Groin itching/rash for almost a year now

[apurv80]

I have a rash in my groin area that will not go away completely. It almost has been a year since it started. When it started, it was really really bad with big red rashes that itched and burned like hell. With lots of  mutiple antifungal medicine mostly oitment, I was able to control it till 90%. But remaining 10% never goes away. Red patches are long gone and replaced by dark skin but light burning/itching happens every 1-2 days. There are couple day in between when I feel normal. Right now my dermatologist has kept me on Ketoconazole tablets for a month.  As for current symptons, my sack has small cracks, little itching, it gets little sticky due to some secretion. Skin there is also becoming a little ticker and sesitive than what it used to be. Current pecautions, boxers instead of briefs, keeping area very dry, anti fungal powder two times a day, fans and AC during sleep. Not doing any swimming etc.. I have been taking anti fungal medication and these precautions for a year now. I had two dermatoloist and both of them swaer it is fungal infection. I sometimes think may be too much medications has caused the problem or may be it is more in my head. Someone please help.

[apurv80]

Thanks Doctor.

My dermatologist swears that it is jock itch and nothing else. He has advised me to be on same medication as detailed in my previous post for a month more.

In addition, I have started applying Tolnaftate ointment (on my own) two times a day since last 4-5 days and it seems to be helping a lot. I will keep my fingers crossed - it may be just the initial fuke.  As other precautions, I use Johnson babby powder two times a day, use dove soap, cotton boxers, no undergarments when at home, an addtional fan at night... No swimming and water sports....

I will wait for another month with this medication and see if it cleras out completely.

[apurv80]

Thanks Doctor.

My dermatologist swears that it is jock itch and nothing else. He has advised me to be on same medication as detailed in my previous post for a month more.

In addition, I have started applying Tolnaftate ointment (on my own) two times a day since last 4-5 days and it seems to be helping a lot. I will keep my fingers crossed - it may be just the initial fuke.  As other precautions, I use Johnson babby powder two times a day, use dove soap, cotton boxers, no undergarments when at home, an addtional fan at night... No swimming and water sports....

I will wait for another month with this medication and see if it cleras out completely.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
One possibility for your rash is of intertrigo. An intertrigo is an inflammation (rash) of the body folds. It most commonly occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching take some over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

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.