Red Bumps on Buttocks

Back in April I noticed that the lower part of my buttocks and the inner thighs were itching. I developed red bumps that have remained there for now almost 4 months. The bumps are red and are rather large... they are raised from the skin, more like hives - they are not smooth and are rather bumpy. They itch specially at night. At times while I apply some cortisone paired up with antihistamines, they will calm down and go dormant... but only to come back again on the same spots. I have been treated with a number of cortisone/steroid cremes... from Betamethasone to Dermovate, along with pills ranging from Atarax to Ranitidine which I take along Ketotifen. I am worried that this thing will be fungus or an STD as none of the treatments I have been given seem to work. The dermatologist I have seen told me that it could be bug bites, but that was not the case... I was told it could be urticaria... but why is it lasting so long... and why is it only on my buttocks and inner thighs? I need help please. I have had a complete set of blood work done even a urine test to test my immune level and everything is fine.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like hives in response to a fungal infection. Many cases of hives are "idiopathic," meaning no cause is known. Others may be triggered by viral infections or medications.

Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin or neomycin containing ointment are also useful on the bumps and for the itching you can take antihistaminics like Benadryl. In case the symptoms persist consult a dermatologist in that case.
If the symptoms persist then get bed bug bites and scabies bites ruled out.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.