Brown and red blotches

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[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Anything on the skin that has been present and unchanging for several years probably is normal; or if technically abnormal, not harmful.

Any area of skin that is occluded--i.e., covered by other skin or otherwise not exposed to the air--occasionally can get inflamed.  For example, such irritation is common in obese persons around the groin, under the breasts of large-breasted women, and so on.  As most such persons have found by personal experience, simple hygiene (frequent washing) and keeping the area dry (e.g., talcum powder) helps prevent problems.  So you're probably doing the right thing, and in any case I wouldn't worry about it.

But of course I can't say for sure you don't have herpes, which comes and goes and can be very subtle.  But I'm pretty certain it isn't any other STD.  If you're still concerned, use the universal fall-back advice:  next time it happens, and while the problem is active--preferably withihn a day or two of onset--see a health care provider.

Good luck--  HHH