Deep, red marks in groin that flare up - maybe jock itch?

Several months ago I noticed red, painful cracking of the skin in the fold of the groin (where the thigh meets the scrotum). It eventually subsided a bit, but since then I have had deep red lines going down each side of the groin fold. Occasionally areas in the groin where the line is will turn bright ride and hurt before subsiding after a day or two. The lines extend from the area of the pubic bone (level with it) to underneath the groin (to the taint area). I have also developed what look like deep "pits" in the left side of my groin (these are areas that become "inflamed"). None of this is on my thigh - it is focused entirely in the crease of the groin where the leg meets the groin.

I saw a dermatologist last week, and she said she "thinks" she sees some fungus, and thus prescribed me 2% ketoconazole wash and Alcortin-A. Neither have proved to be of any help thus far. These are just the most recent. I also use Gold Bond powder on a daily basis, and have in the past attempted prescription ketoconazole cream, a prescription pill, and several OTC medications. Nothing works.

I'm going kind of crazy here. Since it started I have noticed an increase in stretch marks radiating from the area; one side is so bad one doctor thought it was a scar. I have no gained or lost a significant amount of weight, and in fact the cracking red skin started a week after I resumed going to the gym again. I'm no longer convinced it's jock itch, as NOTHING is working.

Thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Other than fungal infection, these symptoms can be due to chafing or friction rub skin.

Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin.Also wear cotton undergarments.Application of mild corticosteroid cream and oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful.

If the symptoms persist then consult a dermatologist and get it evaluated.
It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[groinpain111]

It couldn't be due to something systemic? I've noticed it DOES flare up a bit when my underwear rides up and bunches into my groin, but the redness and way the skin looks doesn't look like normal chafing. I can include a picture if it helps. I plan on following up with my dermatologist in a coupla weeks.