31M - Persistent Dryness and Irritation in Groin Area: Is My Treatment Effective?
A few days ago, I shared my concerns about a troubling skin issue, but I didn’t receive any feedback. For nearly a year, the skin in the region of my scrotum has been persistently red, itchy, and at times, flaky. This condition has also caused my foreskin to become dry and difficult to retract, leading to small tears and noticeable bright pink spots around the affected area, which I suspect could be due to irritation. Additionally, I’ve observed two other minor issues: a red, oval-shaped patch under my neck that has lingered for over two months, which has slightly faded but is still visible, and some unusual dark residue accumulating under my toenails, something I’ve never experienced before. Despite my attempts to clean them, it seems to reappear within days. I’m losing track of my medical appointments; I've attended about six consultations over the past year. Initially, I was prescribed Trimovate, followed by Dermol Lotion, and most recently, Terbinafine along with Zerobase lotion. I went through three tubes of Terbinafine. About a week ago, a different physician revisited my treatment plan, suggesting I continue with Terbinafine but also recommended a moderate steroid named Clobetasone Butyrate. This was intended for a two-week course; however, by the third day of using the steroid, I developed peculiar bright red patches in the area that felt painful and burned. Although the doctor did not examine the reaction in person, during a phone consultation, I was advised to stop using the steroid and revert to using only Zerobase. He assured me that this would resolve my issues in three weeks. However, I had already used half of the 500g pump of Zerobase, and my symptoms persist, leaving me feeling as if I might be wasting my time since the root cause remains untreated.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 11:50:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with persistent skin issues in your groin area, along with other changes that are understandably concerning. Chronic skin conditions can be frustrating, especially when treatments don’t seem to resolve the underlying problems. Here's a summary of your situation and my advice for next steps.
Main Points:
- You have chronic irritation and dryness in the groin area, alongside other skin concerns.
- Your treatment history has included multiple prescriptions, with some recent changes that led to new symptoms.
- You feel like the underlying cause is still undetermined, and your symptoms persist, which is understandably frustrating.
Explanation:
The persistent redness, itchiness, and flakiness in your groin area could be due to a variety of factors such as dermatitis, fungal infections, or irritation, particularly since you've also experienced changes in your foreskin and developed bright red patches after using steroids. The red patch under your neck and dark residue under your toenails could suggest a broader skin condition or even a fungal infection that might need a different approach.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Keep a Symptom Diary: Document all symptoms, treatment you've used, and how your skin responds. This could provide your healthcare provider with better insight during your next appointment.
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Reassess Hygiene Routine: Gently wash the groin area with mild, fragrance-free cleansers and keep the area dry; consider using breathable, loose-fitting underwear to minimize friction.
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Continue Using Zerobase: Since the doctor advised you to revert to Zerobase, continue with this unscented moisturizer to help hydrate your skin. Apply it after bathing and as needed throughout the day.
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Considereliminating Known Irritants: Avoid products that might irritate sensitive skin, such as scented soaps, lotions, or detergents.
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Seek a Second Opinion: If symptoms don’t improve after a couple of weeks, consider scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist who can do a thorough examination and discuss your treatment history and current symptoms in detail.
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Monitor Other Skin Areas: Keep an eye on the red patch under your neck and the residue under your toenails. If they persist or worsen, make sure to mention them during your next consultation.
It's important to remember that skin issues can take time to resolve, and a tailored approach is often required to find the right treatment. You're not alone in this; many people face similar challenges, and with patience and the right strategy, improvement is possible. Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns!
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