Embarrassing problem following surgery

Has the GP looked at it? Have you managed to look at it? Only saying this as I had a rash in the same area after chemo finished and it was shingles. DH had to take a photo and send to the GP who then prescribed anti virals.

I wondered if antibiotics rather than an antibiotic cream? I could imagine that’s tricky area to heal easily.

Sudocreme worked for me after my hip operation.

It could maybe be a fungal infection, especially with the heat we've been having.

Perhaps you could see a nurse at your gp surgery - they also have dressings, if you don't want to go to the doctor.

Sonebody does need to look at it to work out the what's causing it.

I had something similar after surgery for abcess (pilonidal sinus). It was a fungal infection and successfully treated with anti fungal cream and steroid cream. Antibiotics are usually for bacterial infections and may not work if it's fungal

Is it itchy, at all, contraryme?
I'd be inclined to use a nappy liner with a thin smear of antifungal cream on it.
I'd make a doctor appoinent too, though.

I've discovered the Sitz bath, it sits on the toilet, filled with water and you can soak your bits in it instead of getting in the bath (I can get in but not out again!). Also I have a prescription barrier cream called MediDerma which helps.

They would need to do a swab I would have thought. Is there pus?

DH was given a honey based gel for something similar when he had sepsis.

I think you should ask the doc but going commando at home letting air get there helps if you can. If sudo creme wont cure, its pretty good at reducing itching?

I had the same problem in hospital and treatment was started while I was still a patient. On being discharged I was told to visit a local NHS Wound Clinic so that the treatment could be continued. You shouldn't need a GP referral.

Thank you all for your help. I have actually seen the GP. Very fortunately I have an appointment with the dermatologist on Wednesday for another skin problem, I am going to ask for advice. I told the GP about this appointment and she was very reluctant for me to mention it at the clinic, I wonder why? This surprised me, surely a dermatologist is the expert?

Perhaps they're following the "only one problem at a time" rule.
I can see why, my face is like the Himalayas, if I mentioned all my problems I'd be there all week!

Have you thought about of one of those ring cushions? Sounds very painful, hope you feel better soon.

A number of people have mentioned anti fungal cream. It’s possible that if you have been on antibiotics Fungus might have taken over as well as the suggestion of sudocreme might I suggest adding a trial of canistan.
And second to see someone

I do tbink it is important to follow it up before the problem has a chance to get worse. Good idea to ask the dermatologist

You can buy sitz baths which go over the toilet seat from.Amazon .
It could be fungal .
It could be bacterial.
I'd try some slightly salty sitz baths .
Dry gently.
Apply some talcum powder .
It's a sweaty area especially in this relentless heat.

Contraryme

Thank you all for your help. I have actually seen the GP. Very fortunately I have an appointment with the dermatologist on Wednesday for another skin problem, I am going to ask for advice. I told the GP about this appointment and she was very reluctant for me to mention it at the clinic, I wonder why? This surprised me, surely a dermatologist is the expert?

Never mind what the Gp said, you get them told.
I had a similar thing, my Gp took a swab as it smelled infected. Given antibiotics which cleared it up.
The dermatologist will know a sweat rash from a skin infection, surely.

Definitely tell dermatologist. I’m no doctor, but could it be a pilonidal cyst?

Contraryme

Thank you all for your help. I have actually seen the GP. Very fortunately I have an appointment with the dermatologist on Wednesday for another skin problem, I am going to ask for advice. I told the GP about this appointment and she was very reluctant for me to mention it at the clinic, I wonder why? This surprised me, surely a dermatologist is the expert?

I should ignore the doctor and ask the Dermatologist to take a look. Good luck for tomorrow.