skin discoloration

[MrBill67]

I have a very light-brown skin discoloration that surrounds my genital area on one side and goes down into my inner thigh and butt cheek  ..

The simplest way to describe it is it looks almost as if I 'spilled' something on myself and it stained my skin  ...

I have had this discoloration for years. It is flat, smooth and does not itch or otherwise bother me  ..    years ago I had a required physical for a job, and at the time the Doctor stated that there was a cream I could use to get rid of it, but he never gave me any other information on what that might be  ...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Pls don’t apply rubbing alcohol on the rash but instead wash it with a hypoallergenic soap which is fragrance free like Cetaphil.Also you can use any of the antibiotic creams or lotions like erythromycin,clindamycin or Lotrimin or Monistat cream on the rash.Lotrimin is available over the counter.
I hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

No rubbing alcohol,but then even candid creme should be ok.

[MrBill67]

Thank you both so much for taking the time to reply  ..


Is there a recommended over-the-counter treatment for this ??  ...  I do not have medical insurance, and therefore do not have access to prescription medications  ...

I googled Erythrasma last night and found little information for treatment. I did find definition on WikiDoc.com, where the two common suggestions were an antibacterial soap and the use of Erythromycin  -  Erythromycin sounds like its a prescribed medication (unless it is available as an active ingredient in an over-the-counter product) ...  ??  ..


I did go out last night and purchased some Soft Soap / Antibacterial   ... reading into the definition of antibacterial soap on WikiDoc.com, it stated that a common ingredient in these soaps is Alcohol - so I bought some Isopropyl Rubbing Alcohol last night as well, but am extremely hesitant to actually try 'washing' myself down there with it  ..

Yes, the little voice of reason in my head says that anything with a warning label that reads 'Flammable' probably should NOT be applied in close proximity to the genitals  ...


Are there any other suggestions or recommendations .. ??  ..

.. Bill

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the picture and symptoms it sounds like erythrasma.Erythrasma is a chronic superficial infection of the intertriginous areas like groin of the skin.It presents as well-demarcated, brown-red macular patches. The skin has a wrinkled appearance with fine scales.

The standard therapy of erythrasma is antibiotics and antifungals because it is caused by a bacteria C minutissimum.Erythromycin(topical and oral) is the drug of choice.

Mild steroids are also helpful in reducing the inflammation associated with it. But use it only after a dermatologist’s prescription.

I hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

What you have is erythrasma ,which affects the folds like groin.An  antibacterial soap should be sufficient.