Rash between groin and upper thighs?

[televators]

I just turned 19 and am waiting for my insurance to come through. I'm having some problems. I have this rash near the inguinal areas on my legs. It varies in symptoms. Sometimes it is dry and does not itch and sometimes it raw and itches. It is a dark reddish/brownish in color and is slightly raised. Its been flaring up in me for the past few years. I've just never had a doctor that I could go to. I always avoid harsh cleansers but it never seems to completely go away. Any idea what this could possibly be and something I could do for it? I haven't really tried anything as far as medications because I don't want to accidentally make it worse. I don't know how long it will be before I get to see the doctor so any help to at least control it for the time being would be great. Thanks. =]

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is difficult to precisely make a diagnosis without examination but it can be erythrasma. It is a chronic superficial infection of the folds of the skin. It is true that groins are effected but the typical appearance is well-demarcated, brown-red macular patches.
Wood lamp examination and gram staining are the tests for its diagnosis. The standard therapy of erythrasma is antibiotics and antifungals because it is caused by a bacteria C minutissimum. Erythromycin is the drug of choice. Mild steroids are helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with it. But use it only after a dermatologist’s prescription.
I hope it helps. Take care and God bless.

[willy851]

Do you scratch the area? I would say jock itch but it wouldn't go on for years. Unless you are overweight and use the same wet towel.
Look up jock itch and eczema.  
Get OTC cream for jock itch. If that doesn't help. Try OTC hydro-cortisone ointment. Neither will make it worse.