Reoccuring rash

Hi,

I am a 19 yrs old female, not sexually active. I have had recurring skin rashes on my upper thighs for years, but just have been too embarrassed to seek medical attention over. It itches and occasionally peels. Sometimes the separate rashes spread to form one. It only lasts for a few weeks and usually only occur when its hot outside or after my period. I deduced that it only occurs when the area is moist so I wear pantyliner and powder often. However, after it finally goes away, a few months later it appears again. What do you think it is and what should I do about it?

[allmymarbles]

I would try Desitin, the same ointment used for a baby's diaper rash. You may have diaper rash without the diaper. Let us know what happens.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Intertrigo or inflammation in warm, moist areas of the body where skin surfaces rub or press against each other. It is caused by moisture, bacteria, yeast, or fungus in the folds of the skin and may present with  pink to brown skin and may even break down and have  a foul odor.  Keeping areas of folded skin open and dry may help. Loose, nonrestrictive clothing should  also be worn.If it persists, have this evaluated further by your doctor for proper management. Your medical history and some tests may be done such as a skin scraping and KOH examination to rule out fungal infection. A Wood's lamp will rule out a bacterial infection. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Take care and do keep us posted.