Eczema on the buttocks
General
Eczema on the buttocks is an inflammatory skin reaction (dermatitis) the anal or perianal region (i.e. the skin around the anus).
This extensive, mostly sharply defined reddening of the skin, known in technical jargon as anal eczema, is not an independent disease, but an expression of other pathological processes.
These processes can be microbial or dermatological in nature. Anal eczema is very common, but it is associated with great shame and is still a taboo subject, which is why it is often treated late.
Forms of anal eczema
There are three types of anal eczema:
- cumulative toxic anal eczema,
- contact allergic anal eczema
- atopic anal eczema.
Each of these forms is caused by a different process and requires different forms of treatment.
For more information, read our topic: Pain over the buttocks
Cumulative toxic anal eczema
About 30% of all eczema on the bottom belong to this, in its acute form as "wolf"The main symptoms of a cumulative-toxic anal eczema are severe itching caused by oozing the anus and softening inflammation of the skin (dermatitis). The extensive reddened skin of this anal eczema is sharply demarcated from healthy skin; chronic form, punctiform or flat tears of the skin occur (Rhagades) on.
The main causes of the cumulative-toxic anal eczema are hemorrhoidal diseases; but also parasitic infectious diseases, incorrect (both excessive and inadequate) anal hygiene, profuse sweating (Hyperhidrosis) or heavy mechanical stress (run a wolf") can trigger eczema.
You can find out more about this topic at: Anal eczema
Contact allergic anal eczema
Contact allergic eczema is responsible for another 40% of eczema on the buttocks. This is caused by various allergens. These include substances such as dibucaine, quinine and menthol, which are very often found in skin care products, intimate sprays and toilet paper.
Atopic anal eczema
In 20-30% of cases of eczema on the buttocks, this is due to an atopic cause. Atopy is an increased willingness of the immune system to react to environmental substances, in other words an allergy, to put it simply.
Ultimately, atopic anal eczema is an expression of neurodermatitis. Neudermatids manifest themselves primarily as eczema on the buttocks, which is mainly due to the frequent contact of the anal skin with allergens from the stool. The causes of atopic eczema are still not fully understood, but a combination of genetic factors, environmental influences and immunological changes is likely.
Treatment of eczema on the buttocks
The treatment of eczema on the buttocks was based specifically on the shape and the underlying cause.
Since in most cases hemorrhoids are responsible for the eczema, their diagnosis and treatment can lead to the healing of the eczema. Anti-inflammatory ointments, such as ammonium bituminosulfonate (Ichthyol) can be used for treatment.
Also, ointments containing cortisone can help for a short time; however, long-term use should be avoided as this can damage the skin.
Skin creams and lotions based on water-oil emulsions should not be used. On the other hand, hip baths without soap, anal showers, the application of olive oil and the placing of strips of gauze in the anal folds to reduce mechanical friction are helpful.
If there are signs of contact allergic eczema on the buttocks, all medicines, ointments and care products that are used in the anal region should first be discontinued.
Water and olive oil can be used to cleanse the (peri) anal skin.
However, it is not advisable to use soap. Greasy ointments, such as petroleum jelly, and ointments with anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) Active ingredients such as ichthyol can provide permanent relief. Ointments containing cortisol, on the other hand, should only be used for a short period of time for very weeping eczema.
Avoiding spicy foods and eating too much fruit juice can also help heal the eczema.
How atopic eczema on the buttocks is treated depends primarily on the extent of the disease. Oil-replenishing creams and anti-inflammatory ointments, as well as ointments containing zinc and St. John's wort extract and oil baths, are very common.
Further treatment is aimed primarily at neurodermatitis in general.
The ointment against eczema
There are a number of different ointments that can be used to treat eczema on the buttocks. First of all, greasy ointments that are as indifferent as possible, e.g. based on petroleum jelly, are recommended.
On the other hand, normal skin creams should not be used in the anal region, as their skin-irritating potential is quite high. For more severe eczema, anti-inflammatory (anti-inflammatory) Ointments are applied.
These include ammonium bituminosulfonate (Ichthyol). Depending on the cause of the eczema, antiseptic ointments such as zinc ointment can also help.
Eczema on the buttocks in toddlers / children
Eczema on the buttocks of Children and toddlers can have various causes. In addition to streptococcal dermatitis, which is caused by bacteria is caused and one Fungal infection you should also have one, especially with daycare children Worm disease think.
Furthermore, a Contact allergic anal eczema (see above) be the trigger. If so, should Care products, but also Toilet paper and drugwhich are initially used for the child's bottom discontinued become.
Also is a atopic anal eczema (see above) as a possible cause. In any case, if anal eczema has persisted for several days, the Pediatrician respectively.
Causes of eczema on the buttocks
Eczema on the buttocks can have many causes.
They can roughly be divided into infectious and non-infectious: non-infectious eczema, i.e. eczema not caused by pathogens, can arise, for example, from poor hygiene. Inadequate cleaning of the skin from dirt can cause inflammation.
But excessive hygiene with unsuitable cosmetics can also severely irritate the skin and destroy the natural barrier. The same applies to strong mechanical irritation, for example from poorly fitting underwear.
Contact allergies can also lead to eczema, e.g. triggered by fragrances or textiles. Chronic skin diseases such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis can also manifest themselves on the skin on the buttocks and lead to eczema there.
Eczema on the buttocks is also common in bedridden patients who have lain on the affected area for too long.This eczema should be treated urgently as it can cause severe ulcers. An incipient skin cancer that can also affect the buttocks is also non-infectious but serious. Therefore, a long-lasting, non-healing eczema should definitely be shown to a doctor.
Infectious causes of eczema on the buttocks are pathogens that could penetrate through small cracks in the skin and thus cause inflammation. These can be different bacteria but also fungi and viruses.
Fungal infection as a cause of eczema
In addition to the causes mentioned above, a fungal infection can also be the reason for anal eczema. This is often the result of protracted antibiotic treatments (which cause an imbalance in the intestinal flora, a dysbacteria) or a weakened immune system. In this case, fungi, such as the Candida yeast, can spread undisturbed and attack the intestinal mucosa. This in turn leads to allergic skin reactions and thus to eczema on the bottom.
A fungal infection can easily be diagnosed by the family doctor with the help of stool samples and swabs. Treatment is then carried out with antifungal agents (Antifungal agents). The eczema heals quickly if the cause is uncomplicated.
Can eczema on the buttocks be an indication of cancer?
Much more likely than colon cancer, there are a number of other causes of persistent itching and eczema on the buttocks. However, if anal itching and anal eczema persist for a long time and the usual measures remain unsuccessful, a diagnosis of colon cancer should be carried out.
This includes both the precise inspection and scanning (digital examination) of the rectum, as well as a colonoscopy (Rectoscopy) and taking skin samples.
Read more on the topic Anus itch
Accompanying symptoms of eczema on the PO
Eczema on the buttocks is often accompanied by symptoms other than reddening of the skin. Often the area is painful, very tender and itchy.
Blistering and oozing are also conceivable. If pathogens get under the skin, this can lead to reactions all over the body such as fever or fatigue.
Swelling of the lymph nodes is also typical. In the case of a chronic skin disease such as neurodermatitis or psoriasis, further eczema can occur in other parts of the body, and pain in other organs such as the joints is also conceivable. On the other hand, a developing skin cancer usually shows itself without accompanying symptoms, which is why it is very important to show a doctor with low-symptom, non-healing eczema!
Are You Afraid You Have Skin Cancer? - Then read our article: How can you recognize skin cancer?
Itchiness
Itching is a common symptom of eczema on the buttocks and is caused by skin irritation. Especially with dehydrated, dry skin that you e.g. if you have neurodermatitis, the itching can be extremely stressful. However, it is important not to pursue the desire, as scratching can destroy the skin and pathogens can penetrate. In the case of acute itching, it is helpful to cool the affected area. For dry skin, moisturizing ointments can help.
Which doctor is responsible for eczema on the buttocks?
If you discover eczema on your buttocks, the question arises as to which doctor you should now consult. First of all, it is advisable to introduce yourself to your family doctor. As a rule, they not only have a lot of experience, but also know your medical history and current medication. Together you can then decide whether a transfer is necessary.
A visit to the dermatologist is often necessary here, as eczema is mostly caused by dry skin or chronic skin diseases. Dermatologists can also do an allergy test if a contact allergy is suspected.
However, if an abscess has formed on the floor of an eczema or there are other complications, referral to a surgeon or other specialist can be made, but this is usually not the case. Most of the time, a visit to the family doctor will suffice.
