Groin rash with odor

[worriedgirl999]

I am a 31 yr old female.  For the past few weeks I have had a rash on the folds of my groin area and the inside of my thighs.  It comes and goes and I think it is affected by the heat (S. Florida - yuck!).  It is red, burning, streaky, and has a sharp odor.  When it flares up I use a diaper rash cocoa butter cream at night.  It is pretty thick so I suffer during the day if it appears.  The lotion helps at times; last night it did not.  I do not know if I should use an anti-fungus cream without knowing if it's fungal or if it may worsen it.  Any input would be appreciated.    

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema. You definitely need to rule out a fungal infection, or bacterial infection as the cause of the rash.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.

[Dr_Aparna]

Hi,
Tinea cruris is a fungal skin infection of the groin. Some types of fungus germs (fungi) are commonly found on human skin. They usually do no harm. However, if conditions are right they can 'invade' the skin, multiply and cause infection. The conditions fungi like best are warm, moist and airless areas of skin such as the groin.
A red rash then develops in the groin, usually with a definite edge or border. Both groins are commonly affected. The rash often spreads a short way down the inside of both thighs.
You can buy an antifungal cream from pharmacies, or get one on prescription. There are various types and brands. For example; terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, and sulconazole.
Drying is perhaps the most important point in prevention of the infection.
ref:http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068843/

[jandal33]

As an anti fungal I use a dilution of vinegar and water to increase the acidity of my skin this helps to prevent fungi growth.  Fungi prefer an alkali medium 2.2 - 6.5 ph