Anal rash/ peeling skin/ minor cuts

I have a rash around my anus and goes up into the scrotum area.  It goes through times where it becomes dry and very itchy and peels off in large flakes if I dont scratch it.  Then after the dry skin stage then it goes through a tender stage where it hurts to the touch, even by water(very sensitive).  There is clear small "cuts"  in the area as I would describe them.  After I have passed stool and wipe the area it is common to find small drops of blood.  I have had this for a few years now and it seems to be spreading or just becoming worse.


This discussion is related to Rash around penis.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Dry, itchy skin around the anus can be due to eczema. Other possibilities are abrasion caused by clothing, the pressure of sitting, chemical irritants like laundry soaps, colognes and scented toilet paper and seborrhea.
Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Also use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.
Hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[tictactoenail]

Ok, I went through a treatment of nystatin and triamcinolone acetonide cream and my rash went away.. it came back with a vengence!!  then I just went through a treatment of just anti fungal cream.. No effect.  I have undergone a treatment of doxycycline as well to no change..  So the cream with steroid was the only effective treatment but because the rash goes around the scrotum it is not wise to use steroids for prolonged periods of time.  HELLLPP!!!!!