24-Year-Old Male with Unidentified Rash in the Groin Area
Greetings! For the past three months, I’ve been dealing with a persistent rash located on one side of my groin. Despite my healthcare providers diagnosing it as jock itch, I have my doubts about this being the correct assessment. In an effort to minimize chafing, I’ve lost some weight and now weigh 206 pounds, but I’m not convinced that’s the root of the issue. Currently, I’m applying a prescribed Ketoconazole cream and maintaining a routine of washing the area twice a day. Additionally, I’ve been utilizing baby powder to help prevent chafing between my thighs. I’m reaching out for advice on what this rash might actually be and any treatment recommendations you might have to offer!
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 2:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating rash that hasn't responded to the treatments you've been using. While your healthcare provider has diagnosed it as jock itch (tinea cruris), there are other possibilities, especially given the persistence of the symptoms.
Main Points:
- Persistent rashes in the groin can arise from various causes, including fungal infections (like jock itch), irritant dermatitis, contact dermatitis (due to allergies), or skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema.
- Ketoconazole cream is effective for fungal infections, but if your rash isn’t improving, it may be time to reconsider the diagnosis.
Explanation:
- Jock Itch: This is a common fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist areas. While you're using the right antifungal treatment, if there's no improvement after a few weeks of consistent use, it may not be the sole issue.
- Contact Dermatitis: This could result from irritation or an allergic reaction to products (like soaps or laundry detergents) coming into contact with your skin in the area.
- Irritation: Even with weight loss and attempts to minimize chafing, prolonged moisture or friction can aggravate the skin.
Next Steps:
- Continue Adequate Hygiene: Keep washing the area as you’re doing, but avoid harsh soaps that may cause further irritation. Use a gentle, unscented soap.
- Review Products Used: Look closely at any products you apply in that area. If you’re using new lotions, deodorants, or laundry detergents, try to eliminate them to see if it helps.
- Alternative Drying Agents: Instead of baby powder, consider using a moisture-wicking powder that is specifically designed for skin protection in areas prone to chafing.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any changes in the rash, including color, size, or if it starts to itch or bleed. Noting these changes can be very helpful if you seek another assessment.
- Consider a Second Opinion: If there’s no improvement in a couple of weeks, or if the rash worsens, ask for a referral to a dermatologist who can assess it further and potentially perform tests (like a skin scraping or culture) to determine the exact cause.
Make sure to keep the area as dry and as clean as possible, and don't hesitate to reach out for more specialized care if needed. I'm here if you have any more questions!
Related Questions
Understanding a Pituitary Finding: Adenoma or Rathke Cyst
23-year-old female. If this isn't the appropriate forum, please direct me to the right place, and I apologize for any misplacement. I recently received the results of my MRI, which state: "There is a T1 hypointense and T2 hyperintense area within the pituitary gland that appears cystic, measuring around 6 mm. This could represent a Rathke’s cleft cyst or another type of pituitary growth, such as an adenoma.” For the past decade, I’ve undergone annual MRIs due to white matter disease. My medical history includes conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), white matter disease, Raynaud’s phenomenon, migraines, anxiety, and the possibility of scleroderma. My last MRI in July 2024 showed no new developments, simply confirming the stability of my previous ailments. However, after getting an MRI just a week ago, I was surprised to receive these unexpected findings from a different imaging facility. The fact that there is a 6 mm abnormality, especially when my prior scan didn’t indicate anything unusual, has caught me completely off-guard. I have an appointment with my neurologist in a few days, followed by a repeat scan. I’m reaching out for any advice, insights, or shared experiences regarding this situation. I’m feeling overwhelmed and perpetually anxious. What was supposed to be a thrilling week ahead, thanks to an upcoming event, now feels overshadowed by this news. I have so many questions racing through my mind and, regrettably, I’ve spiraled into a deep search for information online. Any feedback or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Assessing Home Care for a Burn Injury
Three days ago, I suffered a burn on my foot while hiking when hot water accidentally splashed onto it. The extent of the injury was likely worsened by the necessity to break down my campsite and trek several miles to reach the nearest trailhead. Thankfully, a helpful trail angel provided transportation to my car, enabling me to drive about 90 minutes to acquire the necessary supplies. I am now seeking advice on whether a medical professional could provide any superior treatment or prescription ointments that might yield better results than my current home care regimen. At present, I am using Neosporin and covering the area with non-stick dressings, then fully wrapping my foot in gauze to maintain a moist and clean environment for healing. I've encountered differing opinions concerning the use of silver-containing ointments for recovery. My aim is to ensure swift healing while minimizing the likelihood of scarring, especially since I have a marathon coming up in seven weeks. Fortunately, there are no visible signs of infection. I have previous experience with a third-degree burn on my leg from a motorcycle incident (the burn resulted from contact with the exhaust), which had become infected, so I am aware of the warning signs to monitor for.
Severe Reaction to Azithromycin Treatment
Greetings, I am a 35-year-old female weighing 125 pounds. For a month, I used azithromycin to treat my rosacea, which was an off-label application. Initially, I noticed a couple of white welts forming, but I couldn't link them to the medication since it effectively improved my rosacea. When I took an additional dose because I observed the return of symptoms, I experienced a severe allergic reaction, resulting in hives and widespread skin lightening. In the past week, I have sought help from numerous doctors, but none have offered more than assurances about my respiratory stability. I've learned that azithromycin might persist in body tissues and skin for an extended period, potentially damaging my pigment-producing cells. I feel utterly devastated and find myself in tears over this situation.
Is it Typical Hives or an Emergency Situation?
This morning, I (20-year-old female) woke up to find myself covered in itchy hives. While some have started to fade, others remain noticeable, particularly on my arms and upper back, and they've now appeared on my face as well. Additionally, I've noticed significant swelling in one of my hands that began around two hours ago. I’m currently taking Lamictal for bipolar disorder, and my physician advised me to monitor for any skin reactions. I've been on this medication for over three months, with my last dosage increase happening more than a month ago. Yesterday, I handled a mushroom (but quickly sanitized my hands thereafter), and no other aspects of my daily routine—such as soaps, detergents, or other medications—have changed. Is this merely a standard allergic response, or is it advisable for me to go to the emergency room? I am 5'7" and weigh 115 pounds.
Unexplained Skin Bleeding: Seeking Insights
Has anyone experienced something similar? I’ve been noticing small dots, around 1mm in size or even less, emerging on my skin, and they’re bleeding. It’s not excessive, but there’s definitely blood appearing for no apparent reason. I don’t have any injuries or blemishes; it feels as though it’s seeping out from my pores. Eventually, these spots seem to form tiny scabs, and they have persisted for several days. Currently, I have around seven of these blemishes on my face. Moreover, just a short while ago, I had a strange sensation akin to a needle pricking my tongue, although I wasn’t close to anything that could have caused it, and then it unexpectedly started bleeding as well. I’m curious if anyone might have an idea what is going on. For context, I’m a 22-year-old woman with severe ME/CFS, and I take a low dose of naltrexone along with magnesium supplements.