For many, a split bum crack (also known as intergluteal cleft) can be both painful and embarrassing.
The buttocks can be the most susceptible place boils for two reasons. The first is due to the buttocks getting the least amount of sun exposure. The second reason is dead skin can accumulate in this area, which is hard to get rid of by yourself.
Boils are prone to form on vulnerable parts of your body, typically those that may accumulate a lot of sweat or where you may have hair growth. Because of this the hair follicles in your bum crack can get affected by bacteria and trigger a split bum crack.
The best way to tell if you may have a split bum crack is to look at its appearance. A boil in the bum crack will look like a red-colored bump and may often contain yellow or white-colored pus, which can make the boil grow bigger in size. Another way to tell if you have a split bum crack is if you are suffering from swelling surrounding the affected region or experiencing oozing and itchiness.
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Causes
Split bum cracks appear on the layer immediately beneath your skin's top surface called dermis. Split bum cracks may often get confused for pimples, which appear on the topmost surface of your skin known as the epidermis. Besides this difference pimples and split bum cracks both have pus formation and leave the appearance of a bump on your skin.
The most common cause for a split bum crack is a weakened immune system, absence of hygienic practices and episodes of excessive sweating. In rare cases, shaving may also cause you to develop this medical condition.
If you have any of the following pre-existing medical conditions, you may be likely to develop a split bum crack:
- Diabetes
- Eczema (characterized by itchiness, discoloration of the skin, scaling of skin, dryness, etc.)
- Chronic infection of some bacteria, especially a few strands of Staphylococcus genre
- Deficiency of red blood cells (indicating a frail immune system)
- Injuries or cuts onto your skin
Treatment
Before you begin seeking treatment for this condition, you should be absolutely certain that you have a split bum crack and not a similar condition like hidradenitis condition. Hidradenitis condition has no cure and is similar to a split bum crack. Hidradenitis condition may cause you to experience unbearable pain and causes pea or marble-sized skin lesions to develop as a result of inflammation and infection of sweat glands.
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Boils must be treated properly or you could make them worse. Do not pick or try to pop a boil. Boils must be drained well to avoid infection in surrounding areas. If a boil is not drained well, you may also risk deeper infestation and cause more boils to form.
Try these eight methods to heal a split bum crack:
1. Compresses
Applying a warm, moist compress to the boil three times a day can help boils leave sooner and prevent boils from spreading to surrounding areas. Make sure to use a cloth that can be washed and apply pressure to ensure you are damaging the boil.
2. Antibiotic Medications
This method is used when the risk of secondary infestation and the formation of a scar is high. Antibiotic creams will heal the boils quicker. Your doctor will advise you to use the ointment two or three times daily and may adjust the strength of the ointment depending on your skin condition.
3. Tea Tree Oil
This oil has powerful antiseptic as well as antibacterial capabilities and can act against the bacterias that cause split bum cracks. When using tea tree oil, dilute it with carrier oils such as coconut or olive oil and rub it into the infected area two or three times daily until the boil is healed. It is important to do this method of treatment right because applying tea tree oil directly onto your skin can burn your skin.
4. Turmeric
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial strengths that can be either ingested or applied to the infected area through its powder. If you desire the powder method, mix the powder with water and apply it to the bum crack. If you choose to consume it, mix the powder into your choice of milk and drink it at least twice a day. Some people opt to apply it and consume it.
5. Castor Oil
Castor oil has anti-inflammatory strengths derived from ricinoleic acid. This oil is not as strong as tea tree oil so you may apply it directly to the infected area at least three times per day.
6. Neem Oil
Like castor oil, this oil is not strong. It is recommended you apply it to the infected area at least three times a day for the best results. The antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties will heal the bum crack quicker. Be sure to wash your hands before and after applying the oil to the infected area.
7. Compress w/ Epsom Salt
Add Epsom salt to a cup of warm water, soak a cloth in it and apply it to the boil for 15 minutes. Try this twice daily and you are sure to see healing results due to Epsom salt's ability to dry out/drain the pus from the boil. Epsom salt is also great for relaxing.
8. Surgical Lancing
This approach is taken if you notice that the boil may be growing in size. Some boils may grow to be as big as a small-sized lemon. If your boil lasts for more than 10 days without signs of rupture, this treatment may also be recommended.
When to see a doctor
Before making a decision about any of the treatment methods, you should consult with your doctor or dermatologist. You should also consult with them if you are suffering from recurring episodes of boils so that they can make a recommendation on the best method of treatment for your skin.
