Groin Rash

[byrdman]

I spend summers on the beach in Sea Bright, NJ and a little more than a week ago formed a red rash on my inner right thigh.  I first assumed it was from the sand and the rash that formed was made up of small red spots and covered an area of about 2" in diameter.  I used zinc oxide for the first two days and changed to Cortizone 10 for the last week, due to the itching.

The rash has gotten a little larger and is now simply a 3" blotchy red rash, but has started to get itchy under my scrotum (no sign of rash on the scrotum - though it too is itchy) and there are a few red dots on my inner left thigh that are less itchy, but getting worse.  The crease between my right thigh and scrotum is very raw (probably from scratching) and the odor in the area at the end of the day is terrible.

I am 36 y/o, have been married and with one woman (my wife) for the past 16 years (12 of which - married) and have two children (7 and 4).  My wife occasionally gets yeast infections, when taking antibiotics, and did have one about 3-4 weeks ago, but didn't think that was transferable?

So I am at a loss, still very itchy and losing sleep.  Should I try a different lotion/cream?

Please help.

[Maybe]

Sounds like jock itch;)

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You may have a yeast infection, though it may very well just be severe irritation from sand, wet bathing suit, etc.  Neither condition is serious, but either can be very uncomfortable and debilitating.  I advise you to see a doctor as soon as you can for proper diagnosis and recommendation of a prescription-strength of whichever cream (anti-inflammatory or anti-yeast) is relevant.  Meatime, I would avoid cortisone (makes yeasts worse, and OTC cortisone isn't strong enough to help) and keep the area open to the air whenever you get a chance to be alone to do this.  There's still plenty of time to salvage the rest of your summer.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff