoms of a butt rash. These include:

  • Practice Good Hygiene: We said it earlier, and we’ll say it again: practice good hygiene. The #1 reason why people experience this symptom is because they don’t keep their buttocks area sanitary. Make sure that you wash daily and dry thoroughly.
  • Wear Loose Underwear: Wear underwear that don’t rub against your rash. That can make your symptoms feel 10x worse. Opt for loose-fitting underwear that’s breathable. That should help eliminate a degree of pain right there.
  • Wait it Out: Many people simply wait for their rash to go away. That’s fine, but here’s a tip to remember: if it’s there for longer than a few days, see a doctor. You may need prescription medication to make it go away.
  • Topical Ointment: There are many OTC topical ointments that can be used to treat butt rashes. The compound hydrocortisone is very effective at treating rashes. Take daily and you should begin to see results within a few days.

If you’re in severe pain, then take an OTC drug like acetaminophen. There are many natural treatment options as well.

For example, Aloe Vera has been shown to sooth the pain and swelling associated with rashes. Other natural treatments include oatmeal and/or cucumbers. If nothing seems to be working, talk to your doctor.

How long does it take for a butt rash go away on its own? Most go away in 3-7 days. They can last longer if you’re not removing the thing that’s causing the rash in the first place.

For example, if it’s specific allergen causing it, then you’ll need to get rid of it. Otherwise, the rash will become a reoccurring nightmare.

Ask a Question: If you want to ask a medical doctor a question that hasn't been answered in one of our articles go to: Ask a Medical Doctor About your Symptoms

Did you find the information in this article helpful?

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on June 1, 2020.

  • Health Guide

What is an Anal Itch (Pruritus Ani)?

Anal itch, also known as pruritus ani, is an irritating, itchy sensation around the anus (the opening through which stool passes out of the body). Anal itch is a symptom, not an illness, and it can have many different causes. In most cases, a person with anal itch does not have a disease of the anus or rectum. Instead, the itchy sensation is a sign that one or more of the following has irritated the skin in the area:

  • Stool on the skin around the anal opening — If the anal area isn't cleaned properly after a bowel movement, a small amount of stool may be left behind on the skin, causing the area to itch. Less often, watery stools may leak out of the anal opening and cause itching. This sometimes happens in otherwise healthy people whose diets include very large amounts of liquids.
  • A diet containing foods or beverages that irritate the anus — A number of foods and drinks can irritate the anus, including spices and spicy foods, coffee (both caffeinated and decaffeinated), tea, cola, milk, alcoholic beverages (especially beer and wine), chocolate, citrus fruits, vitamin C tablets and tomatoes. Once a person eats or drinks something that can irritate the anus, it usually takes 24 to 36 hours before anal itching begins. That's the time it takes the food to travel through the digestive tract.
  • Treatment with antibiotics — Some powerful antibiotics that work against many different bacterial species can trigger anal itch by disturbing the normal ecology of the intestines. These drugs are called broad-spectrum antibiotics, and include tetracyclines and erythromycin (both sold under several brand names).
  • A local chemical irritation or skin allergy in the anal area — In sensitive people, chemicals and medications that are applied to the anal area can cause local irritation or allergic reactions. Some major culprits include dyes and perfumes used in toilet paper (especially scented toilet paper), feminine hygiene sprays and other deodorants for the area around the anus or genitals, medicated talcum powders, and medicated skin cleansers and soaps, especially perfumed soaps. Anal itch also can be triggered by over-the-counter medications (suppositories, creams, ointments) intended to treat anal problems.
  • Intense cleaning after a bowel movement — Although the anal area should be cleaned after every bowel movement, this cleaning must be gentle. Aggressive rubbing and scrubbing, especially with soaps or other skin cleansers, can irritate the skin and trigger anal itch.

Less often, anal itch is a symptom of some illness or condition that either affects the anal area alone, or involves larger areas of the digestive tract or skin. Some examples include:

  • Local diseases and conditions involving lower portions of the digestive tract — These include hemorrhoids, skin tags, rectal fistulas, rectal fissures and, rarely, anorectal cancer.
  • Infections and parasites — These include pinworms (especially in children), scabies, pediculosis, condyloma acuminata and skin infections due to Candida or tinea fungi.
  • Skin problems — These include psoriasis, eczema and seborrhea. In many cases, these conditions cause symptoms in several different areas of the skin surface, not only around the anus.

Worldwide, anal itch is a very common problem that occurs in up to 45 percent of people at some time during their lives. Men are affected two to four times more often than women. People who are overweight, perspire heavily or routinely wear tight-fitting underwear or hosiery are more likely to get anal itch.

Symptoms

Anal itch is an irritating sensation around the anus that is relieved temporarily by scratching or rubbing. The problem is often worse at night and may interfere with sleep. In most cases, the skin in the area is red.

Itchy Rash On Butt Crack

If anal itch becomes a chronic (long-term) problem, the skin around the anus may become raw and tender from repeated scratching, or it may thicken and become leathery. Repeated scratching also can cause breaks in the anal skin that can lead to painful local infections.

Skin Irritation Buttocks Crack

Diagnosis

To help identify the cause of your anal itch, the doctor may ask you to describe your current diet and medications, your bowel habits, and the way you routinely clean your anal area after a bowel movement. The doctor will review your medical history, including any history of rectal problems (hemorrhoids, fissures or fistulas) or skin problems (psoriasis, eczema or seborrhea). Your doctor's questions will be followed by a physical examination of your anal area and sometimes, by a digital rectal examination. If you have a history of skin symptoms involving other parts of your body, your doctor will want to examine these skin areas as well.

If your anal itch is due to a local irritation in the anal area, the doctor usually can diagnose the problem based on your history, diet and personal hygiene routine, and the results of your physical examination. Sometimes, the doctor will request a stool sample if he or she suspects a worm or parasite infection. Rarely, your doctor may need to examine the area by inserting a special viewing instrument called an anoscope into your anus. This can help your doctor determine whether the itch is being caused by a problem inside your rectum.

Expected Duration

How long an anal itch lasts depends on its cause. If the itch is due to a simple skin irritation, the problem usually goes away quickly once you identify the source of irritation and avoid it. In most cases, simple treatment measures provide some relief within one week and cure the problem totally within one month.

Prevention

In many cases, you can prevent anal itch by taking the following steps:

  • Practice good anal hygiene — When possible, gently cleanse the anal area after every bowel movement by using wet toilet paper (unscented and dye-free) or a wet washcloth. Wipe gently or blot the area. Never rub or scrub. If you are in a public toilet, use dry toilet paper temporarily, then finish your cleansing regimen when you return home.
  • Use only water to clean the anal area, never soap.
  • Avoid using medicated powders, perfumed sprays or deodorants on the anal area.
  • Eat a sensible diet that is low in the foods and beverages known to cause anal irritation.
  • Wear cotton underwear that is not too tight.
  • If you are taking oral antibiotics, eat yogurt to help restore the normal ecology of your colon.

Treatment

In most cases, anal itch can be treated by:

  • Thoroughly but gently drying the anal area after every bowel movement, using unscented toilet paper, a clean cloth towel or a hair dryer if necessary.
  • Dusting the anal area with nonmedicated talcum powder between bowel movements, or laying a clean square of cotton gauze against the anus to absorb any excess moisture.
  • Resisting the urge to scratch, no matter how itchy the area becomes. The itch will pass, or at least decrease in intensity, over a short time, but the more you scratch, the longer it will take for the itching to go away.
  • Applying topical remedies such as zinc oxide or hydrocortisone ointment (1 percent) on a regular schedule, or as needed, to help you avoid scratching.
  • Wearing soft cotton gloves while in bed if you scratch at night or in your sleep.

When To Call A Professional

Itchy Rash Between Butt Cheeks

If treating anal itch yourself doesn't relieve the itch after three to four weeks, call your doctor.

Prognosis

The outlook is excellent, since most people who have itching in the anal area don't have an illness involving the anus or rectum. Overall, about 90 percent of patients find relief by avoiding scratching and other simple therapies.

Learn more about Anal Itch (Pruritus Ani)

Associated drugs

Itchy

IBM Watson Micromedex

Mayo Clinic Reference

Pictures Of Rash On Butt

External resources

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/

American Gastroenterological Association
http://www.gastro.org/

Itching Top Of Buttocks Crack

Further information

Itchy Rash On Butt Crack

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