Fungal rash???

I have a rash that started in my groin area about a week ago and spread to the lower part of my buttocks.  It itches like crazy and is very uncomfortable.  I went to my doctor.  He said it was fungal and put me on a Ketoconazole cream and a Nystatin power, however, the rash is getting worse and has now spread to my armpits, upper arms and along the sides of my chest.  I am 35 years old, and I have never had the chicken pox and was wondering if I might have them now.  I have been vaccinated twice for them (the first time I did not convert, and it's possible I may not have converted after the second time).  Or could it be something else?  Or do I just need some more powerful meds?  How concerned should I be?    

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since the rash has spread to the armpits, so the diagnosis is more in favour of fungal infection. For fungal infection of the groin, you can use any of the creams which contain any of several basic ingredients: miconazole, tolnaftate, terbinafine,ketaconazole and clotrimazole.You can consult a pharmacist and get any cream or lotion containing these ingredients. Some of them are Lamisil, Monistat derm, Mycelex, and Nizoral.

In addition, fungal infections are aggravated in humidity and hence the area needs to be kept as dry as possible.

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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.