When redness and irritation shows up on or inside your butt, this poses a challenge. First, unless you have Gisele-like flexibility, it’s hard to whip your head around and fully assess the damage. Then there’s the embarrassment factor. Do you really want to drop trou and stick your cheeks out for your dermatologist? Didn’t think so. Before it comes to that (and it might, depending on how serious things are and what the treatment requires), check out our guide to decoding the signs behind six common rear-end rashes.
Surprise—this STD doesn’t only strike the mucus membranes of the genitals and mouth. “It’s not uncommon for herpes to infect the skin of your bottom, and the signs would be similar to that of an oral or genital herpes outbreak, including one or more tiny blisters grouped close together,†says Sarika M. Ramachandran, M.D., assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center. The treatment is also the same: diagnosis by your derm or ob-gyn and then a script for antiviral meds, which will speed healing.
“This is the same fungal infection as athlete’s foot and jock itch, but it shows up on your behind,†says Ramachandran. Fungi thrive in moist, dark places, which is why this infection tends to occur on body parts that rub together, creating lots of heat and friction (hello, butt crack!). An OTC antifungal cream should get rid of it, but if that doesn’t work, your doc can prescribe something stronger.
This happens when dead skin cells and bacteria clog the hair follicles on your cheeks and upper thighs. It’s unsightly, but it’s nothing serious: Ease it by applying an OTC benzoyl peroxide product, and prevent it from returning by showering after a gym session and wearing fabrics that let your butt skin breathe.
Psoriasis, a chronic, non-contagious skin condition, is caused by the overproduction of skin cells—and it loves to show up in that dimple between your lower back and crack, says Ramachandran. Other signs include white, pink, or silver patches and flaking. It also tends to form on the elbows, scalp, and nails. Psoriasis needs to be treated with prescription steroid creams, so if you suspect you have it, check in with your derm.
Those stretchy black tights you’re practically living in right now? They’re big-time eczema offenders, trapping heat and sweat between your skin and the synthetic material, triggering this itchy, red skin condition, says Ramachandran. Ease it the way you would if you had eczema on any other patch of skin: by applying moisturizer or an OTC hydrocortisone cream. Also, wear more breathable all-cotton or natural-fiber material so your skin gets some fresh air. If you’re still itchy, your derm can give you stronger meds.
These small protrusions of veins can be irritating, painful, and itchy, thanks to the swelling and inflammation that develops around them, says Ramachandran. It sounds gross, sure, but hemorrhoids are very common and are usually caused by pressure from chronic constipation or pregnancy. OTC hemorrhoid creams can numb the pain, reduce swelling, and nix the itch. But if yours keep acting up and leave you squirming, see your doctor about other treatment options, like surgery.
More from Women’s Health:
7 Celebrity Butt Selfies—and What You Can Learn from Them
4 Ways to Get Rid of Butt Acne
8 Fascinating Facts About Your Butt