Itchy Bum – Symptoms of Different Conditions That Affect the Bum Crack Making It Painful

Not only is having an itchy bum an embarrassing problem, it can be a seriously irritating matter too, but if pain is included due to itch, red rash, swelling or other, then it’s likely to become a problem a patient cannot tolerate. Anal itch, rectal itch or rectum itch, whichever you prefer to call it, will have a reason for happening, so to treat it effectively and put a stop to you scratching your bum, the cause will need to be determined. If itching has occurred in-between the bum crack because of sweat, then it’s just a matter of a thorough clean with soap and water, but if the reason for the itch being there is a mystery to you, then speak with your GP so he/she can solve the puzzle if you like.

To do a self-diagnosis of what’s going on around the bum hole, it would help to have a mirror handy. The mirror will allow you to see if you have dry skin, rash, pimples or warts. Although checking something like this out for yourself might ease your mind, it is still wise to have a medic look. The bottom is a delicate place, so treating the skin here has to be done with care. If you rub the wrong cream or ointment in-between your buttocks you could end up having to treat a more serious problem.

Reasons for rectal pain and itching

Dry itchy skin in the crease of your bum cheeks is likely to be caused by one of several conditions:

Psoriasis

People don’t get Psoriasis around the rectum…do they? Isn’t it the scalp, ears, groin, elbows and knees where it affects? Yes, Psoriasis is linked with the above mentioned, but, also known in the buttock area too. It is a recurring rash caused by a variation in your immune system. It causes the skin to appear red and thickened with a white or silvery crust. There are several treatments and medication for treating Psoriasis, ranging from skin ointments to ultraviolet light exposure and oral medication.

Tinea Cruris (Jock itch)

Tinea is a fungus infection of the skin, commonly attacking the groin, upper thigh, and bum crack. Tinea of the groin is called “tinea cruris” or jock itch. Symptoms show as a bright red or red-brown patch of skin with a well-defined border. Itch is a primary symptom.

Hidradenitis suppurativa

If a hair follicle becomes blocked, sweat glands beneath the hair root can become congested and inflamed. If this happens, the sweat glands can weaken and pool into pockets of fluid under the skin, making the skin look like acne was once present. Scarring can occur, as well as boils coming regular. Big boils might need to be drained, otherwise a course of antibiotics will see to boils less large. “Hidradenitis suppurativa” (also known as “acne inversus”) is the name given for continual congested and inflamed sweat glands.

Scabies

No way not Scabies, tell me you’re joking. Isn’t Scabies those creepy crawlies under the skin? Yes that’s them and very contagious too. Okay maybe not really troublesome in the crack of the bum, but still troublesome mites to say the least. Scabies can cause a rash and itching outside of the groin and buttock area, even if the infestation is localized to this location.

Seborrheic dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis normally brings an oily red rash with some yellow crusts. If seborrheic dermatitis is detected, then it’s possible the rash has affected the scalp line, face or chest also.

Yeast infection (candidiasis)

Yeast infection is a something people usually associate with the vagina, but nowadays it’s just as much a man’s thing (male yeast infection.) Yeast infection can cause itch or a sore red rash in skin folds of the groin, and the skin around the genitals. Other locations for yeast infection are, in and around the anus and crease of the bottom.