Who do I see for a butt rash?
January 24, 2008 10:11 PM Subscribe
Never-ending, super itchy, flaky butt rash. What kind of doctor do I see?
Male in his 20's here. Rash between the cheeks has not responded to Lamicil, 1% hydrocortisone, gold bond or yeast infection cream. It comes and goes on a weekly basis and has been for months. It itches so bad that lately I'm up half the night scratching. Bits of skin are flaking off.
My fiancee is making me go to a doctor because we have exhausted all over-the-counter possibilities. At my local hospital/clinic, I have the option of seeing a GP, a dermatologist, or a gastroenterologist. I would feel most comfortable seeing the gastro guy, if only because he (and it will be a he, if I get my way) looks at and puts things up butts on a daily basis and I am terrified of and embarassed about going to the doctor for my delicate issue. I have had hemmorhoids in the past and perhaps that could have something to do with it, but I'm not sure if gastro guys deal with the, erm, external issues relating to the butt. Or do I see a dermatologist for what seems like a skin issue? Or a Family Practicioner (GP), who might treat stuff like this on a daily basis? Who do I make the appointment with?
And what precisely should I say on the phone when they ask why I need to visit? I can't just say that I have a mysterious rash around my anus. Maybe that I have a "rash in a delicate area"? Does the receptionist always need to know the dirty details?
Male in his 20's here. Rash between the cheeks has not responded to Lamicil, 1% hydrocortisone, gold bond or yeast infection cream. It comes and goes on a weekly basis and has been for months. It itches so bad that lately I'm up half the night scratching. Bits of skin are flaking off.
My fiancee is making me go to a doctor because we have exhausted all over-the-counter possibilities. At my local hospital/clinic, I have the option of seeing a GP, a dermatologist, or a gastroenterologist. I would feel most comfortable seeing the gastro guy, if only because he (and it will be a he, if I get my way) looks at and puts things up butts on a daily basis and I am terrified of and embarassed about going to the doctor for my delicate issue. I have had hemmorhoids in the past and perhaps that could have something to do with it, but I'm not sure if gastro guys deal with the, erm, external issues relating to the butt. Or do I see a dermatologist for what seems like a skin issue? Or a Family Practicioner (GP), who might treat stuff like this on a daily basis? Who do I make the appointment with?
And what precisely should I say on the phone when they ask why I need to visit? I can't just say that I have a mysterious rash around my anus. Maybe that I have a "rash in a delicate area"? Does the receptionist always need to know the dirty details?
Yes, please see a dermatologist. A rash is a skin issue, and as such should be treated by one who specializes in skin disorders.
As per making your appointment, there is no need to feel ashamed. If it is helpful, use clinical language to describe the nature of your ailment ("I have what appears to be a rash on my buttocks," etc.). There are several dermatologists in my family, and as such I have spent a good deal of time (and also worked) at their practices. Receptionists are generally trained to be sensitive to patients' issues; additionally, most of these people have seen/heard it all before. I mean, you wouldn't believe some of the stuff.....
No, really. This is a medical matter and will be kept confidential. I have never witnessed any snarky behavior on the part of medical personnel. This is their job. Go ahead, and make that appointment proudly, knowing that you are taking full responsibility in addressing your health!
posted by numinous at 10:31 PM on January 24, 2008 [1 favorite]
As per making your appointment, there is no need to feel ashamed. If it is helpful, use clinical language to describe the nature of your ailment ("I have what appears to be a rash on my buttocks," etc.). There are several dermatologists in my family, and as such I have spent a good deal of time (and also worked) at their practices. Receptionists are generally trained to be sensitive to patients' issues; additionally, most of these people have seen/heard it all before. I mean, you wouldn't believe some of the stuff.....
No, really. This is a medical matter and will be kept confidential. I have never witnessed any snarky behavior on the part of medical personnel. This is their job. Go ahead, and make that appointment proudly, knowing that you are taking full responsibility in addressing your health!
posted by numinous at 10:31 PM on January 24, 2008 [1 favorite]
If you don't go to the dermatologist first, you'll be referred to one anyway. Unless you've been turned inside out at some point in your life, this is not a gastroenterologist's area of expertise.
posted by Krrrlson at 10:40 PM on January 24, 2008 [1 favorite]
posted by Krrrlson at 10:40 PM on January 24, 2008 [1 favorite]
As someone who had pinworms during high school, I feel your pain....
Don't be embarrassed. There are a lot of things more gross than a butt rash, and your doctor has probably seen it all. Get help!
posted by puffin at 3:11 AM on January 25, 2008
Don't be embarrassed. There are a lot of things more gross than a butt rash, and your doctor has probably seen it all. Get help!
posted by puffin at 3:11 AM on January 25, 2008
Rash.
(Which could mean almost anything.)
Fanny.
(They know what that means, close enough.)
Derm.
ikkyu2would know. Sorry if some others would also know; I just don't recognize you.
Any doctor should be used to seeing things that although they may seem appalling to you, the doctor won't mind.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 12:02 PM on January 25, 2008
(Which could mean almost anything.)
Fanny.
(They know what that means, close enough.)
Derm.
ikkyu2would know. Sorry if some others would also know; I just don't recognize you.
Any doctor should be used to seeing things that although they may seem appalling to you, the doctor won't mind.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 12:02 PM on January 25, 2008
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posted by ikkyu2 at 10:24 PM on January 24, 2008