Concerns About a Painful Spot on My Dad's Left Buttock
My father, an 81-year-old man who stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 143 pounds, generally maintains good health, apart from his need for medication to manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Today, he pointed out a sensitive area on his left buttock, describing it as painful but not itchy. My initial thought was that it could be ringworm, given its appearance and the fact that this area comes into contact with surfaces he sits on, particularly when he's outdoors. However, the absence of itching raised my suspicions. He’s uncertain whether this spot was present yesterday, and it’s challenging to observe since it has a very pale color. To get a better look, I asked him to stretch the skin, revealing a patch that appeared dry and slightly raised. Interestingly, its location corresponds perfectly with where he might have sat on a public toilet, possibly after going for a run in the past. Could this condition potentially be ringworm?
Answers (1)
8/17/2025, 11:31:25 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about changes in your father’s skin, especially given his age and health history. The sensitive, painful spot on his left buttock may not necessarily be ringworm, particularly because it’s not itchy.
Explanation
The symptoms you've described could be attributed to several conditions, such as:
- Contact Dermatitis: An irritation or allergic reaction to something he came into contact with, like chemicals or fabrics.
- Folliculitis: An inflammation of hair follicles, which can be caused by bacteria and may appear as raised, painful spots.
- Skin Infection: Such as cellulitis, particularly if there’s redness or warmth.
- Skin Lesions: Due to pressure (especially in older adults), or even benign growths like lipomas or cysts.
Ringworm typically presents with a ring-shaped, itchy rash, so it seems less likely given the lack of itching. Other possibilities should be evaluated.
Next Steps
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Observe Changes: Keep an eye on the spot over the next few days for any changes in size or color, or for the development of additional symptoms like redness, warmth, or pus.
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Skin Care Routine: Encourage your father to keep the area clean and dry. Using mild soap and avoiding tight clothing may help prevent irritation.
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Monitor Symptoms: If he experiences worsening pain, swelling, or additional spots appear, these could be signs that warrant further attention.
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Document Appearance: Take notes or photos of the area to track any changes, which can be helpful in future evaluations.
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Sitting Practices: Advise him to be mindful of where he sits. If he’s using public facilities, sitting on a clean, soft surface or bringing a protective covering could be beneficial.
If there are no improvements or if the spot changes significantly, exploring further evaluation options may be the next appropriate step. Your caring approach towards your father’s health is commendable, and keeping monitoring these symptoms is crucial.
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