Rash on Buttocks

[ccgurl86]

I have had an irrating rash near my anus/ lower vagina for about 5 days now. In the last few days bumps formed.I also had pain when urinating.  I went to the doctors yesterday and they took some tests. The doctor said the bumps did not resemble herpes.I was put on antibiotics and actually started to feel better. The rash is still there but not as itchy and the painful urination went away. I was confused when my tests came back today negative for bv, trich, and yeast. Only a trace amount of bacteria was found. Could that trace amount cause my symptoms or is there something else?? Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
All these conditions except folliculitis don’t spread. So chances of their spreading to lower vagina are remote until or unless left untreated. The antibiotics helped with painful urination because it was a urinary tract infection. Herpes is a viral illness and antibiotics will not help. Moreover presents with red itchy blisters which scab over. The only way of ruling it out is by getting yourself tested for genital herpes. Laboratory tests include: culture of the virus, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) studies to detect virus, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for presence of viral DNA.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[ccgurl86]

Thank you for the quick response. Is it possible to have the irration spread to the lower vagina? And since the antibiotics helped with the painful urination is it still a possibility this could be herpes? Thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Causes of itchy anal rash include moisture (due to sweating or frequent washing), the abrasion caused by clothing, the pressure of sitting, chemical irritants like laundry soaps, colognes and scented toilet paper , sweat dermatitis and folliculitis.

I would suggest that you apply calamine lotion and a simple antimicrobial cream like Bactroban or Neosporin on the rash and keep the area clean. If the symptoms persist then topical steroids and oral antibiotics may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how your son is doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.