Acute itching in groin area

[Rahi]

I am 58 years old.I have chronic acute itching in the groin area.I have a history of B-12 deficiency with cervical myleopathy.I take timed release B-12 tablet a day.I have been applying oitment "Quadriderm" after bath since the last 8 months and it helps in controlling the itching the whole day. But at night just before I go to sleep I have acute itching. Sometimes the acute itching leads to rash formation similar to prickly heat.This is formed usually in the inner thighs, around the abdomen below the navel, and around the back of the neck.The itching is least or absent during the day.I have a light pain in the knuckles when I wake up in the morning.I also sometimes feel numbness in the knuckles when the itching becomes acute.
What is the diagnosis and what medicines should I take ?

[JustmeSA]

I have a similar complaint and looked up all the definitions and it does not seem like any of them match in terms of infection, my wife does not have it so I assume that it is something more internal.  I have a cream that a chemist mixed up for me that works well but when I stop using it it returns.

The only thing I can think of that could be a cause is the blood pressure tabs I am taking. Ranbaxy sinopren 20mg which is a generic of lisinopril. This all started when when I started with the new tablets more or less.

Been to my GP a number of times but he just prescribes quadriderm. I had a course of cortisone and that helped but I know you cannot use that for too long.

Occasionally I apply aftershave after a hot bath which burns like hell, apply the creme and that gives relief for a day or so.

We tried changing soaps, washing powders etc. to no avail.  None of my family members are infected so it is likely this is something from inside rather than a bacterial infection.

I have no medical so any advise will be appreciated.

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Pruritus (itching) in inguinal area (groins) can be manifestation of many skin diseases including fungal/yeast infection, folliculitis, scabies, etc. The fact that pruritus is present in abdominal area and upper back as well, particularly in the evening, makes it necessary to look into scabies as possible diagnosis.

For many months, you have been using a cream that contains corticosteroid (anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrictive substance), antibiotic, and anti-fungal agents without any diagnosis looked into and established. It is recommended to see a dermatologist who will most likely advise discontinuation of mentioned topical therapy for seven days, then evaluate clinical status of the skin, and perform other necessary diagnostic tests prior to prescribing optimal treatment.

Light morning pain, numbness and itching in the knuckles you mentioned, could be related to your B 12 deficiency.


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic