Reocurring rash-upper buttock- eczema,virus, herpes

HI doc,
For the last 3-5 months had a reocurring rash on the upper portion of my right buttock near base of spine( maybe 2-3 times over 3 mos).  Starts out as a raised inflammed red circle-itchy with what seems to be either small pinhead fluid-filled blister sometimes within the inflammed area.  Although it goes away--it seems to come back in shorter timeframes and  it is leaving some very nasty scarring in that area-( where the inflammed area was skin seems to crack and turn drk brown)  I am a light skinned African American, but the skin seems to turn very brown and sometimes where the blister was there is a dark circle--like a chicken pock mark

Have any ideas or thoughts on what could be causing or how best to treat-- I am in the process of setting up an appt with Derm but wondering what it could be or how best to treat???
Just a bit of history I am one that as a child is very allergic to many things even to the point of getting rashes/scarring from certain band-aid adhesives- although in this case not able to pinpoint any particular cause unless inside my system
wondering woman

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This is probably herpes.  Genital herpes often affects just the area you describe.  If this is so, it means you can potentially infect partners.  A dermatologist should be able to make the diagnosis just from looking at the marks that are left.  A blood test may also help.  You ought to consult a dermatologist so you can know for sure, and also so you learn the implications, so that you don't worry more than you need to.  Medications are available, and you don't need to put your life, sexual or otherwise, on hold, even if my assumed diagnosis is correct.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff