Jock Itch

[Markh]

Hello.  I have had a condition that has been diagnosed repeatedly as jock itch, yet I am still unable to cure it and I wondering if you could help.

    I originally got the disease in around June of last year.  I used various over the counter creams which would help temporarily, but they would not completley get rid of the infection.  



    I then went to various doctors and used many prescription cream.  I used econozole nitrate, clorimitazole,miconozale, fuicidin(an antiobiotic), and terbinafine.  The terbinafine worked best, but it still did not clear up the problem so I began using the terbinafine pills.  I have taken them for almost 4 weeks now and although the disease is better it still there.  I am wondering what your advice is in this situation.  Is it possible that since I have had the infection for so long that maybe I need to take the terbinafine pills for longer.  Is there another oral antifungal that might work better?

      Is it possible that it is not a fungal infection at all.  Maybe it will help if I briefly describe the infection.  It is mostly on my testicles.  There are no raised bumps on the testicles, it is just red and itchy.  I also get little red dots on my inner thighs and in other parts of my legs which are also itchy.  Any help you could give would be very much appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

An itchy rash of the testicles is almost certainly eczema, not fungus.  Fungus rashes are in the folds of the goin, extending down the thigh.  Fungal creams would cure it in 10 days flat.  Suggest that your doctor shift gears and prescribe a low-potency cortisone cream.  Meantime, pick up some 1% hydrocortisone and Sarna lotion (both OTC).  Use the former twice a day and the latter as needed.  Bet they help.



Best.



Dr. Rockoff

[hajibaba]

A related discussion, skin care was started.