Numbness in the Stomach Area
I’m curious whether this health concern warrants a visit to the doctor. I have undergone two cesarean sections, one twelve years ago and another six years back. Throughout this time, I’ve experienced numbness around my abdominal area and the folds of my stomach. The situation became apparent when my dog began sniffing my belly, prompting me to discover a significant, unpleasant-smelling rash resembling a yeast infection hidden beneath one of my stomach folds. I manage this by keeping the area clean and applying Aquaphor, which typically clears it up. Normally, when the issue appears on the other side of my stomach, I can detect it in time to treat it effectively. However, this particular instance is quite large, and I didn’t notice it at all until recently. That side of my abdomen seems noticeably larger compared to the other, including my legs and buttocks, which makes me suspect I’m not utilizing that side as much as the left. I also have the feeling that I might be dealing with a bladder infection or bacterial vaginosis, though I only experience slight discomfort at the moment. I took a home UTI test yesterday which indicated the presence of leukocytes. This entire numbness situation leads me to wonder if it could be related to lingering lower back pain, which has persisted for over fifteen years. Is it possible for lumbar problems to result in numbness in both the abdominal and pelvic regions?
Answers (1)
7/10/2025, 2:20:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing numbness in the abdominal area alongside a rash and other symptoms definitely warrants attention. Based on your description, it seems like your concerns may stem from multiple issues, including potential causes linked to your surgical history, skin rashes, or even underlying conditions related to your back pain.
Understanding Your Symptoms:
- Numbness: This could be related to nerve irritation or injury, possibly from the surgical scars of your cesarean sections or from your history of lower back pain, which can affect the areas supplied by those nerves.
- Rash: The rash you described, especially in skin folds, sounds like it could be a yeast infection or intertrigo, which often appears in warm, moist areas. While keeping the area clean is essential, it might require antifungal treatment if it’s persistent.
- Urinary Concerns: The presence of leukocytes in your home test indicates a potential urinary tract infection (UTI) or inflammation, especially given your slight discomfort. This should be evaluated further.
Next Steps:
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Address the Rash: Keep the area clean and dry. Consider using antifungal creams (like clotrimazole or miconazole) if you suspect a yeast infection, but it’s best to confirm this with a healthcare provider.
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Monitor Symptoms: If the rash worsens, continues to return, or shows signs of infection (redness, increased pain, or drainage), this would be a sign to see a healthcare provider.
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Evaluate Numbness: Try to track if the numbness changes with movements or positioning, as this could provide more context.
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Urinary Symptoms: Since you suspect a UTI, it’s essential to have a healthcare provider evaluate your symptoms. They may recommend a urine culture to determine the specific bacteria and the proper treatment.
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Back Pain Evaluation: If the back pain and numbness continue or worsen, consider discussing this with a professional as there may be a connection for which a targeted treatment (like physical therapy) might help.
Follow-up: Given the combination and persistence of your symptoms, especially the rash and potential UTI, I recommend seeking appropriate medical advice soon to get a clearer diagnosis and tailored treatment plan that can comprehensively address your concerns.
Taking these initial steps will not only help you manage your symptoms effectively but also provide more clarity on any underlying issues that may need attention. Feel free to check back in with any additional questions or developments!
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