Persistent groin rash

[SkipJohnson]

This has been going on for about a 2 years. Sometimes it happens every few weeks, sometimes a month, or sometimes I'll get 2 within a few days of each other. I can always tell when there is going to be a breakout, because it will feel like my pubic hair is sore, probably near the base of it.

The breakouts always consist of a small cluster of about 6 different sized white pimple like blisters, with red irritated areas around them. The breakout site usually is about a half inch in diameter. They itch pretty badly sometimes. 95% of the time they are in the area above my penis where pubic hair grows, I've had one near my waistband line that was in the line of pubic hair going to my belly button.


I am very active in sports, eat pretty normally, not overweight, and shower daily.
I had a medical operation done on my groin area near where these pop up. The doc said I had a staph "abscess" and he cut it out and stuffed the cavity with packing string. Could this be related? What do the symptoms sound like? As far as I know I haven't transmitted anything to my girlfriend, we've been together around 16 months and went through an entire pregnancy(so she had std tests done --- all were negative)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This rash can be due to contact dermatitis, sweat dermatitis or folliculitis skin. Avoid using any lotions and creams for the meantime. Use a mild cleanser with moisturizing properties like Cetaphil. Also use cotton clothes and change the clothes twice if there is any increased sweating. Try keeping the skin free of sweat as far as possible. If the symptoms still persist then you can apply mild steroid like dermacort.For the itching antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin can be taken.

If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist
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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[SkipJohnson]

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