Red Rash Groin Area

Over the years (decades) I have sometimes (RARELY) experienced a red rash right side groin area that lasted for a short time (a day or two) and then went away. In the past few weeks I have seen this rash come back but enlarged (wider) in the same right side groin area for about a 2 inch by maybe 1 inch strip.  Some mornings it looks like it has almost disappeared but when I take a warm/hot shower it seems to bring it back with a strong red color. For the most part it is not itchy or hurting me but the darn thing is not going away as it always has in the past the few times I had similar (but smaller area) symptons. All I have used on it so far is baby powder and I changed to wearing boxer shorts.  What can I do to get rid of this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to chafing or friction rub skin. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. Also wear cotton undergarments. Application of mild corticosteroid cream and oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.