Something itchy at top of buttocks

HI there,

Unexpectedly yesterday I began to get itchy at the area at the top of my buttocks. Sometimes I would get a cut, so I wasn't too worried, but last night when going to bed I felt small lumps that extends from the top of inbetween my cheeks two inches.

Now I'm worried what this could be, or if there was tests I could self-check.  As you can imagine its not the easiest place to look at! - But its red, moist and lumpy.

Any advice would be great. I've put some Sudacrem on it but not sur if this will help.

Thanks,
SA

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Causes for such an 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, 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.

Use a protective ointment that contains zinc oxide (Desitin, Balmex) 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.