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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Bacterial Skin Infection?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Bacterial Skin Infection?
by Questionz4u, Mar 27, 2007 12:00AM
About one year ago I engaged in protected, heterosexual anal sex with my long-term monogamous partner, which was very painful. The next morning I had severe pain going to the bathroom (#2) and I could see multiple fissures and an inflamed skin tag (hemorrhoid) on the edge of my anal opening. There was also blood on the toilet paper. I have suffered from hemorrhoids since I can remember. I have also suffered from anal rashes & itching since I was a child. Over the next couple of days I noticed a rash developing around my anal area (not really itchy and not painful). At the same time I noticed an area of skin, which had two small holes that looked like they had been pricked by a needle. The area was red but did not have any bumps. Since I suffer from OCD, I had been compulsively checking the area and using different types of creams & ointments to try and settle everything (probably not the best idea). Instead of leaving the area alone I started tweezing the hair out of each small hole. Quickly, the holes got bigger and looked like two small deep holes which exposed a white layer under my skin (muscle or fat). The holes were not painful at all and they did not ooze, puss or crust over. They just slowly disappeared after about 1 - 1.5 months.
I saw my doctor immediately and he told me that I had developed a bacterial infection due to feces/bacteria entering through skin cracks. He was not concerned and just prescribed me some cream, which I only used for appx 1 week because it made my skin sensitive.
I have not had any reoccurrences since, but I am scared that this could have been an STD that went undiagnosed.
I am a very active person (in the gym, bike riding, etc.) and sweat also seems to irritate any area where I have skin folds (breasts, anal, etc.).
Please help me understand my doctors diagnosis. I can't determine whether I am over reacting because of my OCD.
Does this sound like a bacterial infection? If so, how can I avoid this in the future?
I saw my doctor immediately and he told me that I had developed a bacterial infection due to feces/bacteria entering through skin cracks. He was not concerned and just prescribed me some cream, which I only used for appx 1 week because it made my skin sensitive.
I have not had any reoccurrences since, but I am scared that this could have been an STD that went undiagnosed.
I am a very active person (in the gym, bike riding, etc.) and sweat also seems to irritate any area where I have skin folds (breasts, anal, etc.).
Please help me understand my doctors diagnosis. I can't determine whether I am over reacting because of my OCD.
Does this sound like a bacterial infection? If so, how can I avoid this in the future?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Mar 27, 2007 12:00AM
, Mar 27, 2007 12:00AM
No, it doesn't sound like a bacterial infection or an STD. I think it was irritation aggravated by compulsive examination and picking. I'm not sure why your doctor called it an infection, but I suppose an antibacterial cream couldn't hurt. If you still have doubts, let another doctor have a look. Anal skin tends to be sensitive in many people.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
