Intertrigo on the bum: what to know

The buttocks and cleft contain close skin surfaces where heat, sweat, and friction can build up. The resulting irritation may feel itchy, sore, raw, or burning and may appear as a darker or inflamed patch, peeling, cracks, or moist skin. Yeast can multiply in a damp fold, but eczema, contact irritation, psoriasis, and bacterial infection can produce similar symptoms. A visible rash cannot identify its cause on its own.

For background, read [Intertrigo](/conditions/intertrigo/) or [Skin Yeast Infection](/conditions/cutaneous-candidiasis/).

After bathing or sweating, rinse gently and pat the area dry. Wear breathable underwear, change damp clothing, and take breaks from prolonged sitting when possible. Avoid fragranced wipes, vigorous rubbing, scratching, and home bleaching remedies. Keep products away from the anus unless they are intended for that area. When yeast is diagnosed or strongly suspected, [Topical Antifungal Treatment](/treatments/medical-dermatology/topical-antifungal-therapy/) may be recommended. Recurrent sweat-related symptoms can prompt a discussion about [Prescription Antiperspirant](/treatments/medical-dermatology/prescription-antiperspirant/).

Arrange a review if the rash keeps returning, fails to settle, or becomes painful, cracked, wet, bleeding, or foul-smelling. Seek prompt care for pus, fever, rapidly spreading redness or darkening, marked swelling, or feeling unwell. Pain with bowel movements or leakage that repeatedly irritates the skin should also be mentioned, because it may require a different plan.

Ask whether this is intertrigo or another fold disorder, whether yeast or bacteria are involved, and how to apply treatment safely. Tell the clinician about sweating, exercise, bowel symptoms, new wipes or soaps, recent antibiotics, and medicines used so far.