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Anal Rash, Spreading, Itchiness. Using Acyclovir, Cortisone Creams, No Relief. History Of Genital Herpes. Causes For Rash ?

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Posted on Wed, 13 Jun 2012
Question: A small rash started near my anus closer to the buttocks area a week ago. It started about the diameter of a pea. Now my entire anal area is BRIGHT red. It's spreading further each day. I've have genital herpes for 20 years and It's not an outbreak. But I did take acyclovir to see if that would help in case it was being manefested differently. It slightly itches and is tender. I always clean and shower after BMs so I know it isn't a hygiene problem. I'm married and use condoms because I like to be protective considering what I have. I've tried cortisone cream for two days; no help and rash still growing.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A bright red spreading rash on the anal area with mild itching not relieved with steroid ointment is most likely to be due to a fungal infection.

Second probability is bacterial infection. If it is bacterial, and not treated properly, might lead to serious problems. Hence it is best consult your doctor to diagnose it properly.

The preferred treatment if it is fungal in origin would be an antifungal cream such as Clotrimazole.

Sometimes application of one topical antifungal may not suffice and a combination of two and more antifungals may be needed until the itch disappears.

One has to continue application for 2 weeks after the itch disappears to prevent any recurrence.

I hope this answers your query effectively.

In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Wishing you good health.
Regards.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12310 Questions

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Anal Rash, Spreading, Itchiness. Using Acyclovir, Cortisone Creams, No Relief. History Of Genital Herpes. Causes For Rash ?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A bright red spreading rash on the anal area with mild itching not relieved with steroid ointment is most likely to be due to a fungal infection.

Second probability is bacterial infection. If it is bacterial, and not treated properly, might lead to serious problems. Hence it is best consult your doctor to diagnose it properly.

The preferred treatment if it is fungal in origin would be an antifungal cream such as Clotrimazole.

Sometimes application of one topical antifungal may not suffice and a combination of two and more antifungals may be needed until the itch disappears.

One has to continue application for 2 weeks after the itch disappears to prevent any recurrence.

I hope this answers your query effectively.

In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.

Wishing you good health.
Regards.