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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Skin Turned Black After Using Medication For Itching Problem. How To Rectify?

4 years back i had a problem of itching in my inner thighs and groin area and a small portion under the belly .I consulted a doctor after some days and he gave me a medicine,the itching stopped,but the skin became black.Generally i am white in colour,the black skin makes me shy to remove my shirt and jeans infront of others which stopped me to go swimming.I am 20 years old now.Would you please help me with this problem.
Thu, 27 Feb 2014
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Dermatologist 's  Response
Hi. Thanks for posting your concern at HCM

Regarding pigmentation in the groins, it is most likely post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to recurrent fungal infections which you experienced in the past.

Pigmentation would lighten by itself gradually if the fungal infections are not allowed to recur. You can use an antifungal dusting powder in the folds regularly to prevent recurrence of fungal infections.

Persistent itching and scratching in the groin folds due to fungal infection, is also very commonly associated with the skin becoming thick and dark(this is called Lichenification). This thick skin in turn elicits more itching and thus becomes a cycle (itching leads to scratching and scratching leads to lichenification which in turn elicits more itching).

Using an antihistamine to control the itch helps break this cycle along with a topical steroid+antifungal cream, which targets the fungus and also acts as an anti-inflammatory.

-I would normally advice in my patients, an oral anti-fungal (fluconazole 150mg once every week for 6 weeks).

-I also advice in my patients, a topical steroid+antifungal combination cream (clotrimazole+Beclomethasone) twice daily for 4-6 weeks.

-An OTC antihistamine like cetrizine once daily in the evening will help you with the itch part

-Once my patients are cured(usually 4-6 weeks) i ask them to use an anti-fungal dusting powder (clotrimazole dusting powder) in the folds, so as to prevent recurrence.

Take care
regards
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Skin Turned Black After Using Medication For Itching Problem. How To Rectify?

Hi. Thanks for posting your concern at HCM Regarding pigmentation in the groins, it is most likely post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation secondary to recurrent fungal infections which you experienced in the past. Pigmentation would lighten by itself gradually if the fungal infections are not allowed to recur. You can use an antifungal dusting powder in the folds regularly to prevent recurrence of fungal infections. Persistent itching and scratching in the groin folds due to fungal infection, is also very commonly associated with the skin becoming thick and dark(this is called Lichenification). This thick skin in turn elicits more itching and thus becomes a cycle (itching leads to scratching and scratching leads to lichenification which in turn elicits more itching). Using an antihistamine to control the itch helps break this cycle along with a topical steroid+antifungal cream, which targets the fungus and also acts as an anti-inflammatory. -I would normally advice in my patients, an oral anti-fungal (fluconazole 150mg once every week for 6 weeks). -I also advice in my patients, a topical steroid+antifungal combination cream (clotrimazole+Beclomethasone) twice daily for 4-6 weeks. -An OTC antihistamine like cetrizine once daily in the evening will help you with the itch part -Once my patients are cured(usually 4-6 weeks) i ask them to use an anti-fungal dusting powder (clotrimazole dusting powder) in the folds, so as to prevent recurrence. Take care regards