If the rash is: red, itchy, and has small painful blisters It’s probably: a herpes outbreak 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, MD, 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. MORE: 7 Celebrity Butt Selfies—and What You Can Learn from Them If the rash is: a red, itchy, and scaly patch It’s probably: a fungal infection “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. MORE: 4 Ways to Get Rid of Butt Acne If the rash is: red with tender, pimple-like bumps It’s probably: buttne, which is medically known as folliculitis 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. If the rash is: red, scaly, and strikes right above your butt crack It’s probably: psoriasis 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. If the rash is: flaky and itchy, sometimes accompanied by tiny red bumpsIt’s probably: eczemaThose 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. If the rash is: super itchy and on your anusIt’s probably: hemorroidsThese 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. The article “6 Reasons Your Butt Is Red and Itchy” originally ran on Womenshealthmag.com. MORE: 8 Fascinating Facts About Your Butt
