Why does the skin in the crease of my buttocks keep splitting?

[PinkLillly]

From googling, it sounds like pilonidal sinus but I have no infection. The skin just splits open. It's not near my anus, it's higher up than that but definitely right in the crease. It's so bloody annoying & I'm scared to sit down now in case I make it worse. It's not the first time this has happened & I have no idea how it happened last time. It stings. Has anyone else had this problem?

Sudocrem is your friend.

For the record, my arse is hairless.

Possibly moisture making the skin more vulnerable to splitting?

Have had this problem for years and have had no idea what causes it!!!

Can be caused by thrush, try using canestan for a couple of days

Maybe a fungal infection? Athletes foot does this to the space between my toes sometimes.

Maybe try some canestan/other antifungal for a week and see if any change?

I get this, pretty convinced it's thrush.

I'm more vulnerable to this just after I've had my period. Sudocreme really does help.

You need to go over to the Sudocrem thread.

Could it be fissures?

It's thin delicate skin. Once it's healed, keep it dry with a hairdryer or use something like talc.

Never heard of fissures. I'll google

The hair is there for a reason. Pubic hair provides a cushion against friction that can cause skin abrasion and injury, protection from bacteria and other unwanted pathogens. Maybe let it grow back?

I've had this problem before so you aren't alone

Might well be fungus.

Google ‘Lichen Sclerosus’. Sounds like it could be that? Especially if linked with menstrual cycle.

Are you getting it waxed? Is it getting damaged from the waxing?

Yep, never thought I'd ask a stranger that. And I'm asking it during Eurovision!

I used to get this, for a period of several years it would happen every few months. I've never waxed there as I'm not especially hairy there & I wouldn't fancy it - I can't even wax my upper legs! I used to use sudocrem, but I suspect bepanthen would be a better option, as it's much easier to wash off, so better for fragile skin. Eventually it just stopped happening, no idea why.

If it’s pilonilasinus go to the doctor.

On a side note, I think this is the third thread about this problem I've seen in the last week or so, so you're definitely not alone.