Redness on my butt

I’ve got this redness right on my backside—specifically in the... well, let's just say the gluteal cleft area. Sometimes the itching gets pretty intense, and it really flared up about ten days ago after I went for a long bike ride. I've been applying some baby ointment, and for the last few days, I switched over to some chamomile cream; there's a slight improvement, but honestly, the whole thing still feels totally unsettled. The itching is also quite bad whenever I start sweating. Is it possible I'm having an allergic reaction to something or what?

fadedrider17 said:I’ve got this redness right on my backside—specifically in the... well, let's just say the gluteal cleft area. Sometimes the itching gets pretty intense, and it really flared up about ten days ago after I went for a long bike ride. I've been applying some baby ointment, and for the last few days, I switched over to some chamomile cream; there's a slight improvement, but honestly, the whole thing still feels totally unsettled. The itching is also quite bad whenever I start sweating. Is it possible I'm having an allergic reaction to something or what?

It sounds like you're dealing with anal pruritus.
You need to address whatever is triggering it—things like hemorrhoids, parasites, and so on.
You really need to go see a gastroenterologist.

I’ve been dealing with this nagging little issue for over a month now—it started right around the last time I went out for a bike ride back in July. Since then, the area around my backside has been incredibly red and itchy.

Basically, I’ve developed this redness—or more accurately, an irritation/rash—right in the gluteal cleft, and let me tell you, the itching is absolutely brutal. I’ve actually picked up a few suggestions here on the forum regarding what to apply, and so far, I’ve cycled through three different things: a baby cream, some calendula ointment, and now I’m using this Avene Cicalfate cream from the drugstore. There is definitely some visible improvement—the redness isn't as intense—but it’s nowhere near fully healed. As for the itch? It fluctuates wildly; one minute I feel nothing, and the next, I feel like I could literally tear my own skin off. One thing is certain: whenever I start sweating, the itching intensifies—that part is undeniable.

Is sweat really the culprit here? And honestly, what should my next move be? I’ve been slathering on these creams for over a month straight, and while they help, I want this gone for good.

I’m not sure if anyone else is following this thread, but I could really use some advice. After my hip surgery, while I was recovering at a medical spa, I almost developed a pressure ulcer—I ended up bruising my tailbone and the area right between my glutes pretty badly. The staff there told me my skin was incredibly dry and insisted I keep it moisturized. Once I got back home, things actually took a turn for the worse; now, the skin between my buttocks and just below my gluteal muscles is constantly red, whether I'm sitting or lying down. It burns, it stings, and it’s incredibly sensitive to any kind of pressure. Honestly, every time I sit or lie down, the pain is enough to drive me crazy. I went to see a dermatologist, and he assured me it wouldn't progress into a full-blown pressure ulcer, so he prescribed some Bill Gates to apply, but it hasn't changed a thing. Every single time there's pressure, it flares up again, almost like it's reacting to heat or sweat. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've been struggling with this for nearly three months now and I'm getting really worried. Thank you so much!

northernviper5 said:I’m not sure if anyone else is following this thread, but I could really use some advice. After my hip surgery, while I was recovering at a medical spa, I almost developed a pressure ulcer—I ended up bruising my tailbone and the area right between my glutes pretty badly. The staff there told me my skin was incredibly dry and insisted I keep it moisturized. Once I got back home, things actually took a turn for the worse; now, the skin between my buttocks and just below my gluteal muscles is constantly red, whether I'm sitting or lying down. It burns, it stings, and it’s incredibly sensitive to any kind of pressure. Honestly, every time I sit or lie down, the pain is enough to drive me crazy. I went to see a dermatologist, and he assured me it wouldn't progress into a full-blown pressure ulcer, so he prescribed some Bill Gates to apply, but it hasn't changed a thing. Every single time there's pressure, it flares up again, almost like it's reacting to heat or sweat. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've been struggling with this for nearly three months now and I'm getting really worried. Thank you so much!

Try using some Jane Doe cream.👍 It’s super thick; just put a thin layer on the spots that hurt. Works wonders in my experience—my dad used it after his hip surgery when he started getting sores after being stuck in bed for ten days. Now it’s a staple in my bathroom because it handles basically anything. You can grab it at Walmart, 7-Eleven, whatever. It comes in a little gray tub, costs about a couple bucks, and a little goes a long way.
Also, get yourself a memory foam cushion. Use it when you're sitting or lying down to take the edge off the pressure on those sensitive spots.

Thank you so much for the advice! I actually used Jane Doe myself while staying at a spa resort, and it was a total lifesaver when dealing with pressure sores. I eventually stopped using it because my doctor and dermatologist prescribed a whole variety of different creams, but honestly, if you ask me, Jane Doe still feels like the most effective option. Thank you again—and I have to ask, did your father end up feeling better? I feel so terrible that he had to go through that. No one ever warned me about the importance of turning regularly; plus, the hygiene standards at the spa were pretty subpar, so I never imagined something like this could happen to me at just 32 years old. Best regards.

northernviper5 said:Thank you so much for the advice! I actually used Jane Doe myself while staying at a spa resort, and it was a total lifesaver when dealing with pressure sores. I eventually stopped using it because my doctor and dermatologist prescribed a whole variety of different creams, but honestly, if you ask me, Jane Doe still feels like the most effective option. Thank you again—and I have to ask, did your father end up feeling better? I feel so terrible that he had to go through that. No one ever warned me about the importance of turning regularly; plus, the hygiene standards at the spa were pretty subpar, so I never imagined something like this could happen to me at just 32 years old. Best regards.

🙂

Yeah, Jane Doe prevented those pressure sores from forming. It worked for you, and besides, the label literally says it’s for pressure sores. 👍

Thank you so much. Did it finally clear up for your father? I feel terrible that he went through that. Nobody warned me about the importance of turning him—the hygiene at the spa was basically nonexistent, so I never imagined I'd be dealing with this at 32. Best regards.

Yeah, it cleared up after three months. Every single day I was cleaning two pressure sores with therapy and sterile dressings. Once they closed up, I stuck with Jane Doe. I also used it preventatively on high-pressure spots after his daily baths and full bed care—basically slathering him in lotion so his skin stayed hydrated. Used Jane Doe for his diaper area too.
It happened to him right after surgery while he was still at the hospital. The surgeon kept apologizing, but... whatever, it happens.
As for the "hygiene" at the spa—I won't even go there, I'll just end up pissed off. I already posted once about what happened during my dad's "rehab" at some... 😠 facility, and I'm still not over it. Just pure laziness and total indifference.
They don't warn you about half the stuff; exceptions are rare. That's why this kind of thing happens, unfortunately.
I'm so sorry you had to deal with that at 32.

It’s just the unfortunate reality of the situation, and honestly, my heart breaks for your father because no one should ever have to endure something like that.
To be completely honest, I didn't even know what a pressure sore was or that I needed to be repositioned regularly—nobody bothered to explain any of that to me. Everything seemed manageable enough until I checked into the rehabilitation center. Once I got there, the level of care dropped off a cliff. They wouldn't help me shower more than once, they wouldn't apply lotion, nothing. There was zero assistance. I found myself sitting in a bathing suit from six in the morning because apparently, it wasn't "their job" to help me get dressed before heading to the pool, despite the fact that I’ve been immobile for two weeks following surgery. My skin became incredibly dry, and that lack of care combined with everything else led to this mess where I'm dealing with near-open wounds. My whole body is itching and burning, and instead of being able to focus on recovering from my hip replacement, I'm wasting money on specialists just to fix my skin. I’m sorry for venting like this, but seeing that you went through the exact same thing with your father makes me feel less alone, and I really appreciate the support. I am just so bitter about it all. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned their nonchalance and lack of interest; if I had to add my own observations, I'd throw in total indifference and pure sloppiness from the staff.

northernviper5 said:It’s just the unfortunate reality of the situation, and honestly, my heart breaks for your father because no one should ever have to endure something like that.
To be completely honest, I didn't even know what a pressure sore was or that I needed to be repositioned regularly—nobody bothered to explain any of that to me. Everything seemed manageable enough until I checked into the rehabilitation center. Once I got there, the level of care dropped off a cliff. They wouldn't help me shower more than once, they wouldn't apply lotion, nothing. There was zero assistance. I found myself sitting in a bathing suit from six in the morning because apparently, it wasn't "their job" to help me get dressed before heading to the pool, despite the fact that I’ve been immobile for two weeks following surgery. My skin became incredibly dry, and that lack of care combined with everything else led to this mess where I'm dealing with near-open wounds. My whole body is itching and burning, and instead of being able to focus on recovering from my hip replacement, I'm wasting money on specialists just to fix my skin. I’m sorry for venting like this, but seeing that you went through the exact same thing with your father makes me feel less alone, and I really appreciate the support. I am just so bitter about it all. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned their nonchalance and lack of interest; if I had to add my own observations, I'd throw in total indifference and pure sloppiness from the staff.

Thanks. Seriously, nobody should have to deal with that kind of crap.

I didn't even know what a pressure sore was, let alone that I needed to keep moving. Nobody bothered to tell me anything. Everything was fine until I checked into the rehab center.They wouldn't help me shower once, let alone help me with lotion or anything else. I was just sitting there in my swimsuit from six in the morning because apparently, it’s "not their job" to help me get dressed before hitting the water—even though I haven't been able to move an inch since my surgery two weeks ago.

This is depressing to read. You can't tell if it’s worse for someone stuck in their prime or an 89-year-old. Either way—total helplessness. 😢 My old man's GP told me after he passed that they were...
So, she’s at this "rehab" facility—won't even name names—and they basically spat on everything we did. They completely trashed her progress, the physical therapist's work, and all the effort I put in at home. We finally hit that sweet spot where she had full mobility and could actually take care of herself before being shipped off to those "specialists" for extra orthopedic rehab. Total joke.

My skin is so bone-dry right now it’s practically cracking open. It’s a total mess—itching and burning all over my body. Instead of actually focusing on recovering from my hip replacement, I’m just flushing money down the drain at dermatologist appointments.

I get it. Try this instead of just rubbing yourself dry with a towel after a shower: while your skin is still soaking wet, slather on some baby oil or that Palmer’s stuff for dry skin. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to soak in, then just pat yourself dry. At night, go heavy on a moisturizer like a Mixa type—it works wonders for super dry patches. Stick to mild, baby-grade cleansers like Johnson’s, too. It’ll save your skin and your sanity.

Sorry to bother you again, but seeing how much you dealt with regarding your dad... thanks for the help. Seriously. You hit the nail on the head with that "nonchalant" bit—just total indifference. I’ll add a side of pure emptiness and staff who couldn't care less to that mix.

Don't bother lecturing me. If you actually need some of this stuff I wrote, fine—it’s a little ego boost to see it being used. 🙂

Apathy, indifference, coldness, laziness—it’s all just one big, messy pile of nothing. Total lack of professionalism. Just a joke. My old man died because of that kind of amateur hour bullshit at a rehab center—if you can even call their "professionalism" anything else.
Just another ticket to the cemetery. 😢

Pathetic. They don't even stop to think that they could end up right in that same spot themselves.

I really can't thank you enough; you all have been such a massive help to me. Honestly, I’ve lost a lot of faith in those doctors lately. I think it's much better to rely on people who—and I hate to say this, but I have to be honest—have actually lived through it themselves.
Also, please accept my deepest condolences regarding your father.
My only regret is that I obviously can't mention the specific spa resort by name, but I can say this: while I was undergoing therapy there, they actually forgot to bring me my medication once—some unknown brand. It was pure, dumb luck that it only happened that one time.

northernviper5 said:I really can't thank you enough; you all have been such a massive help to me. Honestly, I’ve lost a lot of faith in those doctors lately. I think it's much better to rely on people who—and I hate to say this, but I have to be honest—have actually lived through it themselves.
Also, please accept my deepest condolences regarding your father.
My only regret is that I obviously can't mention the specific spa resort by name, but I can say this: while I was undergoing therapy there, they actually forgot to bring me my medication once—some unknown brand. It was pure, dumb luck that it only happened that one time.

Thank God there are still doctors and nurses out there who actually give a damn and know their stuff. Even if you've had a nightmare experience with some hack, don't throw the whole medical profession under the bus. We aren't exactly surgeons ourselves, so we can't just DIY our way out of a crisis. You just have to stay informed and actually follow what your doctor tells you to do—it’s not rocket science.

So sorry to hear about your dad. Really tough break.

Thanks.

It’s a joke. I can't even mention which spa resort they were talking about, but I can definitely vent about how some unknown staffer once forgot my meds during therapy. Pure luck that it only happened once.

Look, it can be done—but personally, I’m not looking to spread more negativity around here. There are actual government agencies that should be handling this based on the facts presented.

You’re lucky that whole mess with that unknown person only happened once. One and done.

I completely agree with you—you've hit the nail on the head. I think I’m just being a little blunt because everything is still so raw. This was my first time ever dealing with a situation like this, so honestly, I'm still processing the shock of it all.
On a different note, I actually had surgery at the Mayo Clinic recently, and I can't say enough good things about them.

northernviper5 said:I completely agree with you—you've hit the nail on the head. I think I’m just being a little blunt because everything is still so raw. This was my first time ever dealing with a situation like this, so honestly, I'm still processing the shock of it all.
On a different note, I actually had surgery at the Mayo Clinic recently, and I can't say enough good things about them.

I get it. I went through the whole cycle myself—shock, feeling totally helpless against those so-called "authorities," bitterness, rage, grief, and finally just accepting that there’s a hell of a lot I can't fix right this second. But I’m not throwing in the towel. I truly believe I can fight to make sure nobody else has to go through this.

By the way, I had my surgery at Salisbury and they were fantastic.

Huge props and thanks here too to the surgeon, Dr. House, and his crew at the Trauma Department at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He's a great man first, and a top-tier surgeon second. 👍