Red Rash

I suddenly got this red rash around my anus area about  1-2 inches on each side. It feels sore like chaffing - I happened to feel really tired and took a short nap prior to getting it.  Two weeks ago when I awoke from a nights sleep I had the same thing. I put Clorbetasol on it and it went away. It is red and looks like bumps. Can you tell me what it might be?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to 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, certain food irritants, medicines like some antibiotics and laxatives, infections like STD’s and pinworms, anal abrasions and fissures and skin problems such as psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema. Sometimes hemorrhoids will start off as red rash and anal itching.

Treatment depends on the cause of the problem. Till that time, try an over-the-counter (OTC) cream or ointment containing hydrocortisone (Cortaid, Preparation H), but it is to be applied sparingly to the affected area. A protective ointment that contains zinc oxide also may help. If your symptoms are worse at night, please take an antihistamine like Benadryl to reduce itching until topical treatments take effect.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.