Why Is My Bottom Itching?

Rashes can appear anywhere on the body, and when you live with herpes, an anal rash or a rash inside your gluteal crack can be unnerving. Yes, you can have anal herpes, which leads to itching and blistering around the anus and, sometimes, a rash in the crack of your buttocks. However, even when you live with herpes, not all rashes are herpes-related. The following conditions can cause inflammation in these areas. Of course, inflammation can bring on a herpes breakout, so you'll want to deal with these problems promptly.

• Contact Dermatitis is skin inflammation due to a sensitivity to something the skin came into contact with, such as textiles, laundry soap, and perfumes).

• Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) often appears as dry skin patches that itch badly. Some people experience tiny, water-filled blisters that ooze, dry out, crack, and bleed, known as "weeping" eczema. 

• Psoriasis is an immune system disorder that causes skin cells to form dry, scaly patches of skin that itch terribly.

• Intertriginous Dermatitis (Intertrigo) is an inflammatory condition that affects skin folds. It's caused by heat, dampness, lack of circulation, or ventilation and is worsened by fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Women often experience intertrigo under the breasts. 

• Heat Rash is an itchy rash with tiny red bumps or blisters that appear from getting too hot, such as during hot weather, commonly seen in infants who get too warm under their covers. 

• Jock Itch is caused by a fungus called Tinea Cruris. which thrives in warm, moist areas. It causes a red, ring-shaped rash in the groin, butt, and thigh. It's incredibly itchy, but it is not Ringworm, caused by a parasite.

• Pinworms are parasites (worms) that form what looks like a rash in your anal or gluteal crack area. The inflammation is worm eggs implanted into skin folds that itch like mad. 

• Shingles are related to Chickenpox and usually appear as a severely itchy rash on the body's trunk. However, it can spread to the buttocks. 

• Candida (yeast infection) is the fungus that causes yeast infections, a rash that can spread. The itch and burn from a yeast infection can be intense. Skin appears red, irritated, and inflamed. Yeast infections are sometimes associated with a rash that can blister, ooze pus, and form sores. It's easy for the skin to become damaged (tear, bleed, scar) from rubbing or scratching. 

• Acne (Folliculitis) can form on the buttocks due to an infection of the hair follicles. Many people with acne find their skin clears when taking 30-50 mg of zinc daily. You could wash with antibacterial soap, surgical-grade cleansers, or acne treatments containing benzoyl peroxide. However, antibacterials can cause bacteria to become resistant. You could also use diluted Clorox in a bath or as a compress to kill bacteria, fungus, and viruses that cause acne (The Royal Children's Hospital and The Bleach Bath Recipe Card PDF). Using bleach does not cause microbes to become resistant. Even diluted bleach may sting raw skin. You may need to dilute it further. Additionally, bleach can dry out the skin, so always use a natural moisturizer (chemical-free) after your bath or compress.

Rashes thrive and develop in warm moist areas. Adults who deal with incontinence may wind up with raw, irritated skin. Please see your doctor if you're unsure what's causing your symptoms. Otherwise, the following suggestions may help to ease your condition.

NOTE: If you take digestive enzyme supplements, a side effect can be anal itching when taking more than you need. If this is the cause of your itch, following the dosage instructions on your product label or cutting back a bit will alleviate the itch. 

General Suggestions for Anal Itching & Rash

• Use only fragrance-free personal care and laundry products.

• Wear only cotton underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothing (at least until you are healed). 

• Virgin coconut oil helps to ease atopic dermatitis symptoms and irritation.

• An oatmeal bath or paste helps dry up and ease the itch of most rashes.

• Witch hazel is effective in treating rashes in the genital area.

• Raw honey (or Manuka honey) has antimicrobial properties that heal and repair skin tissue. Don't use cheap, mass-produced honey. It may contain corn syrup, which has no medicinal benefits. 

• Placing chamomile tea on a rash may help ease symptoms.

• Over-the-counter antifungal creams are available. However, you can also use tea tree essential oil for anal fungal infections. Place 30 drops of the oil into two tablespoons of aloe vera gel (non-alcohol!) and apply topically. The oil fights fungus, and the gel stops itching. However, ensure the gel is pure and contains no alcohol (ouch!). Apply 3-6 times each day for up to two weeks. 

• Topical antihistamines can cause a rash. If you're experiencing an allergic reaction, consider taking an oral (not topical) antihistamine, such as Benedryl. I'm sensitive to most medications, so I take the children's formula. Seriously. 

• Tylenol may help with the pain. However, Tylenol is associated with contributing toward Leaky Gut. 

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