This is quite embarassing but for about 7 months now I've had a purple bum crack that looks unsightly and sometimes smells. I've tried lots of different creams that the doctor recommended (anti fungal, anti bacterial) and they haven't worked. They make it a bit better (not smelly and slightly less purple) but they haven't been able to clear it up. I'm really conscious of it cos i feel horrible so i went to the doctors again and they took a swab which came back normal and the last dr said it didnt look like a rash and not to do anything. but i cant ignore it cos it feels uncomfortable and is itchy a lot of the time. is there anything i can do? :-(
Summer, this could be a simple yeast infection, but if the swab came back negative, that usually rules that out. The next thing it could be is much more serious, and a good doctor would recognize this very quickly: Pilonidal cyst
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilonidal_cyst
if it's starting to look even remotely like that, you may want to find a different MD.
If it's just itchy (as mine is sometimes) and a bit pink or red, then try to use some Polysporin cream twice a day for 2 days, if it clears up, then you may be lacking omega oils in your diet (specifically omega 3), and you may have a lack of liquids in your diet (alcohol and sodas don't count).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilonidal_cyst
if it's starting to look even remotely like that, you may want to find a different MD.
If it's just itchy (as mine is sometimes) and a bit pink or red, then try to use some Polysporin cream twice a day for 2 days, if it clears up, then you may be lacking omega oils in your diet (specifically omega 3), and you may have a lack of liquids in your diet (alcohol and sodas don't count).
P.S. if it's the latter (itchy and the Poly resolves it), you may also want to try and reduce the heat of your showers. Cold showers (not too cold, a few degrees below room temp) can be quite good for the skin (especially if you have Rosacea or other itchy areas).