What ointment should be used for itchy buttocks?

Pruritus of the buttocks refers to itching in the anal or gluteal area. Generally, buttock itching may be caused by inadequate local hygiene, clothing friction and irritation, eczema, folliculitis, furuncles, and other conditions. Under a doctor's guidance, topical treatments such as calamine lotion, compound zinc oxide ointment, tacrolimus ointment, or clobetasol propionate cream may be applied.

1. Inadequate Local Hygiene: If the buttocks are not cleaned for a prolonged period, dirt, sweat, and sebum may accumulate on the skin surface, causing irritation and itching. Usually, no topical medication is needed. It is recommended to wash the buttocks with a mild cleansing product and gently pat dry with a clean, soft towel.

2. Clothing Friction and Irritation: Wearing tight or rough-textured clothing may cause continuous friction on the skin of the buttocks, leading to minor skin damage and resulting in itching. It is recommended to use calamine lotion, compound zinc oxide ointment, or similar medications under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

3. Eczema: Allergens, chemical irritants, or microbial infections may impair the skin barrier function, triggering inflammation and resulting in rashes such as erythematous patches, papules, and vesicles accompanied by itching. It is recommended to use tacrolimus ointment, clobetasol butyrate cream, or similar medications under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

4. Folliculitis: The skin of the buttocks contains numerous hair follicles. When the skin is injured, excessively sweaty, or exposed to poor hygienic conditions, bacteria may invade and multiply within the hair follicles, causing inflammation of the follicles and surrounding tissues. This may present as red papules or pustules centered around the hair follicles, accompanied by pain or itching. It is recommended to use fusidic acid cream, ketoconazole cream, or similar medications under medical supervision to relieve symptoms.

5. Furuncles: Furuncles often develop due to skin abrasions, high environmental temperatures, excessive sweating, scratching, or other factors that allow bacteria to invade the hair follicles and surrounding tissues, triggering an inflammatory response associated with noticeable pain and itching. It is recommended to use ichthammol ointment, mupirocin ointment, or similar medications under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

In daily life, it is advisable to maintain good hygiene of the buttocks, wear loose, breathable cotton underwear to minimize friction. Avoid scratching the itchy area to prevent skin damage and secondary infection.