Occasionally patients suffer from an annoying and embarrassing problem, namely itching of the buttocks. The itching on the buttocks is the result of several conditions, such as psoriasis, shingles and groin fungus. Some environmental factors also lead to buttocks itching, such as wiping the buttocks too hard. Itchy skin on the buttocks can often be remedied with home treatments, but when one or more warning signs occur in combination with buttocks that are itchy, professional medical attention is needed. Finally, the patient should not scratch the itchy skin, as this will cause further irritation to the skin.
- Conditions and itching of the skin of the buttocks
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Cholinergic urticaria
- Dermatofibroma
- Folliculitis
- Shingles
- groin fungus
- Miliaria
- Psoriasis
- Scabies
- Environmental factors and itchy buttocks
- Eating certain foods
- Using bad toilet paper
- Use of wet wipes
- Wiping the bottom too hard
- Alarm signs and buttocks itching
- Diagnosis and examinations
Conditions and itching of the skin of the buttocks
Inflamed skin, the patient treats with moisturizer / Source: Kiyok, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-3.0)
Allergic contact dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis (rash with redness and itching) is a condition in which the skin (of the buttocks) is irritated and inflamed after physical contact with an allergen (triggering substance). Common allergens include plants, metals, soaps, perfumes and cosmetics. Contact with certain toilet seat materials (especially wooden toilet seats covered with varnish and paint) can also lead to allergic contact dermatitis. This is especially true if the toilet seat has been treated with aggressive chemical cleaners (often used in schools). Itchy and red buttocks are also accompanied by the inflammation of the skin. Avoiding the triggering substance reduces the symptoms of skin inflammation. Furthermore, using a moisturizer is helpful for relieving inflamed skin.
Cholinergic urticaria
Cholinergic urticaria appears due to an allergic reaction to heat or sweat during or after a hot shower or exercise. The patient presents with bumpy or spotty hives (raised pink, swollen areas) which may be accompanied by itching, for example on the buttocks.
Dermatofibroma
A dermatofibroma (superficial benign fibrous histiocytoma) is a common skin lump of unknown cause that occurs more often in women than in men. The skin lump often develops on the limbs (usually the lower legs) but sometimes also on the buttocks. Usually the bump does not cause any symptoms, but itching is one of the possible signs in symptomatic patients. Treatment is unnecessary for the completely benign condition. However, if changes occur in the injury, a doctor’s advice is required. A patient who finds the lesion disturbing can have the growth removed by the doctor (cutting away, freezing or burning off).Sharing contaminated items may cause folliculitis / Source: Pexels, Pixabay
Folliculitis
An infection of the hair follicles (folliculitis) causes red, itchy bumps with occasional white centers on the skin. The patient contracts the infection by sharing contaminated towels, contaminated clothing, an improperly treated whirlpool or jacuzzi, or as a result of poor hygiene. Bacteria usually cause the infection, but fungi, yeasts or viruses are also sometimes involved in the development of folliculitis. Treatment is not always required as the condition resolves on its own. If symptoms are severe or persistent, treatment is tailored to the cause. Antibiotics are necessary for the treatment of bacterial folliculitis and antifungals for the treatment of folliculitis caused by fungi.
Shingles
Shingles results from a reactivation of the herpes zoster virus that causes chickenpox. Once a patient has had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive but may reactivate later in life. With shingles, a rash most often occurs on one side of the buttocks or torso. Then the rash turns into blistering on the skin. After about three weeks, these blisters will crust over and eventually disappear. Shingles will usually disappear on its own within a few weeks after the start of the symptoms. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroid cream to reduce the inflammation.
groin fungus
Fungal dermatophytes, the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot, is the culprit of groin jock itch (tinea cruris). This fungal infection has similar symptoms to psoriasis, but a rash appears instead of raised patches of skin. The patient may apply an over-the-counter antifungal spray, ointment, or lotion to treat buttocks that are causing itching. If these are not effective, the doctor will use an antifungal agent with a higher strength.
Miliaria
Common synonyms for miliaria are heat or sweat rash. The skin disease is caused by clogged or inflamed sweat glands. With this condition, small itchy red bumps or patches of sweating appear on the skin in warm, humid conditions or after exercise. This mainly happens on areas that are tightly covered by clothing (pants, socks) but also on the face. Itching of the buttocks also occurs. In most cases, the rash goes away without any treatment. To reduce the symptoms, the patient prevents further sweating, wears cotton or breathable clothing and, if necessary, uses corticosteroid creams.
Psoriasis
T cells, a type of white blood cell, mistakenly attack healthy skin cells in psoriasis, a chronic skin disease. The body responds by causing swelling of the skin and producing an excessive amount of skin cells. Psoriasis is usually genetic and appears when the patient is between the ages of 10 and 45. In addition to the itchy buttocks, psoriasis is characterized by red, dry and scaly raised patches, blistering on the skin and/or pus-filled blisters on the skin. The doctor prescribes corticosteroid cream to relieve the inflammation. Home treatment is possible. The patient may take a daily bath with Epsom salt or oatmeal so that the flaking and redness disappear. Phototherapy (treatment using light) may also be effective.
Scabies
The highly contagious skin infection scabies is the result of mites that cause an itchy rash on the body, including on the buttocks. Treatment with medicated creams kills the mites and eggs.
Environmental factors and itchy buttocks
Eating certain foods
When a patient drinks coffee or beer, or eats tomatoes and spicy or spicy foods, this also occasionally leads to itchy skin on the buttocks.
Using bad toilet paper
Soft toilet paper is often a better option than thin toilet paper, because it causes small wounds to form more quickly that sometimes cause itching.
Use of wet wipes
Some patients use flushable wipes for wiping the buttocks. However, these sometimes lead to irritation, causing itchy buttocks. Many patients are allergic to wet wipes, especially scented wipes. It is best for patients to choose hypoallergenic, fragrance-free wipes. The buttocks must also be dry before the patient puts on the underwear.
Wiping the bottom too hard
Patients who wipe their buttocks a lot should first use water to rinse them and then use toilet paper. Wiping the buttocks too vigorously causes itching in the area.
Alarm signs and buttocks itching
If itching of the buttocks leads to sleep problems or problems with daily life, a visit to the doctor is indicated. Furthermore, medical attention is needed if home treatments fail and the itching persists for more than two weeks. If symptoms worsen once treatment begins, it is important to discuss this with the doctor so that he or she may consider another treatment option.
Diagnosis and examinations
The skin conditions can be easily identified by the doctor through the identification of the skin lesions or rashes. If necessary, he will scrape away an affected skin cell sample to have it examined microscopically to confirm the diagnosis.