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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
circular light-red rashes in groin area?
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
Welcome to the DERMATOLOGY FORUM! Questions in this forum are answered by Dermatologists from St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, under the direction of Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H.
circular light-red rashes in groin area?
by bob 231, Apr 01, 2006 12:00AM
Hello.
I am 23 years old generally healthy, not overweight, and I practice good hygene. I haven't been sexually active for over 4 months. I have never had anything like this happen previously.
The other day 3 circular/oval rash type things appeared out of no where below my belt line. One just below my belt line, one a little lower to the right of my genitals, and another on the shaft of my penis. All about 1 cm in diameter. There is no itching, pain, or burning. No pus or bleeding. They are barely raised, light red, and look kind of like first degree burns. Over the past 3 days they haven't spread or changed at all.
As any normal human being would do I freaked out and thought for sure I had an STD.
Later that day I noticed a larger one (close to 2 cm in diameter) parallel to my belly button. This one is pink and kind of flaky. It is hard to notice at first glance. I also noticed a few raised pinkish spots on my lower back.
After doing some research I suspected that it may be a fungus, especially since I spend a lot of time sitting in a lazyboy with a computer resting in my lap.
I am in a pivitol point in my life at the moment and don't have health insurance yet.
-Is it imperitive to go see a doctor?
-Does this sound like a STD?
-What should I do about it?
Thanks for your help :)
I am 23 years old generally healthy, not overweight, and I practice good hygene. I haven't been sexually active for over 4 months. I have never had anything like this happen previously.
The other day 3 circular/oval rash type things appeared out of no where below my belt line. One just below my belt line, one a little lower to the right of my genitals, and another on the shaft of my penis. All about 1 cm in diameter. There is no itching, pain, or burning. No pus or bleeding. They are barely raised, light red, and look kind of like first degree burns. Over the past 3 days they haven't spread or changed at all.
As any normal human being would do I freaked out and thought for sure I had an STD.
Later that day I noticed a larger one (close to 2 cm in diameter) parallel to my belly button. This one is pink and kind of flaky. It is hard to notice at first glance. I also noticed a few raised pinkish spots on my lower back.
After doing some research I suspected that it may be a fungus, especially since I spend a lot of time sitting in a lazyboy with a computer resting in my lap.
I am in a pivitol point in my life at the moment and don't have health insurance yet.
-Is it imperitive to go see a doctor?
-Does this sound like a STD?
-What should I do about it?
Thanks for your help :)
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Apr 01, 2006 12:00AM
, Apr 01, 2006 12:00AM
Your rash does not sound like an STD. It may be eczema. A fungus is possible, I guess, though less likely. I recommend that you apply over-the-counter 1% clotrimazole cream (antifungal) twice a day. If the spots aren't gone in two weeks, you should see a doctor for reassurance and diagnosis.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Member Comments (3)
by bob 231, Apr 01, 2006 12:00AM
Thanks, will do. The more I read the more it sounds like Pityriasis rosea. Can this occur on the genitals?
by arbindo, Apr 04, 2006 12:00AM
It does indeed sound like pityriasis rosea. You could expect more such lesions over the coming days. Harmless. Supposed to be caused by a virus -HHV 7 I think. The differential includes dermatophyte infections, guttate psoriasis,secondary syphilis. Do a VDRL or similar just to exclude syphilis. Pit.rosea is self limiting but a mild steroid cream and emollients may help relief itch which is occ. present. May last 6-8 weeks.Some have found oral erythromycin to shorten the course.
