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Why Am I Getting Recurring Redness With Some Bumps On Buttocks?

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Posted on Sun, 18 Nov 2012
Question: Yes please I have been to several doctors even a specialist and they are dumbfounded why this redness with some bumps keeps appearing in upper crack area of buttocks. Both the dermatologist and my general practioner has given me prescription for this cream called Nystatin and Triamcinolone Acetonide Cream. It does help clear it up but then it comes back. Any ideas that you can direct me of how I can solve this problem. Tired of this issue!
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Answered by Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar (5 hours later)
Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Since your problem seems to be a recurring one, there are two likely possibilities - 1) a fungal infection and 2) an allergic / irritant contact dermatitis.
Nystatin is an anti-fungal cream and Triamcinolone is a steroid cream (which is an anti-inflamatory and anti-allergic agent) - which you have reported to be effective temporarily but the problem seems to be the RECURRENCE.

I would advise the following course of management:

1) It's better to have a skin testing for fungal infection - the reason is that, if it is a proven fungal infection, then taking a course of systemic (oral) antifungal medication may eliminate the infection. (Usually, if some dormant spores are left behind due to inadequate treatment with topical applications, then they may re-activate later, resulting in a re-surgence of symptoms)

2) Irrespective of the primary cause (fungal or dermatitis), recurrence can be prevented by keeping the area clean, dry and irritation-free. Often, the sweating, poor ventillation and irritation due to friction or chemicals, worsen the problem and it becomes a viscious cycle of "irritation-inflamation-more irritation"

- Take regular "sits bath" (sitting in a shallow basin or tub with medicated solution for a few minutes) with diluted potassium permanganate solution (should be available at your local pharmacy)
- Avoid using perfumed soaps, shower gels, etc. as the some of these chemicals can cause skin irritation. It's better to use a herbal soap or a mild non-perfumed soap.
- Avoid using any deodorized toilet tissue. This can again be a chemical irritant for some persons.
- KEEP THE AREA DRY AND SWEAT FREE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. You can use a medicated dusting powder (such as Clotrimazole dusting powder), which will absorb the sweat and keep the area dry.
- Wear loose, cotton undergarments to avoid sweating and for better aeration.
- Avoid going to public swimming pools and using public toilets as much as possible.

- I would also suggest that you use the Triamsinolone cream continuously for a while, even when the acute inflamation subsides, so that the inflamation stays arrested, thereby preventing further recurrence.

Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 2190 Questions

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Why Am I Getting Recurring Redness With Some Bumps On Buttocks?

Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query.

Since your problem seems to be a recurring one, there are two likely possibilities - 1) a fungal infection and 2) an allergic / irritant contact dermatitis.
Nystatin is an anti-fungal cream and Triamcinolone is a steroid cream (which is an anti-inflamatory and anti-allergic agent) - which you have reported to be effective temporarily but the problem seems to be the RECURRENCE.

I would advise the following course of management:

1) It's better to have a skin testing for fungal infection - the reason is that, if it is a proven fungal infection, then taking a course of systemic (oral) antifungal medication may eliminate the infection. (Usually, if some dormant spores are left behind due to inadequate treatment with topical applications, then they may re-activate later, resulting in a re-surgence of symptoms)

2) Irrespective of the primary cause (fungal or dermatitis), recurrence can be prevented by keeping the area clean, dry and irritation-free. Often, the sweating, poor ventillation and irritation due to friction or chemicals, worsen the problem and it becomes a viscious cycle of "irritation-inflamation-more irritation"

- Take regular "sits bath" (sitting in a shallow basin or tub with medicated solution for a few minutes) with diluted potassium permanganate solution (should be available at your local pharmacy)
- Avoid using perfumed soaps, shower gels, etc. as the some of these chemicals can cause skin irritation. It's better to use a herbal soap or a mild non-perfumed soap.
- Avoid using any deodorized toilet tissue. This can again be a chemical irritant for some persons.
- KEEP THE AREA DRY AND SWEAT FREE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. You can use a medicated dusting powder (such as Clotrimazole dusting powder), which will absorb the sweat and keep the area dry.
- Wear loose, cotton undergarments to avoid sweating and for better aeration.
- Avoid going to public swimming pools and using public toilets as much as possible.

- I would also suggest that you use the Triamsinolone cream continuously for a while, even when the acute inflamation subsides, so that the inflamation stays arrested, thereby preventing further recurrence.

Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar