burning rash on scrotum

[worried513]

Thanks for taking my question.  I was diagnosed by 2 different drs. with jock itch about a month and a half ago.  I have had a serious burning sensation on my scrotum for some time now and my groin area has begun to look better but the scrotum is still very red and burning and itching.  I t has been 7 1/2 weeks since a possible infection of an std.  I was tested via blood and urine samples for std's at the 6 week mark and all came back negative.  But I can't help but to worry since nothing has cleared up the area entirely.  Could this still be Herpes or.....?  I used a clotrimazazole and betamethazsone lotion that seemed to make my symptoms worse so I stopped using it and went back in.  Then my regular doctor put me on just clotrimazole 1% cream and that seemed to help the groin but not the scrotum.  I stopped after 2 weeks of that last night and started using an Aveeno 1% hydrocortisone anti-itch cream on, but it is too soon to see results from that.  I am going the right direction because I have been going through some extreme anxiety dealing with this.  Thanks in advance for your help in fielding this question.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be intertrigo. Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin.In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed.Please consult a dermatologist in that case.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[worried513]

so do you think it could be herpes?  even though I tested negative?  what is interrigo?  should i stop using the hydrocortisone?

[worried513]

oh and one more question if I may?  Should I continue the use of clotrimazole?  Thank you again for your response

[worried513]

wasn't sure if I needed to put your name in the "to:" slot so you can see my response so I will ask again.  Do you think 6 weeks was too early to test for antibodies for Herpes even though I had the rash and everything for quite sometime at that point?  should I continue the use of clottimazole for my groin?  should I stop using the hydrocortisone?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The only way of ruling it out is by getting yourself tested for genital herpes. Laboratory tests include: culture of the virus, direct fluorescent antibody (DFA) studies to detect virus, skin biopsy, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test for presence of viral DNA. I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get it ruled out.
One thing more that I would like to add is most blood tests are that for antibodies called IgM which are short term antibodies that a person can show during or around the outbreak of herpes. Then these IgM antibodies disappear. Then they are replaced by long term antibodies, or IgG. These antibodies take longer to develop and stay for good. Thus, if a person takes a test before the 12 to 16 weeks, and they aren't in the middle of an outbreak, they could read negative for IgM (short term) and IgG (long term) and still be positive, thus the only true way to know is after four months.

An intertrigo is an inflammation (rash) of the body folds. It most commonly occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.
You can continue with clotrimazole but for hydrocortisone please confirm it from your dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[worried513]

well the rash on my scrotum has all but disappeared and I have some lingering jock itch but all in all things are getting better.  What do you think is the best jock itch treatment?  My doctor has sworn up and down that I don't have an std ( I have been in the office several times now with physicals, and mole removals, etc) and that has helped me become more at ease with everything and I sincerely thank you for your help as well.