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What Causes Itchy Reddish Patch In The Groin Area?

Posted on Sat, 3 Sep 2016

Question: My 62yo mom has developed an itchy red patch in her groin, 16 days after her L-THR for a dysplastic hip. What is it and can it pass on to the prosthesis? Really afraid.

She had a UTI at the time of surgery but was given antibiotic (levofloxacin) for 10 days at the hospital before discharge. Could this rash be caused because she hasnt showered yet and uses wet wipes after passing urine/stools on the toilet seat?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (31 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Intertrigo, steroid antifungal cream and antihistaminic

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I am Dr Asmeet Kaur Sawhney, a dermatologist.
I have reviewed the attached photograph and your mother has developed intertrigo which is basically inflammation of the body folds.
Don't worry as it is just an inflammation of the superficial skin and won't spread to the prosthesis.
It can be related to her not using the shower or because of the increased moisture in this area.
If I was her treating doctor I would recommend her to apply a mild steroid antifungal combination like clotrimazole beclomethasone containing cream on this affected red area twice daily for 10 days along with antihistaminic like tablet levocetrizine 5 mg once or twice daily depending on the intensity of itching.
Moreover ask her to keep this area clean and dry, stay in cool airy environment and wear loose cotton clothes including the undergarments.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (8 hours later)

Hi Dr. Asmeet
Thanks for your reply.
I spoke to her OS and he prescribed SURFAZ-SN cream and check again after 2 days. However, he didn't prescribe any tablet. Do you think that's enough? What is an antihistaminic? Mom doesn't have the itching right now.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Omit tablet if no itching, continue with the cream

Detailed Answer:
Yes your mother can apply surfaz sn cream on the affected patch twice daily for 3-4 days.
Antihistaminic are medicines to reduce itching.
If currently she is not having itching she can omit the tablet and can continue with the cream only.
I think cream alone will be sufficient if there is no itching.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 hours later)

Great, thanks doctor. What if I apply the cream 3-4 times?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No need to apply cream for 3-4 times in a day

Detailed Answer:
Application of the cream for two times in a day is sufficient.
No need to apply it 3-4 times in a day as it won't have any added benefits and can cause side effects of thinning of skin,
increased redness and stretch marks if used for a prolonged time.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (33 hours later)

Thanks Dr.. Can you tell me if my red blisters all over body are similar? Are these insec bites? Pls suggest me what to apply. Thx. t

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Either eczematous dermatitis or insect bite hypersensitivity reaction

Detailed Answer:
I have reviewed the attached photograph and it is either eczematous dermatitis or insect bite hypersensitivity reaction.
If I was your treating doctor I would recommend you to apply topical steroids like clobetasol propionate cream on the affected areas twice daily and take antihistaminic like tablet levocetrizine 5 mg once daily at bedtime for 7-10 days.
This should resolve the lesions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Priyanka G Raj

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (36 hours later)

Hi Dr. Asmeet,
My mother's groin intertrigo has almost cleared with the Sufraz-SN cream she was applying, but today, I noticed another red patch above her butt cheeks (photo attached). What is this?? Feeling really afraid as all these things are developing so close to her incision.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This is intertrigo

Detailed Answer:
Hi
I have reviewed the attached photograph and she has again developed intertrigo.
This is due to increased moisture in this area as well as due to hot and humid weather conditions.
I hope she has started taking a shower.
Ask her to wear loose cotton clothes including the underwear and keep the area dry.
She can use sufraz sn cream on the affected areas twice daily for 5-6 days and it will be fine.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (34 minutes later)

Very relieving to hear Dr, thanks a lot. Is it better to not wear an underwear to allow more air? Shes nlf been wearing one all this time.

Also, she's currently using a toilet chair next to bed all the time as she cant walk all the way to the bathroom, so she uses cotton balls soaked in water to clean afterwards and dries again with cotton. Is that hygienic/okay? She was alsousing XXXXXXX baby wet wipes before but they felt a little "soapy".

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Avoid underwear, use cotton balls

Detailed Answer:
Yes she can even avoid wearing underwear.
Yes she can use cotton balls for cleaning and drying herself.
If she is not comfortable in using wet wipes she can omit them and use cotton balls instead.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad