red irritation

[Nienga]

My mother is 87 years old visiting me for the last two months and for the last week she has developed a sort of rash in her groin area that is now moving down her inner thigh and up her stomach.  In some areas it is spots that almost look like ringworm on her stomach but in her groin area it is simply red with outline spreading down her inner thigh.  She has cirrosis of the liver and autoimmune hepatitis.  She wears disposable under wear.  Could either of these be the cause of her rash.  I am getting very concerned about it.  I have been keeping the areas clean and am applying hydrocortisone twice daily with no improvement.  What do you think this can be?  She will be going home next week to be with my brother who has all of her health records but meantime I am concerned.  Help me please.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be discoid eczema ,pityriasis rosea, or psoriasis.

Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and sometimes by itching. No treatment is usually required. In most patients, the condition lasts only a matter of weeks or months (upto six months)

If the rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Other possibilities have to be ruled out then.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.