What Causes Itchy Spots In Groin Area And Arm?

Posted on Mon, 1 Dec 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 1 Dec 2014 Answered on

Wed, 24 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : hello

Today I have new spots on my groin area and I am asking what these can be.

I also have high temperature and blurry vision and itchy at my ass area.

I have not had sex recently so cannot have acquired an STD but I did have a massage in January 2014 after which my blurry vision and high temperatures started but only had spots now. It is the 2nd time in 2 weeks these spots have returned and never had them before. I also had some on my arm last week.

I did an STD check in February and all major tests were negative. I did not have sex, just a massage but still felt there may be a risk due to potential poor hygiene?

Please let me know what can be the problem. My blurry vision returns and high temperature but not always, only sometimes. I sometimes have to urinate more frequently too.

Pics attached.

Thank you

Also I wanted to ask if these spots can be herpes or warts as I read online that one can get these without actual sex, just touching.

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be Herpetic or STD

Detailed Answer:
Hello

My name is Dr Muhammad Ali Rauf & i will look into your problem.

I have gone through your query along with attached pictures(although not visible clearly) and would try to help you in the best possible way. These rashes are not consistent with herpes or STDs. They more likely are suggesting allergic rash. Raised temperature suggests some infection. I would be in a better position to guide you if you answer following questions:
1. Are rashes itchy?
2. is there history of itchy rash in the family?
3. any history of burning urination?
4. since when you have blurry vision problem? Do you wear glasses?
5. any history of constipation, diarrhea, sore throat or cough?
6. does itch around anal opening occurs at night or through out the day?

I will be looking forward for the answers to conclude the discussion in the best interest of yours.
Thank You

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (3 hours later)

hello Dr XXXXXXX Rauf

Thank you for your response.

I now answer your questions:

1. Itchy but not so much. Mostly I can feel them from just rubbing against my pants.

2. No history of rashes or any illnesses in my family

3. No history of burning urination. My increased urination only happened since January 2014, a few weeks after getting a massage.

4. Blurry vision occurs sometimes but not always and only since January this year, after the massage I mentioned. Until then I always had perfect clear vision and no other symptoms either

5. No history of diarrhea but sometimes this year which may be another symptom together with blurry vision and higher temperature

6. My anal area itches randomly. Sometimes during the day even as I am walking down the street. I cannot see if there are any spots. It feels almost inside, like there is something moving or living. bacterial/fungal for example.

I have an appointment with a dermatologist but the next available is 19th January so a long time to wait.

In the mean time I attach clearer pics of the spots / rash

Thank you

Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ali Rauf (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Needs further workup

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thank you for getting back with the information. I have gone through them. Your symptoms need further workup as they have been for considerable time. I'll discuss your each symptom separately for your ease:

1. Perianal itching:
There could be a number of causes and most common include fungal infection, Enterobiasis & lack of hygiene care. As you are having an appointment so hopefully it will be cleared out there. Stool culture for egg/ova of present would indicate Enterobiasis(a parasitic infection).

2. Rash:
As i mentioned earlier your rashes are not consistent with STDs or herpetic infection. They could be allergic due to insect bite or folliculitis. As they come and go away so it means there is some triggering factor like some cloth or insect.

3. Visual Problem:
I would recommend you to once get your checkup for vision. There is a probability that your stress/anxiety at times cause blurry vision. Ophthalmologist will further examine the eye and check if it is related to any pathology or not.

4. Fever:
As there are no apparent signs of bacterial infection so there is possibility of viral fever. It does not responds to antibiotic and usually reduces by itself in a number of days. Symptomatic treatment is helpful like antipyretic & cold water sponging.

Conclusion:
I would suggest you not to take stress because stress/anxiety precipitates the problem. As there is sometime for dermatological appointment so you can take OTC antihistamine like levocetirizine one at night. It will relieve the itching. Viral fever resolves itself in few days. No antibiotic therapy required for it.

General Advice:
- Wear loose clothes
- Keep very good care of personal hygiene
- Avoid sexual contact till you become healthy again.
- Wash perianal region thoroughly after using washroom.
- Drink plenty of fluids including fresh juices & water.
- Take acetaminophen for fever.
- Apply fusidic acid ointment(in small amount) over the rash.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help if not then don't forget to close the discussion and rate it.
Wishing you good health !!

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. Shanthi.E