HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Fungal Infection Of Groin Folds

default
Posted on Wed, 6 May 2015
Question: I have recently observed fungal in the groin area that was covered by white weird stuff. after some days, those areas skin top layer has peeled out. there is a huge difference between normal skin and the affected areas. Also, the infection has spread to my bottom penis and the top layer skin is gone. I am really worried and consulted a doctor, he prescribed some ketoconazole ointment for this. Do i need to worry much about it . Is this really fungal infection. it look weird for me. kindly advise. Le me know how to send the images of my infection so that you can see and get an idea about it.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Tinea cruris; topical ketoconazole + Oral antifungal e.g fluconazole

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query in detail and thanks for the Images. I have reviewed them.

Yes, the images are very much suggestive of fungal infection of groin folds/ tinea cruris.

Body folds provide an ideal atmosphere for the fungus to grow, specially in hot and humid weather conditions.
This is because body folds trap moisture and warmth and both of these factors are conducive for fungal growth.

Ketoconazole is a topical antifungal and therefore you may use it twice daily over the whole affected area.
If I was the treating doctor I would have also asked you take an Oral antifungal e.g weekly fluconazole in addition to topical ketoconazole cream.
You should notice a great improvement in your skin condition once you start treatment.
Topical as well as Oral antifungals should be continued for at least 4-6 weeks.
An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily in evening will provide you symptomatic relief from itching.

Once the fungal infection subsides after 4-6 weeks of oral+topical antifungal therapy, thereafter, you may use an antifungal dusting powder e.g clotrimazole dusting powder, in groin folds, twice daily, to prevent a relapse of fungal infection.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (17 hours later)
Thanks for the reply doctor. Why am i getting De-pigmentation in the penis. if you clearly see the image the skin melanin is disappeared and started seeing the next level of skin. Do you think the infection may remove the skin melanin?.

Please suggest.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Inflammatory changes

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

This color change is due to the inflammatory process that accompanies tinea cruris/ fungal infection.
I think this should improve once your fungal infection improves.
However if this persists, it may require a topical steroid cream application Or a topical immunomodulator e.g tacrolimus ointment application, for a few weeks but that is only to be done later on, after your fungal infection has resolved and if at all required.

Regards
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Fungal Infection Of Groin Folds

Brief Answer: Tinea cruris; topical ketoconazole + Oral antifungal e.g fluconazole Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have gone through your query in detail and thanks for the Images. I have reviewed them. Yes, the images are very much suggestive of fungal infection of groin folds/ tinea cruris. Body folds provide an ideal atmosphere for the fungus to grow, specially in hot and humid weather conditions. This is because body folds trap moisture and warmth and both of these factors are conducive for fungal growth. Ketoconazole is a topical antifungal and therefore you may use it twice daily over the whole affected area. If I was the treating doctor I would have also asked you take an Oral antifungal e.g weekly fluconazole in addition to topical ketoconazole cream. You should notice a great improvement in your skin condition once you start treatment. Topical as well as Oral antifungals should be continued for at least 4-6 weeks. An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily in evening will provide you symptomatic relief from itching. Once the fungal infection subsides after 4-6 weeks of oral+topical antifungal therapy, thereafter, you may use an antifungal dusting powder e.g clotrimazole dusting powder, in groin folds, twice daily, to prevent a relapse of fungal infection. Regards