Why Am I Getting Recurring Redness With Some Bumps On Buttocks?
Since your problem seems to be a recurring one, there are two likely possibilities - 1) a fungal infection and 2) an allergic / irritant contact dermatitis.
Nystatin is an anti-fungal cream and Triamcinolone is a steroid cream (which is an anti-inflamatory and anti-allergic agent) - which you have reported to be effective temporarily but the problem seems to be the RECURRENCE.
I would advise the following course of management:
1) It's better to have a skin testing for fungal infection - the reason is that, if it is a proven fungal infection, then taking a course of systemic (oral) antifungal medication may eliminate the infection. (Usually, if some dormant spores are left behind due to inadequate treatment with topical applications, then they may re-activate later, resulting in a re-surgence of symptoms)
2) Irrespective of the primary cause (fungal or dermatitis), recurrence can be prevented by keeping the area clean, dry and irritation-free. Often, the sweating, poor ventillation and irritation due to friction or chemicals, worsen the problem and it becomes a viscious cycle of "irritation-inflamation-more irritation"
- Take regular "sits bath" (sitting in a shallow basin or tub with medicated solution for a few minutes) with diluted potassium permanganate solution (should be available at your local pharmacy)
- Avoid using perfumed soaps, shower gels, etc. as the some of these chemicals can cause skin irritation. It's better to use a herbal soap or a mild non-perfumed soap.
- Avoid using any deodorized toilet tissue. This can again be a chemical irritant for some persons.
- KEEP THE AREA DRY AND SWEAT FREE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. You can use a medicated dusting powder (such as Clotrimazole dusting powder), which will absorb the sweat and keep the area dry.
- Wear loose, cotton undergarments to avoid sweating and for better aeration.
- Avoid going to public swimming pools and using public toilets as much as possible.
- I would also suggest that you use the Triamsinolone cream continuously for a while, even when the acute inflamation subsides, so that the inflamation stays arrested, thereby preventing further recurrence.
Best wishes,
Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar