circular light-red rashes in groin area?

[bob 231]

Hello.  

I am 23 years old generally healthy, not overweight, and I practice good hygene.  I haven't been sexually active for over 4 months.  I have never had anything like this happen previously.  

The other day 3 circular/oval rash type things appeared out of no where below my belt line.  One just below my belt line, one a little lower to the right of my genitals, and another on the shaft of my penis.  All about 1 cm in diameter.  There is no itching, pain, or burning.  No pus or bleeding.  They are barely raised, light red, and look kind of like first degree burns.  Over the past 3 days they haven't spread or changed at all.  

As any normal human being would do I freaked out and thought for sure I had an STD.
  
Later that day I noticed a larger one (close to 2 cm in diameter) parallel to my belly button.  This one is pink and kind of flaky. It is hard to notice at first glance.  I also noticed a few raised pinkish spots on my lower back.

After doing some research I suspected that it may be a fungus, especially since I spend a lot of time sitting in a lazyboy with a computer resting in my lap.

I am in a pivitol point in my life at the moment and don't have health insurance yet.

-Is it imperitive to go see a doctor?

-Does this sound like a STD?

-What should I do about it?

Thanks for your help :)

[arbindo]

It does indeed sound like pityriasis rosea. You could expect more such lesions over the coming days. Harmless. Supposed to be caused by a virus -HHV 7 I think. The differential includes dermatophyte infections, guttate psoriasis,secondary syphilis. Do a VDRL or similar just to exclude syphilis. Pit.rosea is self limiting but a mild steroid cream and emollients may help relief itch which is occ. present. May last 6-8 weeks.Some have found oral erythromycin to shorten the course.

[bob 231]

Thanks, will do.  The more I read the more it sounds like Pityriasis rosea.  Can this occur on the genitals?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Your rash does not sound like an STD.  It may be eczema.  A fungus is possible, I guess, though less likely.  I recommend that you apply over-the-counter 1% clotrimazole cream (antifungal) twice a day.  If the spots aren't gone in two weeks, you should see a doctor for reassurance and diagnosis.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff