Rash(es) in Pelvic Region

[abagail23]

Approximately a month ago, an oval scaly spot appeared on my left hip about 2 inches below my left hipbone.  There was no blistering, only severe itching.  I also noticed a similar, but smaller sore on my right inner thigh next to my vagina.  The spots remained for about 5-7 days and faded.  5 days ago, a similar experience recurred.  It began with the scaly spot on my hip, however this time there were many red bumps in the area as well.  They vary in size and are spread in an approximate 3-inch circular area.  There are also what resemble small broken blood vessels in the area which could in part be due to scratching, I would assume.  On my right hip, in the exact same location, there is a nearly identical rash.  It is only comprised of the rash though – no larger spot.  The rash on my right hip is much milder and the bumps are a bit smaller.  No scaling or dryness is apparent.  The itching from these two rashes is slowly starting to subside.  I have been applying a steroid cream to the areas for two days now.

My concern about the situation lies in the fact that a third area has appeared as of yesterday.  I noticed bumps in the crease of my inner thigh again.  It is itching severely and is in an area about an inch and a half in diameter.  There have been no blisters apparent throughout any of this.

I’m assuming this is going to run in the same cycle the other areas did, but in the meantime I have to wonder – what in the world could this be??  It’s comprised of three separate rashes in three completely different locations in my pelvic region.  I had a full STD panel run last month – everything was negative.  I have also seen my family practitioner and she didn’t quite know what to think so she gave me some steroid cream and sent me on my way.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions regarding what this recurring rash could be?  Thank you so much in advance.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you will need to see a dermatologist about this.  However, based on your description, the most likely diagnosis is nummular eczema.  Nummular means round, or coin-shaped.  This nonallergic eruption is most common in winter.  Cause is unknown.  I can affect any part of the body--I think the fact that you have it in the groin means only that that's where it happens to be.  If the steroid your doctor gave you makes the spots go away rapidly, that would support the diagnosis, though of course you may get other spots you can then treat the same way.

Having said all this, I think you should show the rash to a skin doctor, so you'll know for sure.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff