Recurring rash on buttocks, need advice?

[cloud0404]

About a month ago an itchy rash started to resurface on my buttocks  near the base of the spine.  To be more specific, right at the top of my buttocks fold, in the center of the two.  It is very itchy and is irritated easily.  Over the course of the past month it has slowly spread down the buttocks along the fold line.  It isnt a continuous rash, or extremely clustered rash with blistering lessons as I have seen in multiple herpes examples.  It's almost as if they are bites of some sort, though recently, in places that I have scratched, the rash has developed along the scratch lines.  The rash at times will be moist to the touch, and can sometimes have a slight burning sensation.

I live a very active lifestyle, I work out twice a day many times and sweat a lot.  I try to keep the area as dry as possible after the shower, but it will sometimes become moist on its own.  I have looked up many symptoms and cannot seem to find any that directly resembles my situation.  So you know, I have not engaged in sexual activity in a year and a half.  My partner was the same partner I had been with for four years, and the only woman I have been with.  She and I were the only people we had engaged in sexual activity with.  So I can almost entirely rule out herpes, unless it can be spread another way.  Such as martial arts and wrestling, which I do.   The first occurrence of the rash appeared last spring, and has happened maybe three time prior to this one.  I have no Idea what It could be, and cannot afford lofty doctor visits, I have no insurance.  

It is embarrassing to say this, but I need to know how to cure this, I have taken pictures of the rash If there is any professional's here who would like to examine the rash.   It may sound a little extreme, I know, but I am starting to worry.  It would seem this cycle has been worse then previous ones and has in the past day started appearing on my lower back.  Can anyone help?  

Thank  you so much for your time and input.  Have a great day.

[ninidawn]

I have had what sounds like the same skin irritation.  It comes back in the almost exact same place every time, but mine seems to appear when I have a respiratory infection or sinus trouble.  It is worrisome and would like to know what it is.  Have you found any helpful information or answers?

[brooksie339]

My husband has a rash that itches on his buttocks, thighs, and on his shoulders and back. Previously, it was on his groins  and chest. We have been to dermatologist three times and our primary care with multiple ointments and predinosone. It may leave for a few days and then it is back again. What can we do?

[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, infections like pinworms and skin problems such as psoriasis, seborrhea and eczema. 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 (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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[DrAttili]

Thanks. Not great quality pics. Can only make out scratch marks and a bit of inflammation thereoff. I wonder if you had bites of some sort. Do you have any pets at home?

Unlikely to be a STD. Suggest trying a good oily moisturiser and hydrocortisone ointment in the first instance. However hydrocortisone is quite a weak steroid and ideally you would need a potent strength steroid like betnovate.

[cloud0404]

I cropped the pictures down and uploaded them on my profile page.  Thank you for being concerned.  

[DrAttili]

You can upload them online on my website www.onlineskinspecialist.com

[cloud0404]

Well, the pictures are of my buttocks, is that acceptable?

[DrAttili]

Could be a number of things. Would be glad to help if you can upload some pictures.

Regards

Dr.Sasi Attili
Consultant Dermatologist
www.onlineskinspecialist.com