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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Rash or Herpes between butt cheeks?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Rash or Herpes between butt cheeks?
by imtigger2, Jun 14, 2002 12:00AM
Hi,
For about two months now I've had this 'rash' between my butt cheeks (on the cheek itself, not anus) that goes away, but comes back. It's extremely itchy at times and I've used hydrocortisone to ease that a little and as well, used Zinc Oxyide (diaper rash forumula) thinking that moisture was the problem. On top of that, I think I may scratch it at night not thinking about it which causes it to bleed. I've actually found that the best relief is soap and water, keep it dry and NO lotions at all and I do my BEST to try to not scratch it, and it seems to 'dry up' and go away.
What confused me recently, is that yesterday, it was fine, this morning I woke up and it was red and very moist... probably a 3" x 2" patch. It's almost like the skin is 'broken', raw - sore and moist. If I put tissue down there and leave it for about an hour, it will be soaked. Like I said, this has been going on and off for a couple months. I was think of 'how' can this just happen overnight and it dawned on me that it might be herpes. I can't think of any other skin infliction that just pops up like that, then dries up and goes away.
I was diagnosed with genital herpes about 15 years ago. At first I had genital outbreaks about every 3-4 months, but after reducing stress and being careful with diet, I reduced that to once a year... if even that. In the most recent years, I get an occassional outbreak on my scrotum, which I though was weird, but it was definately herpes.. nothing on my penis, just the scrotum. Even so, that's only once or twice in the last year.
We all get cravings now and then, and it "might" be associated, but a couple months ago I really started to crave, and eat, smoked almonds (mmmm... gotta... resist.. :) I know from past experience that nuts can cause outbreaks, could this be causing my outbreaks? Who knows... As I said above, before I went to sleep last night I was fine, then I woke up and BAM! there it was. I did eat nuts AND chocolate before bed, would it be related? (I gotta quit my midnight muchies :)
My MAIN question is that (you KNEW there would be a question here SOMEWHERE...):
Is there a possibility that this is herpes down there? If so, any suggestions for treatment? I'm hesitant to spread my cheeks for my dermatologist because I like his cute assistant and I don't like the idea of the whole scene ;)
Thanks!
Dan
39yrs / 170lbs / 5' 7"
For about two months now I've had this 'rash' between my butt cheeks (on the cheek itself, not anus) that goes away, but comes back. It's extremely itchy at times and I've used hydrocortisone to ease that a little and as well, used Zinc Oxyide (diaper rash forumula) thinking that moisture was the problem. On top of that, I think I may scratch it at night not thinking about it which causes it to bleed. I've actually found that the best relief is soap and water, keep it dry and NO lotions at all and I do my BEST to try to not scratch it, and it seems to 'dry up' and go away.
What confused me recently, is that yesterday, it was fine, this morning I woke up and it was red and very moist... probably a 3" x 2" patch. It's almost like the skin is 'broken', raw - sore and moist. If I put tissue down there and leave it for about an hour, it will be soaked. Like I said, this has been going on and off for a couple months. I was think of 'how' can this just happen overnight and it dawned on me that it might be herpes. I can't think of any other skin infliction that just pops up like that, then dries up and goes away.
I was diagnosed with genital herpes about 15 years ago. At first I had genital outbreaks about every 3-4 months, but after reducing stress and being careful with diet, I reduced that to once a year... if even that. In the most recent years, I get an occassional outbreak on my scrotum, which I though was weird, but it was definately herpes.. nothing on my penis, just the scrotum. Even so, that's only once or twice in the last year.
We all get cravings now and then, and it "might" be associated, but a couple months ago I really started to crave, and eat, smoked almonds (mmmm... gotta... resist.. :) I know from past experience that nuts can cause outbreaks, could this be causing my outbreaks? Who knows... As I said above, before I went to sleep last night I was fine, then I woke up and BAM! there it was. I did eat nuts AND chocolate before bed, would it be related? (I gotta quit my midnight muchies :)
My MAIN question is that (you KNEW there would be a question here SOMEWHERE...):
Is there a possibility that this is herpes down there? If so, any suggestions for treatment? I'm hesitant to spread my cheeks for my dermatologist because I like his cute assistant and I don't like the idea of the whole scene ;)
Thanks!
Dan
39yrs / 170lbs / 5' 7"
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jun 14, 2002 12:00AM
, Jun 14, 2002 12:00AM
No, it's not herpes. Herpes indeed comes and goes, but it lasts 10 or so days when it comes, not months. The rash people get between the cheeks is usually psoriasis. Yeast is possible, but much less likely.
Almonds have nothing to do with the case. Give in to those cravings.
I'm skeptical of the diagnosis of herpes on the scrotum. Again, it can happen, but I've never seen it there. I would show the dermatologist, in person or by photo when you get an acute attack.
When you go, politely ask that the dermatologist's cute assistant stay out. That's perfectly reasonable and often done.
Enjoy that almond joy.
Dr. Rockoff
Almonds have nothing to do with the case. Give in to those cravings.
I'm skeptical of the diagnosis of herpes on the scrotum. Again, it can happen, but I've never seen it there. I would show the dermatologist, in person or by photo when you get an acute attack.
When you go, politely ask that the dermatologist's cute assistant stay out. That's perfectly reasonable and often done.
Enjoy that almond joy.
Dr. Rockoff
If it's psoriasis or Yeast, can you suggest a treatment?
As for the herpes on the scrodum, I've learned what it looks and feels like over the years, and it's definately it. I wasn't sure about between the cheeks, but on the scrodum it appears as a pimple of sorts and it makes the skin around it harden a bit, then in a day (or two) it opens and it sore. It then takes about a week for it to heal and go away.
Let me know if you can suggest any over-the-counter solutions to my other problem. If it persists of course, then I'll see my derma here locally.
Thanks again,
Dan :)
Here it is a few days later, and it's all cleared up again. I'd still like to see if you can suggest an over-the-counter medicine or cream that I should use to 'help' with this.
Thanks!
Dan
Thanks...
(sorry for the LARGE 'header', I thought it would help you see me better :) I'm just looking for advice on my 1st question)
Thank you! You do a great job here..
Dan