Male Body Concerns / Question
Published: September 18, 2001
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have a severe itch in my butt crack-I don't want to scratch it because I don't want it to bleed again. It really hurts and my boyfriend is experiencing the same thing. What should I do? Is it an STD?
Signed: Mr. Itchy Crack
Dear Mr. Itchy Crack,
If you are sexually active, there is a possibility that it could be an STD. Both Genital Herpes or Herpes Simplex II Virus (HSVII) and Syphilis can cause sores, rashes and itching in the genital areas. They are both spread through skin-to-skin contact occurring during anal, oral, or vaginal sex. Look at What's Herpes? for a more in-depth information about the Herpes virus, its causes and symptoms. Also you can look at HSV1 Hypochondriac for great info on what to look for and great ways to protect yourself against most STDs.
Your rash could also be a common dermatitis or skin irritation from tight clothing or the type of soap you might be using.
It is important that you get this checked out by a doctor to determine what kind of rash this is. If you do not feel comfortable telling your mom you might want to think about going to a teen health center or local Planned Parenthood who can see you without your parent's permission, confidentially and on a reduced or no cost basis. If you live in Northern New Jersey call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at (973) 889-6350.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
The teen pregnancy rate in the United States is the highest of any industrialized democracy, nearly twice that of Great Britain and 10 times that of Japan. 
