What I thought was Jock Itch?

[oconnor22]

For the past few weeks I've had a red rash on my upper thighs, near my groin area. For about the first 7 days it wasnt itchy at all. Began to itch and spread a short time after. After browsing and reading up on from alot of different sources I concluded that this was simply Jock itch. No problem, head to the chemist to grab some Lamisil. Treated for a week with this and very minimal improvement, the itching was so intense sometimes it would wake me from my sleep.

Following about 4 nights of this, decided I should head to the doctors. Did so only for him to conclude (literally after a 10 second look) - that yes infact it was jock itch and prescribed me some alternate cream. This was about a week ago of applying night and day and avoiding scratching as much as possible.

Today I noticed that it was maybe spreading onto the shaft of my penis, not 100% sure but no other logical reason for the occurrence of the redness and itching. To be honest, starting to get worried. What should I do now? Anybody had the same or similar experience?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it sounds like tinea cruris or jock itch. The other possibilities are of contact dermatitis, sweat dermatitis or intertrigo. Wash the area and then dry thoroughly by pat drying, not rubbing. It is important that the skin is not damp because the damp skin is an ideal site for fungi to multiply. Also wear cotton underwears and change them twice a day.

Also apply topical antifungals like Lamisil or Monistat. Severe cases may need oral antifungals for which I suggest you to consult a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Cindy]

Hi - perhaps you should call your doctor and let him know that it's spreading and not getting better.  There are probably a number of other medications that might be more effective for you.