My husband needs help

[LNL]

My husband was bit by something on his right calf back in Sep 02 and ended up in the hospital on strong antibiotic.  His entire calf swole, fevered and turned red and itched with a central sore.  After being in the hospital it went away.  Then, about 3 weeks ago (12/02) he developed a rash in the scrotum area that is red, raised and itches.  He used medicated powder for a while and this did not help.  Finally he went to the doctor and was told it was jock itch or fungus.  He was given Lamasil and used this for several days but it seemed to get worse. Then, after speaking with someone else thought it might be a yeast infection and went back to the doctor and was given Diflucan, taken it all and it still is there.  He then was told to try Aveeno oatmeal bath and has tried that a couple times with Lotrimin spray and it seemed to be getting better.  It turned more of a pinkish white and looked better. Now, however he has what looks like a heat rash on the inside of his thigh along with the pink/white rash and has developed what looks like 9 or 10 redbug bites on the back of his leg that itch real bad.  He scratched them and they turned a purple color.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

A groin rash that doesn't respond to either Lamisil or Diflucan isn't serious--it just isn't fungus or yeast.  It's probably irritation or chafing, and should be teated with 1% hydrocortisone or a stronger cortisone for a short while.  I would ask a skin doctor about that.

As for the rash, that's probably folliculitis, or blocked pores.  This is common in the groin, from heat and friction and whatnot.  No treatment is needed.  I'd check with the skin doctor about that too.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff