Jock Itch? Something? SOS!

[mithrandir]

Hey guys,

OK - time for a gross problem.

I recently had a patch of ringworm (insert EWW here) on my cheek that is slowly but surely going away with a topical anti-fungal cream.

Now my problem is that I THINK the ringworm MAY have somehow gotten down to my groin area (AKA Jock itch)

I don't know for certain, all i know is that its unusually itchy down there sometimes (not constantly) and its quite red at times and just seems raw, so to speak. but not SUPER red. the affected skin itself, also feels very hot...hotter than normal anyway.

Now here is where the dilemma and my confusion come in. Ive read that jock itch doesn't usually affect the scrotum and penis, but the area around them...

where i feel the itch and see the redness is DIRECTLY on my scrotum, and maybe a bit on my actual penis....but not that much. the other weird thing is that symptomatically, it doesn't match jock itch in terms of appearance....

Its been like this for like, 2 weeks now and about a week ago, i started to put antifungal cream down there, in hopes it would go away. so far, there hasnt been much of an improvement.

i must reiterate that im not dying here or in unbearable discomfort. its really just more annoying as my scrotum and penis just seem like i said, raw and just red and dry.

i KNOW its not an STD as ive not been sexually active and now im questioning whether it might even be jock itch at all...though that seems like it could be the only explanation, given the ringworm on my cheek....

the other thing i realize is that these antifungal creams take some time to work.

what do u guys think? go get it checked out wait a little longer and see what happens? ive been using the cream on my face for 2 weeks and that one has faded but hasnt gone away entirely....so should i just keep waiting and see what happens down there? i really hate running to the doc everytime something goes wrong.

thoughts? advice? similar scenarios? share please!

sorry for the length of this too.

p.s. - the moral of the story is NEVER TRUST PUBLIC POOLS!!! obviously, thats where i got it from.... frackin ringworm...

 

[Lidocaine]

Go to the doctor. Or tell your parents first... trust me, it's better to at least have some peace of mind then going crazy not knowing what's happening.

And if you're not even sexually active, then you have nothing really to worry about in terms of embarassment.

 

[KaraBulut]

Jock itch is typically in the folds of the skin- in the crease of the leg, under the scrotum, in the cleft of the buttocks, etc. It is possible to get them on the scrotum in the summer, especially if you are in a more humid climate.

These topical fungal infections like warm and moist areas, so in addition to the creme that you're using, you need to use a topical powder and try wearing looser underwear such as boxers. Spend a little more time drying off after your shower and make sure you're completely dry before putting on clothes.

The over-the-counter anti-fungal preparations are a weaker formulation of anti-fungal medications. There are stronger preparations that are available by prescription. Since you haven't having much luck with the over-the-counter formula, you should make an appointment with your doctor for a definite diagnosis.

 

[Homoerectus]

Be sure to wash and medicate the area twice a day. Change your underwear twice a day. If you don;t already wear white underwear, get some now so you can wash them in bleach. Jock itch is much like athlete's foot in that it is very hard to cure but it can be managed. Go see a doctor and let him decide what problems you have on your cheek and scrotum.

 

[Horschallen]

Talk to the doctor... preferably a dermatologist.

 

[8tomtoms8]

I think you have excema (I know that isn't spelled correctly). I had the exact same problem. I don't think you have ringworm. That is way the antibiotic isn't helping it on your cheek. My doctor said I had ringworm too so he put me on antibiotics which did nothing. Excema is a skin condition which results in dry, itchy, patches. The best thing is a cortizone cream, not washing the area too much with soap (just let the water wash the area ), and letting the area get as much air as possible. I have it on my upper thigh right next to my balls. Sleeping naked really helps to let that area dry out. I would see a dermatologist to be sure but I'm 99% sure that's what you have. It's not a STD and is not contageous. You will probably find it flares up from time to time but won't really be a problem. Sometimes I think stress makes it a little worse.
Good luck.

 

[mithrandir]

hey guys. i prob need to clarify that i know for certain i do have ringworm on my cheek. that was diagnosed by a doc at the hospital.

i also need to add that the antifungal cream im using is a prescription cream i got from the doc at the hospital.

nothing is over the counter.

so again, ringworm on face = verified

weird itch and redness on scrotum = not yet known.

thanks for your answers though....

 

[8tomtoms8]

I still think you need a dermatologist first, then maybe an intern.

 

[mithrandir]

hey tomtoms.

well, i know that it isnt eczema on my face, as i was on a cortisone cream for over a week and it didnt help at all.

thats when i was rediagnosed by another doctor and even went to the emergency room, as i just wanted to know.

i might give this another week or so, and then head to the doc about the problem down below.

 

[mithrandir]

Mith, I'd bet money that if the skin on your scrotum is flaking, then you've got jock itch. Also, if you're experiencing a sort of itch-burn, then again: you've most probably got jock itch.

Kara gave you some good advice to manage this problem.

hey brett. the thing is, its not flaking or peeling yet.

argh, im so confuzzled as to what to do.

 

[Ethanjames2]

It sure sounds like jock itch (tina cruris). I am single subject research experiment in fungus. I have had every one of those damn tina's multiple times. I spend much of my life in the ocean which is more dirty than than nasty pool you went to. My scrotum also turns red and burns as well as the skin on my legs where the scrotum touches. I usually find that a couple of weeks of Lotrimin Ultra will clear it up. In terms of treatment, it should not matter is it is jock itch, ring worm, or a yeast infection they all respond to the same meds. I would suggest you look at yours and see what the active ingredent is and choose a different one with highest dose. I find sometimes your have to switch back and forth. You may want to consult with the pharmacist since you are not ready to see the doctor. (however, do not pull down your pants in Wal-Mart...lol). In addition to the cream, try applying full strength danderiff shampoo and leaving it on 5 minute before you shower it off. The suggestion above about bleaching your underwear is good. If you wear boxers,, I would switch to briefs as they wick away the mosture from your balls. Also use a clean towel to dry with.

I have also tryed the more natural cures. An herbal supplement you can buy at the Body Shoppe is called Fungal Defense . You can get it on-line or at the store. There is also a website called Naturally Direct that has one. People talk a lot about garlic, both putting on the skin and taking the supplement. They say to put it in the food processor and rub it on the skin. I don't think your want your crotch to smell like garlic though. I have had sucess on my feet with vinegar but that area may be too sensative for that.

I also find that fungus tends to occur when my body is under stress , like finals week. Therefore, I think you should get lot's of rest, drink a lot of water, and take a multiple vitamin. You should also avoid using anti-bacterial soap, or getting in clorinated water as the natural bacteria on your skin helps fight the fungus.

Hope this helps!

 

[jockboy01]

I'd go to the doctor. I once thought I had ringworm. Treated it for over a month. Gave up, went to my GP. He agreed that it was ringworm. More treatment. Ultimately side carred a dermatologist. He laughed, told me it was eczema, gave me a steroid cream, healed in a week. Moral of the story.... see somebody who's used to looking at skin (a dermatologist). Oh, and definitely don't use a steroid cream in case it IS ringworm.