The red, itchy flakey skin question

[Pixiechase]

I am writing in response to a question that went up in 2006..

I am a female in my mid 30s. At the beginning of July, I noticed some itching in the groin/pubic region (not on genitals, just in region of pub hair above) when I went to the beach.  I had not had any sexual contact since mid-May.  The area has remained somewhat dry, red, and itchy ever since, although it varies and is worse at night and when I wear bathing suits. I don't think it is herpes, because I haven't noticed any blisters or other symptoms, and there was a month and a half period between sexual contact and onset. it's not really even rash-like--the skin is just dry and red, and sometimes flaky.  I tend to scratch in my sleep a lot, so it's possible that the redness is caused or worsened by scratching---it seems to come and go, even within the same day. I generally have sensitive skin (dermographism and hives), but I have never been diagnosed with eczema, although that's what this seems like. The area affected seems limited to one patch of dry skin, but I can't figure out whether it is just dry skin, dermatitis, fungal, or an STD. I am not sure how to treat the itching..

I have actually had this since I was 17, and had just started to be sexually active. Everytime I have gone to the gynocolgist, I ask, but have never gotten an answer or how to treat it. By this time, I don't think it's an STD, or eczema for that matter. Like the above example, mine is just in one area, a patch the size of my thumbprint in between my upper thigh and pubic area (bikini line) on just one side. Any further ideas?




This discussion is related to dry, itchy, flaky, red skin in groin area.

[rudellis]

I have had the same issue for years. Id say I started noticing it around 10-12 years old, maybe a bit younger. This occurs both on my scalp, and my groin region, mainly under hair growth.
I tried seeing a doctor 4-5 times for different medications, any creams they prescribed had very little, to no effect. The one medication that did work, I cannot remember the name, but it smelled and burned the area like alcohol would. That medication cleared up the rash, but it came back about a month after Id finished the medication for it.
I find the only thing that really seems to affect it is strong alcohol, 50-70%, which burns if there are any cracks or cuts caused by scratching. It seems to spring back up after a while, and also seems to get worse the more it is itched. http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Dermatology/The-red--itchy-flakey-skin-question/show/470979#
http://amer-derma.com/dermatitis.php
I found this site, which seems to pin point the symptoms better, maybe it will be helpful. My experience has been that it can be controlled, and kept in control, but it always seems to come back.

[Information123]

Hi, I have the same problem!  It is itchyness and dryness around my pubic area with some flaking.  The actual genital area seems completely unaffected. I have no STD like symptoms- urinating fine, no discharge- NOTHING.  It seems to be skin related. Mine started after I starting getting that area waxed.  Obviously wax is an irratant to that area, but should "heal" after a week or so.  I have quit waxing altogther (it has been two) months, but I stil lhave the dry flaking skin.  Moisture definately makes it worse.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You have noted that this has been present since you were 17.

Is it present the whole time or do the rash disappear and reappears again given certain triggering factors?

What triggers their onset? Is the rash associated with extreme temperatures like hot weather or cold dry weather?

The itchiness and the chronicity of this condition may suggest that this could be  irritant dermatitis ( yes ,you can not exclude this yet) , a fungal infection, and an allergic reaction (given your past history of hives ).

This may not really be a cause of concern. The itchiness though may be discomforting. Have you been using topical corticosteroids? Have you had this assessed by your physician?You may discuss this with a dermatologist so that you may be prescribed topical medications which may aid in keeping the itchiness down.Most of these differentials, I have posted are responsive to corticosteroid treatment.Do not self medicate as corticosteroids have unwanted side effects when used for a long time.