My Jock Itch Situation - Need Help

[nedliv]

Dear Medhelp,

I've been infected with a devastating, red, itchy rash in my groin area for a couple years now. Although I understand a photo may be disturbing and unsightly, I feel it's necessary so that one can pinpoint the diagnosis. I am pretty certain it is jock itch. I get pretty sweaty down there and it matches all the symptoms. However I have tried many medications which have not helped at all. I've tried Lamisil, Lotrimin Ultra which was a full prescription strength jock itch cream (butenafine hydrochloride). As far as the appearance, the medication did nothing.

The problem is I am too embarrassed to see a doctor and hope to be able to cure it on my own. I am diligent about washing it, keeping the area dry, and wearing cotton clothes but I feel these simple things won't be enough to cure it. What I'm hoping for is some kind of guide.. I'm willing to try different medications.

Any suggestions are appreciated,
Thank you

[david801]

I have almost gotten rid of my jock itch with a cream prescribed by my doctor. what can I do to restore the loss of natural skin color? anything? thank you. dave

[nedliv]

Well it seems my rash is responding to a Cortizone10 creme which is intended for eczema and psoriasis. I suppose it is eczema and not a fungal issue. I'm disappointed I never experimented with it earlier on. I bought a Cortizone10 intensive healing formula (1% hydrocortisone with antioxidants and chamomile) and have been using it for almost a week. The redness has significantly gone down, the skin almost blends in with the normal skin, but not quite. It's more like a pale pink or pastel pink color. The itch has also mostly gone away.

I will continue using the cortizone10 creme until the skin looks normal. If it doesn't turn normal, is there any advice in restoring the natural skin color?

Thanks

[meniere135]

You cannot get eczema from sharing towels or touching the rash.  It's an immune system type problem.  And it definitely runs in families.  You can start with eczema at any time in your life.  I looked up pictures on the internet and they did resemble your rash.  But that's not a definite diagnosis.  I hope you will give the gluten free diet a try and see if it helps....but you have to be 100% gluten free...one little teeny weeny cheat can ruin your progress.  But first try the omega 3's and evening primrose oil to see if that helps.  And also look up eczema and nutrient deficiencies on-line and see what works for a lot of people.  Everyone's triggers are different.  Hope this helps.

[nedliv]

I would say it's plausible because my little brother has pretty bad eczema all over both his arms but I've never had it before. Maybe I used his towel or something?

[meniere135]

I'm wondering if what you have is eczema.  If so, look up omega 3's and evening primrose oil supplements and eczema and see if you'd like to give that a try.  Food elimination that helps a lot of people is gluten.  Look up a gluten free diet and see if you'd like to give that a try.  I'm doing my best to save you from embarassment!  I'm earning my angel wings!!!!!

[nedliv]

I was afraid that would be the first suggestion. I will have to look into it. I appreciate your comment.

Does anyone have more advice?

[meniere135]

If you've had this for a couple of years, it is time to see a doctor.  You don't have to take your underwear off - just pull it aside so the doctor can see most of it.  Believe me, doctors and nurses have seen it all.  When your entire job is looking at the human body day in and day out, and having to diagnose the person's problem, you aren't thinking about the person's private parts.  And it takes the doctor three seconds to look at the rash.  I know it's hard to go for these kinds of visits, but you need to go.  I hope this helps.  This is a common problem.  I was a nurse for ten years - I've seen my patients in the buff and yet, I couldn't tell you what they look like underneath their clothes.