OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concerns About a Wound in an Unusual Area

8/10/2025, 6:20:24 PMMale25-34

I’m a 25-year-old female, measuring 5 feet 4 inches and weighing 175 pounds. About a week ago, I began sensing something unusual in the cleft of my buttocks. Initially, I didn't pay much attention, but curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to document what I saw. There’s no pain involved, just an occasional tingling sensation, possibly due to the presence of a small open wound which can be a bit itchy at times. What could this condition indicate? Notably, I was recently diagnosed with HSV2 after experiencing an outbreak, although that incident affected my vaginal and pubic area. That area has completely healed over the past two weeks. Is there any connection, or is this just a separate issue?

FibromyalgiaCrohn's DiseaseCOPD

Answers (1)

Cony

8/10/2025, 6:20:43 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're dealing with a concerning itchy area around your cleft, especially with your recent HSV-2 diagnosis in mind. While there are several possible explanations for your symptoms, including irritation, shingles, or a dermatological condition, the connection to HSV-2 may warrant some attention.

Explanation

The symptoms you describe—a small open wound with occasional itching and tingling—could indicate a few things:

  1. Irritation or friction: This area can be prone to irritation from clothing, moisture, or other factors.
  2. Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Sometimes, HSV can cause lesions in other areas apart from where the initial outbreak occurred. However, it's essential to differentiate whether this is a new outbreak or irritation.
  3. Fungal/Bacterial Infection: These can also present as itchy or painful areas and may require treatment.
  4. Other dermatological issues: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can present similarly.

Next Steps

Here are some prioritized actions to consider:

  1. Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Gently wash the area with mild soap and water, then pat dry carefully. Excess moisture can lead to fungal infections, so keeping it dry is crucial.

  2. Avoid Irritants: Steer clear of harsh soaps, lotions, or scented products that could irritate the area further. Wearing loose, breathable clothing can help reduce friction.

  3. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the wound, such as increased redness, swelling, or any discharge. This can help in identifying if it worsens or if other symptoms appear.

  4. Consider Over-the-Counter Treatments: If itching persists, consider a topical anti-itch cream (like hydrocortisone) or an antifungal powder to help alleviate the discomfort.

  5. Seek Further Evaluation: If the area does not improve in a week or if you develop new symptoms (such as pain, discharge, or systemic symptoms like fever), it may be a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider for a more comprehensive evaluation and possible treatment options.

Above all, try to stay calm; many skin concerns can be managed effectively. If you need more information or support, feel free to reach out!

Related Questions

Seeking Guidance on Hospital Care Coordination

Subject: Request for Guidance on Managing Care Coordination for a Family Member in the Hospital My brother, who has schizophrenia, has been receiving treatment in the hospital since December. While he primarily stays in the inpatient psychiatric unit, he has been transferred to the ICU and medical units due to various health complications. The goal is to return him to the psychiatric unit for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). I am finding it challenging to ensure proper coordination and communication between hospitals during his stays, especially when a new doctor takes over every twelve hours. It appears that the medical staff is often unaware of critical information regarding his treatment. For instance: 1) They lack knowledge of his transfer plan back to the psychiatric unit for ECT, 2) they are unaware of his need for regular physical and occupational therapy, leading to missed orders, 3) they do not realize the importance of monitoring his weight frequently due to malnourishment, 4) they have not recognized the requirement for an ENT specialist to manage his ongoing swallowing difficulties, which took my intervention to address by requesting a consultation. It seems crucial information fails to accompany him as he transitions between units, and unfortunately, he cannot convey these needs himself. Additionally, I am having difficulty ensuring that his psychiatrist from the inpatient unit remains engaged while he is hospitalized in medical care. Once he is in the ICU, his psychiatrist is no longer in charge, yet her involvement is essential for decision-making that affects his preparation for ECT. A different psychiatric team is responsible for the medical floors, and this creates a disconnect from his primary psychiatrist's oversight. Am I expected to navigate this complex situation on my own? Because that's how it feels. I would appreciate any advice on effectively managing these challenges. Thank you for your help.

Multiple SclerosisFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
16 minutes ago

Ear Infection Concerns

A 25-year-old woman, who is a non-smoker and weighs 145 pounds standing at 6 feet tall, does not have any significant medical background and only utilizes Afrin (fluticasone) nasal spray with no additional medications. She experienced a middle ear infection in her left ear two months prior, during which she consulted with an ENT specialist. Although an examination didn't initially reveal any fluid accumulation, further tests indicated substantial buildup and some loss of hearing. The doctor advised waiting a month before scheduling an appointment to possibly insert a tympanostomy tube. Today, after taking a shower, she noticed fluid entering her right ear. Consequently, she is beginning to feel discomfort and experiences muffled hearing in that ear. She is now questioning whether these symptoms are connected and if she should be concerned about her condition.

ArthritisCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
25 minutes ago

Issues with a Perforated Ear Drum After an Accident

Greetings! I experienced a workplace accident towards the end of May, which resulted in several health challenges, one of which has been a perforated ear drum. Following the incident, I lost my hearing completely for about three weeks. Thankfully, my hearing has returned to normal, but I continue to experience discomfort, tension, and pain in my ear, neck, jaw, and the left side of my face. Additionally, I'm plagued by frequent cracking noises and ringing in my ear. I've been evaluated by an ENT specialist on two occasions in June, who informed me that my eardrum has a perforation that is unlikely to heal by itself. They indicated that I have conductive hearing loss and recommended that I consult with an ENT consultant regarding potential further actions, including the possibility of surgery. Currently, I'm on the waitlist, and it appears that I may have to wait at least another month to see the consultant. I own a small camera designed for examining inner ear conditions, which I’ve been using to monitor the situation. Recently, I captured an image showing that the primary perforation seems to have partially healed, although there are now two new holes located at the bottom. I also noticed a considerable amount of white substance, which is concerning me. The uncertainty about whether I will require surgery has been quite stressful. If anyone could offer some insights on whether my ear is healing properly, I would greatly appreciate it. Unfortunately, I cannot attach the image here, but I am willing to send it via private messages for those who may be able to assist. Thank you in advance for your support!

Multiple SclerosisCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

When Should Bruises Raise Alarm?

A 29-year-old woman shares an experience involving her son. While he was removing a bolt from his bunk bed’s ladder, she went to make his bed. Unfortunately, a rung gave way, and she fell onto the wooden dowel supporting it. As a result, she sustained a scrape that extends from her knee to about the mid-thigh area. Despite a week having passed, the bruise continues to enlarge. She seeks advice on whether there are circumstances under which bruises can be alarming.

LupusCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Could This Be a Focal Seizure?

I have limited knowledge about seizures, specifically whether what I've experienced might be classified as a focal seizure or something entirely different. To give you some background, I recall these sensations dating back to my kindergarten days, around five or six years old, and I'm now sixteen. As a younger child, I frequently encountered this peculiar sensation, which I referred to as "electricity" or "lightning". It would manifest as a tingling feeling that surged through my body, particularly intense in my facial area. This sensation made it quite difficult for me to keep my eyes open, almost robbing me of some control, and I often struggled to maintain a relaxed position of my mouth. I apologize if this sounds confusing; it's hard to articulate. Though it's been quite a while since I've felt this way, an incident occurred recently while I was lying down and chatting with my partner. Suddenly, a scent triggered the sensation again, and it lasted for about two minutes. It is quite disconcerting. When I was younger, medical professionals didn’t seem to comprehend what I was describing, likely because of my references to "electricity". If anyone has insights into what this might be, I would greatly appreciate your input.

ArthritisCrohn's DiseaseRheumatology
Male25-34
1 hour ago