What Causes Red Rashes Around The Anal Area?

Posted on Wed, 19 Apr 2017

Question: My lo has rashes around the anus and its red... some feels like prikle m very worried

Answered by Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Use a good barrier cream

Detailed Answer:
I do need more details such as the age of the child and, if possible, a picture of his bottom. However, given the limited information you have provided, XXXXXXX please do start using a barrier cream containing zinc oxide. There are several of these in the market. Nappy rashes and a rash due to diarrhoea should resolve with this. Use the cream after every stool once you have cleaned and dried his bottom; and before every nappy change. Use a good absorbable nappy. If you are not using a nappy, make sure that he is cleaned as soon as he has soiled his bottom. Dry it under a fan rather than using any cloth. If you want, you may use gentle nappy wipes.

In spite of your best intentions, it may take a week or two before the rash heals, During the intervals between the cream applications, keep the bottom dry with baby powder.

Hope this helps. Do revert if you have more questions.

-Thank you for using HCM for your query.

Dr Taher

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (10 hours later)

Hi Doctor.. I have been using Himalaya diaper rash cream..I have attached few images of the area...Please suggest any ointment which could be helpful. Also can I still use diaper giving some diaper free time in between diaper change? My LO has been drinking formula milk zerolac and been breast feeding with less supply. He is 4+ months. Does my food intake cause this?

Also just to mention further. He is very prone to oral thrush..for which we use candid mouth paint 3 or 4 times a day.Not sure if this information is required.

Answered by Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is most likely an infection and not a diaper rash

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Thank you so much for the images. He seems to have caught an infection in the anal region. It might be fungal. Please try clotrimazole cream (the same as the mouth paint). Apply the cream three times a day and keep it on without rubbing it off.

Do let me know in a few days if the child started healing. As to the second question - no, your food intake will not cause the baby to have that rash. May I ask why he is on Zerolac?

Dr Taher

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (52 minutes later)

He was having lactogen after birth for 15 days. But he was not settled during nights and was crying severly once a week. Doctor mentioned it to be colicky pain and he said he has lactose intolerance and adviced to take zerolac. Since then he is on zerolac.

Can you suggest any particular clotrimazole ointment which can be used for infants?

Oral thrush is also very prominent with him, can you tell me why he gets it all d time. If we donot use d mouth paint regularly.

I can also list out other medicines he is on- D3 MUST-10 Drops, Brillia-6 drops, Feronia-10 drops.

Also can you help me with the cause of this infection. Since I wud avoid it during this period. And please suggest if diapers can be used during healing period.

Answered by Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Read the answer below

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

I am not allowed to prescribe any specific brand, I am afraid to say. However, I did say that the brand would be the same as the mouth paint (read there). You can approach the chemist and they would give you a proper brand. Yes, you may use diapers as there is no involvement of the open area of his buttocks.

Oral thrush would probably subside if he were to be given properly sterilised bottles. Even better, avoid bottles and nipples altogether.

You can continue with the other medicines as they are nutritional products.

Dr Taher

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy