sweat rashes

Hi all
I suffer from sweat rashes around my groin, and I’m trying to identify which kinds, as I believe I’m suffering from 3 different types...

The first and most long standing is on my perineum, this never goes or appears to get worse, it’s just a redness, it doesn’t itch and isn’t really a problem other than its unsightly. It doesn’t have a particularly defined edge, no bumps, no spots, just a red patch like I’ve been chaffed, which I’ve not! It’s been there for over 5 years now, nothing shifts it, I’ve seen a few specialists who have little or no interest in it, and I’ve been told its lots of different things. Usually just get given hydrocortisone or a short course of antibiotics. Which help but never cure.

The second is mainly between my buttocks, it turns my skin a yellow ish colour, or when I’ve been exercising, a brighter red colour. It has a defined edge, but again no bumps, no spots, just a patch between my cheeks, it doesn’t itch particularly. This one I would love to get rid of as it looks horrible.

The third is more recent and is affecting my testicles. They are bright red at times, itch a bit and some patches get a darker angry red. Again no bumps, no spots. I’m worried this has spread to the head of my penis as the corona of my foreskin is now a darker colour. Is that possible?

As much as I would like to work out exactly what I’ve got so I can treat it, my main problem is how much I sweat. I work out three times a week, and I sweat more than anyone in the gym. I wear lose clothing, use a ton of talcum powder, use hydrocortisone cream off and on when I itch. I’m not overweight, my diet is ok but not great. Im early 30s and am obviously pretty active. I always use a condom when having sex. And its been 6 months since that last happened :( Although most of these symptoms have been around, come and gone, since before then. Ive also been to std clinics regularly and always been given the all clear.

Any info or advice from anyone would be great.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms dermatitis skin and intertrigo need to be ruled out. 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.

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. 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.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[braxton_hicks]

Thanks for the reply!

I recently found out that the hydrocortisone creams, or creams with steroid in can mark your skin, or leave a red mark etc. I think that might be what is on my perineum! All these years of trying to shift it with hydrocortisone, and i was probably just making it worse. How did my doctor not ever mention that?

Im working my way through some over the counter anti-fungal creams at the moment. A month at a time to see which one works best on different bits!

I also recently read that listerine mouth wash has a great effect on sweat rash, dhobie itch, fungal infections etc. Apparently its full of anti fungal stuff, so i will give that a go at some point in the near future.

[braxton_hicks]

Amazingly, the listerine mouth wash had an effect, but stung/burnt like crazy!

It didnt help any of the reashes on my groin, but completely cleared up a spot of atheletes foot! I was doing my hands, feet and groin with it, figuring i could be touching my feet and infecting the rest of me.