Wat is it

Do i have jock itch. My groin itches. Its been a couple of months now. My groin is now a brownish color from all the scratching. Does this sound like herpes or jock itch.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
If the groin is brown from scratching it can be pityriasis versicolor or erythrasma. Erythrasma is a chronic superficial infection of the intertriginous areas of the skin.It is true that groins are affected but the typical appearance is well-demarcated, brown-red macular patches. The skin has a wrinkled appearance with fine scales.Wood lamp examination and gram staining are the tests for its diagnosis.

The standard therapy of erythrasma is antibiotics and antifungals because it is caused by a bacteria C minutissimum. Erythromycin is the drug of choice.

Mild steroids are helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with it. But use it only after a dermatologist’s prescription. 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.