Recurring Jock itch or more?

Hello Doc and Thank You-

I am 33 white hetero male.  I have been having on again off again (never fully resolved) jock itch type skin problems in groin area and sometimes on scrotum for last few months.  Along with other "symptoms" I have been reading online, I have been worrying a bit. I ended a relationship in Aug of 2007 with my ex girlfriend (we had lots of unprotected sex).  Since Feb 2008 until present, I have had many HIV tests-all negative.  

My "jock itch type rash" seems to start as a intertrigo problem (I believ its called). The skin in my skin folds between scrotum and thights get fissured and cracked thus burns and itches unbearably.  I have been to my derm quite a few times and he does not seem concerned. However, this was NEVER a problem for me before. Is there a chance that it is an immune deficiency problem or that could be a sign of missed HIV?  It is really bothering me doc and Im not sure what do do anymore, so I find myself hoping for your answer and any guidance you can give me.  It seems more unbearable at night while trying to sleep and after exiting a warm shower.  Any thoughts and more importantly, can you rule some things out? Thanks in advance for your help.

NYFirefighter in need

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

No, I don't believe that there is any chance this could be HIV, and it certainly doesn't sound like any sexually-transmitted disease.  It does sound like intertrigo, which is a chafing rash, not a yeast or fungus.  I can't tell you why it has become a problem now, but I suspect that at least part of the intensity of your itching comes from the fact that you're worried that you have a serious problem when you almost certainly don't.  I think you ought to have a candid discussion with your doctor both about your symptoms and your concerns, so you can be relieved of one and set straight about the other.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[NYFirefighter]

Thanks for your prompt response.  I have talked with my Doc and he kind of just brushes it off. Went to Dermatologist and he thought intertrigo too, but was not worried. If in fact that is what it is.... three questions. 1- how do I keep it from itching so bad? 2-  How can I possibly keep it from recurring/why does it?  3- It has turned into jock itch before and seems to be again despite Desitin and even powders keeping area very dry.

Thanks Doc

[mrpezhead]

A related discussion, reocurring jock itch was started.

[randy369]

Hey doc I'm randy from san jose cali nd I have the same thing but its smaller brown red around edges but don't itch nd it don't bother me at all somtimes and becomes bright red and may itch a little bit but that's it cud I get anything from this

[randy369]

Hey doc I'm randy from san jose cali nd I have the same thing but its smaller brown red around edges but don't itch nd it don't bother me at all somtimes and becomes bright red and may itch a little bit but that's it cud I get anything from this