dry, itchy, flaky, red skin in groin area

[JLB624]

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. I was using a hot tub and heated pool at my gym during the weeks before it started, so I thought it might be hot tub rash, but 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 tend to scratch in  my sleep anyhow (my allergist gave me a prescription for Atarax, which I've never used and  would rather not start)---is it okay to use hydrocortisone cream? It seems raw now whereas before it was dry, so I'm afraid I may be worsening it or causing an infection. Is it possible that it is an STD?

[Pixiechase]

A related discussion, The red, itchy flakey skin question was started.

[carebear1975]

my skin is so itchy right now after being in a hot tub for 2 hrs. that was 2 days ago. but my groin area is itchy, and has some smell to it. it's not to bad and i haven't been with anyone in 8 months. but i smell the difference. but my ex of 12 yrs has cheated on me with other women. my paps come up clean. every year i ask for the full screen. i'm 31 yrs old now going on 32. is my body changing or is something wrong. just today i went to the bathroom and i was spotting after having my period  a week and a half ago. but my skin still is so itchy. i have a skin disorter which i can't spell. it's call sueriocis. it hasn't been in flame for years.so can you help me?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Doesn't sound anything like herpes or an STD.  Among many other things, herpes doesn't last from July to September.  It does sound like eczema/irritation, despite your lack of a previous diagnosis of eczema.  Scratching makes it worse, of course.  My advice is to get some over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone and apply it twice a day, while you wait for an appointment to see a doctor, in case it doesn't go away in 2 weeks.  Moisturize often as well, to help you scratch less.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff