HomeAnswersDermatologyintertrigoHow to treat a painless, non-itchy red scratch above the butt area?

I have a painless red scratch above my butt. Could this be intertrigo?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shama Naaz

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At November 28, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 28, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have what looks like a red scratch or stress point starting above my butt and going down. It might be intergluteal cleft intertrigo, from the research I have done. It almost looks like a pale pink scar. It does not itch, hurt, ooze, peel, develop scabs or scales, or bother me other than esthetically. It also does not seem to be getting better. I have had it for at least seven months and have been actively trying to treat it for two to three months, and nothing seems to help. I kept it dry and clean, using talc, and used Lotrimin AF and Desitin maximum strength alternately. But neither of them seemed to help noticeably after two weeks of use. Can you tell me what else this might be? Or if it likely is intertrigo? And what can I do about it? Should it be taking this long to heal? I am a 33-year-old female. The only medication I am taking is Advil and Nexplanon birth control. I do not have other skin conditions.

Answered by Dr. Shama Naaz

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Redness over the gluteal cleft is caused by friction, sweating and may be due to intertrigo. Intertrigo is caused by bacterial or fungal infection leading to maceration of the skin.

The Probable causes

The probable cause is frictional dermatitis.

Investigations to be done

Do direct microscopic examination of infected superficial epidermal tissue in a solution of potassium hydroxide or by culture.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis are intertrigo and sweat dermatitis.

Probable diagnosis

The probable diagnosis is intertrigo.

Treatment plan

Apply calamine lotion over the red area twice daily.

Preventive measures

Do not wear tight-fitting undergarments or jeans. Maintain hygiene. Keep the area dry

Regarding follow up

Have a follow-up after seven days with the report.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shama Naaz
Dr. Shama Naaz

Dermatology

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