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This photo shows a close-up of the rash, with its distinctive tiny reddish-purple bumps. The dermatitis herpetiformis bumps usually take several days to heal (during which time new bumps usually appear nearby), and once healed, those bumps will leave behind small purple marks that last for weeks or months. Itchy bumps on buttocks crack. Just noticed some itchy bumps on your buttocks? The painful bumps or blister on buttocks can more likely to be caused by a bacterial or a fungal infection. Bacteria and fungi feed on dead cells and the debris and for this reason infect a clogged pore.
Many things from a heat rash to allergies and sexually transmitted infections can cause butt rashes.
Some rashes may respond well to home remedies while others may need medical attention.
Causes of butt rashes in adults
Skin conditions and reactions to certain substances may cause butt rashes.
Adults may experience butt rashes caused by any of the following:
![Itchy bumps on buttock cheeks Itchy bumps on buttock cheeks](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123916387/427766256.jpg)
- Heat rash: This itchy, red rash often appears as blisters or red bumps during hot weather.
- Ringworm: More commonly known as jock itch, ringworm is a fungal infection that causes a red, ring-shaped rash in the groin and butt area. The rash is often very itchy.
- Contact dermatitis: This itchy rash is inflammation of the skin caused by direct contact with an irritant.
- Atopic dermatitis: Also known as eczema, this causes dry skin that tends to be itchier at night.
- Psoriasis: This is a condition that causes skin cells to build up and form itchy dry patches or scales. Scientists think psoriasis is the result of an immune system problem.
- Intertrigo: This is an inflammatory condition most commonly found in skin folds. It tends to be accompanied by or worsened by an infection.
- Acne: Acne that forms on the buttocks is often different from the acne found on the rest of the body. An infection in the hair follicles from shaving or general friction (folliculitis) causes acne on the butt.
- Shingles: This viral infection is related to chickenpox and causes a severe itchy rash on one side of the body. Shingles normally affects older adults that have had chickenpox.
- Genital herpes: This common sexually transmitted virus causes rash-like symptoms around the genitals and anus.
- Candida: Candida is a fungus that lives on skin and causes yeast infections. Yeast infections may cause intense itching and a spreading rash.
- Incontinence: Rashes thrive and develop in warm moist areas. Often, adults who deal with incontinence wind up with incontinence-related irritation and raw skin.
Symptoms
Red bumps or itchy patches on the skin are symptoms of rashes.
General symptoms of a butt rash include the following:
- red, irritated skin on the butt cheeks or around the anus
- acne-like lesions on the butt cheeks
- small, red bumps or dots on the skin
- itching that is not relieved by scratching
- sore, painful areas of skin around the buttocks
- painful or itchy skin around the anus
- scaly patches of skin on the butt cheeks
- crusty or leaky blisters, bumps, or pustules
Natural remedies and at-home treatments
Natural rash remedies include the following:
- Coconut oil: Applying coconut oil to areas of atopic dermatitis reduces symptoms and irritation, studies show.
- Oatmeal: Applying an oatmeal paste or soaking in an oatmeal bath may help dry up a rash and relieve the itching.
- Witch hazel: Witch hazel is effective in treating rashes on the buttocks and genital area, according to research published in the Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery.
- Honey: Rubbing honey on a rash may help clear it up. Honey has antimicrobial properties that may promote skin healing and tissue repair.
- Chamomile tea compresses: Using compresses soaked in chamomile tea on a rash may help ease the discomfort.
- Aloe vera: Aloe vera has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory agents that can help soothe damaged skin when rubbed on. It also provides a cooling sensation that may help ease the pain and sting of a painful butt rash.
- Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties that make it a popular topical treatment for skin ailments.
Over-the-counter (OTC) products that may be helpful for rash treatment include:
- gentle, fragrance- and oil-free moisturizers
- oral antihistamines if the rash is caused by an allergic reaction
- topical hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching
- anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen, to relieve pain and swelling
- antifungal creams and sprays
When to see a doctor
If a rash spreads or is accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor.
People should seek a doctor's care for their butt rash if it does not respond to at-home or OTC treatments.
Additionally, someone with a butt rash needs to consult a doctor if their butt rash meets any of the following criteria:
![Red bumps on buttocks Red bumps on buttocks](/uploads/1/2/3/9/123916387/901148982.jpg)
- spreads over a large area of the body
- it is accompanied by fever
- the rash starts or spreads suddenly and quickly
- there are blisters on the genital or anal areas
- the rash oozes yellow or green fluid
- there are red streaks coming from the rash
- pain accompanies the rash
Medical treatments
A doctor may suggest one of the following medical treatments:
- steroid creams to relieve swelling and itching
- oral steroids to reduce swelling and inflammation of severe rashes
- oral antibiotics for rashes caused by bacterial infections
- prescription-strength antibiotic creams for intertrigo and infections resulting from incontinence
- prescription-strength antifungal medications for yeast infections, jock itch, and other rashes caused by fungal infections
- retinoid creams for reducing inflammation and treating rashes from psoriasis
- antiviral medications to reduce the duration and severity of butt rashes from shingles or herpes
- drugs, such as immunomodulators and others that alter the immune system, may treat rashes due to allergens or severe psoriasis
- prescription vitamin D and methotrexate may be used for psoriasis
Prevention
People can prevent the risk of developing a butt rash by following these tips:
- practice good hygiene, including having regular showers and wiping well after using the bathroom
- change underwear regularly.
- use gentle, fragrance-free detergents and body washes
- avoid rewearing sweaty clothing
- avoid itchy fabrics, including wool and some synthetics
- shower and change clothing after exercising or sweating heavily
- wear loose clothing to prevent rashes from friction
- consider using antiperspirants to reduce moisture
- keep the buttocks and genital area clean and dry
Some butt rashes may be preventable; however, others may not.
The home remedies listed in this article are available for purchase online.
- Shop for coconut oil.
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Article last reviewed by Thu 19 April 2018.
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Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006, January). Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil: A review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 19(1), 50–62. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
Colantonio, S., & Rivers, J. K. (2017, July 1). Botanicals with dermatologic properties derived from first nations healing: Part 2—Plants and algae [Abstract]. Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 21(4), 299–307. Retrieved from http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1203475416683390?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3dpubmed
Contact dermatitis: Diagnosis and treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema/contact-dermatitis#treatment
Evangelista, M. T. P., Abad-Casintahan, F., & Lopez-Villafuerte, L. (2014, January). The effect of topical virgin coconut oil on SCORAD index, transepidermal water loss, and skin capacitance in mild to moderate pediatric atopic dermatitis: A randomized, double-blind, clinical trial [Abstract]. International Journal of Dermatology, 53(1), 100–108. Retrieved from https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ijd.12339
McLoone, P., Oluwadun, A., Warnock, M., & Fyfe, L. (2016, August 4). Honey: A therapeutic agent for disorders of the skin. Central Asian Journal of Global Health, 5(1), 241. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5661189/
Rash 101 in adults: When to seek treatment. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/rashes/rash-in-adults
Srivastava, J. K., Shankar, E., & Gupta, S. (2010, November 1). Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future. Molecular Medicine Reports, 3(6), 895–901. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/
Surjushe, A., Vasani, R., & Saple, D. G. (2008). Aloe vera: A short review. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 53(4), 163–166. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763764/
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Recommended related news
An itchy, blistering, burning skin rash, dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a difficult condition to live with. The rash and itching occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, back, and buttocks. This rash likely indicates gluten intolerance, which may be related to a more serious underlying condition known as celiac disease. DH is sometimes called Duhring’s disease or gluten rash. People who have this condition need to maintain a strict gluten-free diet.
From the sound of the name, many people think this rash is caused by some form of the herpes virus. This isn’t the case, as it has nothing to do with herpes. Dermatitis herpetiformis occurs in people with celiac disease. Celiac disease (also called celiac sprue, gluten intolerance, or gluten-sensitive enteropathy) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by intolerance to gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. It’s also sometimes found in oats that have been processed in plants that handle other grains.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), 15 to 25 percent of people with celiac disease have DH. Celiac disease can also cause intense abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. People with DH typically don’t have any of the intestinal symptoms. However, even if they don’t experience any intestinal symptoms, 80 percent or more of people with DH still have intestinal damage, especially if they eat a diet that’s high in gluten, according to the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA).
The intestinal damage and rash are due to the reaction of gluten proteins with a special kind of antibody called immunoglobulin A (IgA). Your body makes IgA antibodies to attack gluten proteins. When IgA antibodies attack gluten, they damage the parts of the intestines that allow you to absorb vitamins and nutrients. This sensitivity to gluten usually runs in families.
The structures formed when IgA attaches to gluten then enter the bloodstream, where they begin to clog small blood vessels, especially those in the skin. White blood cells are attracted to these clogs. The white blood cells release a chemical called “complement” that causes an itchy, blistery rash.
Celiac disease can affect anyone, but it tends to be more common in people who have another family member with celiac disease or DH.
Although more women than men are diagnosed with celiac disease, men are more likely to develop DH than women, according to the NIH. The rash usually begins in your 20s or 30s, though it can start in childhood. The condition more commonly occurs in people of European descent. It less commonly affects people of African or Asian descent.
DH is one of the itchiest rashes possible. Common locations of the rash include:
- elbows
- knees
- lower back
- hairline
- back of the neck
- shoulders
- buttocks
- scalp
The rash is usually the same size and shape on both sides of the body and often comes and goes.
Before a full outbreak of the rash, you may feel the skin in a rash-prone area burn or itch. Bumps that look like pimples filled with clear liquid start to form. These are quickly scratched off. The bumps heal within a few days and leave a purple mark that lasts for weeks. But new bumps continue to form as old ones heal. This process can continue for years, or it can go into remission and then return.
While these symptoms are commonly associated with dermatitis herpetiformis, they can also be caused by other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, irritant or allergic contact dermatitis, psoriasis, pemphigoid, or scabies.
DH is best diagnosed with a skin biopsy. A doctor takes a small sample of skin and examines it under a microscope. Sometimes, a direct immunofluorescence test is done, in which the skin around the rash is stained with a dye that will show the presence of IgA antibody deposits. The skin biopsy can also help determine if the symptoms are caused by another skin condition.
Blood tests to check for these antibodies in the blood may also be done. An intestinal biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of damage due to celiac disease.
If the diagnosis is uncertain, or another diagnosis is possible, other tests may be performed. Patch testing is the best way to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis, which is a common cause of symptoms similar to dermatitis herpetiformis.
DH can be treated with an antibiotic called dapsone. Dapsone is a powerful medicine with serious side effects. The dose must be increased slowly over several months before it’s fully effective.
Most people see relief from taking dapsone, but side effects may include:
- liver problems
- sensitivity to sunlight
Dapsone may also have negative interactions with other medications, such as aminobenzoate potassium, clofazimine, or trimethoprim.
Other drugs that may be used include tetracycline, sulfapyridine, and some immunosuppressive drugs. These are less effective than dapsone.
The most effective treatment that’s free of side effects is strict adherence to a gluten-free diet. This means you should completely avoid food, drink, or medicines containing the following:
- wheat
- rye
- barley
- oats
Although this diet can be difficult to follow, it will have the most beneficial effect on your health if you have celiac disease. Any reduction in gluten intake may help lessen the amount of medication you will need to take.
People with untreated DH and celiac disease may have a higher risk of intestinal cancer due to the constant inflammation in the intestines. Vitamin deficiencies and anemia may also be a problem if the intestines aren’t absorbing nutrients properly.
Since DH is an autoimmune disease, researchers have found that it’s also associated with various other types of autoimmune diseases. These include:
DH is a lifelong disease. You may go into remission, but any time you’re exposed to gluten, you may have an outbreak of the rash. Without treatment, DH and celiac disease can result in many negative health effects, including vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and gastrointestinal cancer.
Treatment with dapsone can control the rash symptoms rather quickly. However, the intestinal damage caused by celiac disease can only be treated by maintaining a strict gluten-free diet. Make sure to discuss any specific dietary considerations with your doctor or nutritionist.