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Why Do I Have A Raw Butt Crack That Is Irritating And Has A Weird Smell ?

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Posted on Mon, 16 Apr 2012
Question: I have a raw butt crack, it doesnt hurt, burn or itch but it is clearly red & irritated. It also has a wierd smell, kind of fishy, applying an anti-fungal spray does burn though. What could it be? It started after I came to a hotel in West XXXXXXX & started using a hot tub. It was also around my groin, peeling and redness, but the anti-fungal spray must have helped that go away.
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Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (45 minutes later)
Hello and thanks for the query.


As far as your symptoms are concerned there may be a couple of things going on and a trial and error of topical remedies may be the best course of action.

You already mentioned that you have been using an antifungal spray on the affected areas. This is certainly a possibility. Fungal rashes can often appear in many different ways. Usually it will look read in appearance and sometimes be associated with flaking of the skin or possibly some itching. Fungal rashes are well known to occur in areas of the body which are warm and moist.

What is very important to consider in your case is the history which you provided regarding use of a hot tub recently. There is actually a skin disorder which is referred to as hot tub folliculitis. This occurs when some small bacteria that live in the hot tub plumbing system get onto your skin and create an inflammatory type of infection.

The obvious question for you is what to do given the fact that this skin your teaching is persistent. I think at this point it may be a good idea for you to visit with your Serostim examination. It may be necessary for you to have a prescription strength cream to address this. Sometimes we use creams which have a steroid in addition to an antifungal medication. The steroid helps with some of the inflammation of the skin and the healing process. The other consideration at this time would be if you might benefit from some antibiotics in the event that part of what is going on with your skin is of a bacterial origin. In that case your doctor might give you a 7 to 10 day course of antibiotics.

The reason I would like you to see your physician is that I would preferred that this is addressed sooner rather than later if it progresses. While a progression into something that is more symptomatic is not highly likely it is enough of a possibility that I think you should check into it right away.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you have found my response to be both helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns regarding this query I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
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. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Why Do I Have A Raw Butt Crack That Is Irritating And Has A Weird Smell ?

Hello and thanks for the query.


As far as your symptoms are concerned there may be a couple of things going on and a trial and error of topical remedies may be the best course of action.

You already mentioned that you have been using an antifungal spray on the affected areas. This is certainly a possibility. Fungal rashes can often appear in many different ways. Usually it will look read in appearance and sometimes be associated with flaking of the skin or possibly some itching. Fungal rashes are well known to occur in areas of the body which are warm and moist.

What is very important to consider in your case is the history which you provided regarding use of a hot tub recently. There is actually a skin disorder which is referred to as hot tub folliculitis. This occurs when some small bacteria that live in the hot tub plumbing system get onto your skin and create an inflammatory type of infection.

The obvious question for you is what to do given the fact that this skin your teaching is persistent. I think at this point it may be a good idea for you to visit with your Serostim examination. It may be necessary for you to have a prescription strength cream to address this. Sometimes we use creams which have a steroid in addition to an antifungal medication. The steroid helps with some of the inflammation of the skin and the healing process. The other consideration at this time would be if you might benefit from some antibiotics in the event that part of what is going on with your skin is of a bacterial origin. In that case your doctor might give you a 7 to 10 day course of antibiotics.

The reason I would like you to see your physician is that I would preferred that this is addressed sooner rather than later if it progresses. While a progression into something that is more symptomatic is not highly likely it is enough of a possibility that I think you should check into it right away.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you have found my response to be both helpful and informative. If you have any additional concerns regarding this query I would be happy to address them.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga