Groin Rash

About 6 weeks ago I had what appeared to me to be a blocked pore on my inner scrotum about an inch from the base of my penis.  I popped it and while doing so pressed a little hard with my fingernails and cut myself.  The pore area did not scab over only where I had cut my skin w/ my fingernails.  About a week later the area became a little itchy and red, the area is about 1/4" in diameter.  A litte bit of skin flaked off now and then and the itching would go away for a few days.  Now in about the 6th week of this the irritation is still there and I went to the Doctor 2 days ago. After examining the area with a magnifying glass he said he saw no blisters a little swelling and what seemed to be some scar tissue. He didn't say much other than it could be any number of things including possibly herpes.  He prescribed some Elocon cream and told me to come back in about 10 days.  Since using the cream the slight swelling has gone down and the itching has stopped, although there is a little tingling in the immediate area but that only started after applying the Elocon.  Normally I wouldn't think anything else about it but since he mentioned the possibility it could be herpes that has taken over my thoughts.  I called the dermatologist today but can't get in 'til February.  Any additional info you can give is most appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It's not herpes.  Herpes produces a ckuster of blisters, which last 7-10 days and go away (though they may recur.)  What you are describing is irritated skin after trauma.  The Elocon was a good thing to use, because it reduces inflammation.  What I would do now is nothing.  Leave the area alone, and cleanse as you would anyway.  Then show it to the dermatologist in February for definitive diagnosis.  Meantime, look up herpes at http://www.dermnet.org.nz/index.html, and don't worry.  Also, don't pick at your scrotum, with or without your fingernail!

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[jimbo_867]

Thank you so much for your quick response to my question.  It is amazing how much the power of suggestion can take over your thoughts.  Your comments let the rational side of my brain regain control and I feel so much better now, not to mention my groin isn't constantly tingling because I'm not worrying about it 24/7 now.  Again, thank you.


Jim