I DON'T KNOW IF I HAVE ANYTHING?

OK I HAVE HAD PERIODIC ITCHING OF MY BUTTOX IN THE LAST TWO WEEKS. I CHECKED IT OUT AND NOTHING REALLY SEEMS TO CATCH MY EYE. THEN ABOUT A WEEK AGO I DISCOVERED RED PIMPLE LOOKING BUMPS ON MY INNER THIGHS, BOTH SIDES (GROIN AREA). THEY MAY HAVE BEEN THERE FOR A WHILE WITHOUT ME NOTICING. THE ITCHING CAN BE INTENSE AT TIMES BUT FOR THE MOST PART IT DOESN'T BOTHER ME. I HAVE TRIED POWDER, CREAM TO TRY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS BUT NOTHING HAS REALLY CHANGED. THE RED PIMPLE LOOKING THINGS ARE NOT BLISTERING OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. I HAVE SUSPECTED A FUNGAL INFECTION, SCABIES, HERPIES (herpes) OR JUST A GENERAL RASH. NOW BECAUSE OF MY PROFESSION I AM HESITATING TO SEE A DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY SO I CONFIDED IN THIS. I HAVEN'T HAD SEXUAL INTERCOURSE IN 3/4 WEEKS AND IT WAS PROTECTED. WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS WHAT THIS MIGHT BE AND WHAT TYPE OF ACTION I CAN TAKE TO CURE THIS. I HAVE NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS OF THIS SORT AND IT HAS FRIGHTENED ME. I APPRECIATE YOUR TIME IN THIS SITUATION AND AM LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR PROFESSIONAL OPINION. THANK YOU.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

All I can say is it doesn't sound like an STD, including herpes.  That's my only area of expertise, not dermatology or skin conditions.  Scabies sounds possible; it is a common cause of a bumpy rash around the buttocks, legs, waist, and genitals, and often is intensely itchy.  Scabies often is acquired during sex with an infected partner, or sharing his/her bed; and 3 weeks is about the right time for onset of symptoms.  But it could be folliculitis (sort of a form of acne), fungal infection, or something else entirely.

I can't think of any profession that requires you delay seeing a healthcare provider; that's what you need to do.  Not knowing what it is, I can't recommend any particular OTC treatment.  If you want another online opinion, you might post your question to Dr. Rockoff on the Med Help dermatology forum--but I suspect he will also say you need to see a provider and not try to guess at treatment.

Good luck--  HHH, MD

[JOHNNYNO]

i also forgot to mention that a few red bumps are on the side of my penis that doesnt face out, not on the head though. these bumps are very visible and do not itch at all.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Scabies often causes red bumps on the penis.  Also, I might have spoken too soon in sayting it's not an STD.  The secondary stage of syphilis is a remote possibility.  Classically syphilis rashes are not itchy, but sometimes they can be.

HHH, MD