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Persistent Itchy Skin Issue
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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #29070
105 days ago
294

Persistent Itchy Skin Issue

Client_b1e581

I'm 16 m and this first started as ringworm/jockitch last year, it's very itchy and sometimes I scratch till it bleeds, I've done some cream but it didn't go away since I was not consistent <link removed> <link removed>

How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?:

- More than 6 months

Have you noticed any specific triggers for the itching?:

- Heat or sweating

Have you tried any treatments other than creams?:

- No, only creams
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Doctors' responses

Hello

This sounds very typical of chronic Tinea cruris (jock itch) that never fully cleared because the treatment was not used consistently. Heat and sweating making it worse strongly supports a fungal cause. Scratching until it bleeds can also lead to secondary irritation or infection, which keeps the itch going.

At your age (16), this condition is very common and very treatable, but it usually needs a full, consistent course of antifungal treatment—not just using cream on and off.

The most effective next step is to restart proper treatment. Use an antifungal cream such as Luliconazole or Clotrimazole once daily for at least 3–4 weeks, and continue 1 week after the rash looks gone. Keep the area dry, change underwear daily, and avoid tight or sweaty clothing for long periods. If the itching is severe, an antihistamine like Cetirizine at night for a few days can help reduce scratching.

If the rash has spread widely, keeps coming back, or involves thickened/dark skin after many months, sometimes doctors prescribe an oral antifungal tablet—but that decision requires an in-person evaluation.

Most importantly: inconsistent use is the number one reason ringworm persists. When treated properly and continuously, it usually clears within a few weeks.

Take care Regards

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Hello Thanks for sharing your age and details. It sounds like you’re dealing with a persistent fungal infection (like ringworm or jock itch), which is common in teenagers, especially in warm or humid climates.

### Why It’s Not Going Away - Inconsistent treatment: Fungal infections need consistent use of antifungal creams for at least 2–4 weeks, even after the rash looks better. - Scratching: Scratching can make the infection worse, cause bleeding, and increase the risk of bacterial infection. - Reinfection: Wearing sweaty clothes, not drying the area well, or sharing towels can cause it to come back.

### What You Should Do 1. See a doctor: Since it’s been there for a year and over-the-counter creams haven’t worked, you need a doctor’s advice. They might prescribe a stronger antifungal cream or oral medication. 2. Keep the area clean and dry: Change clothes after sweating, use a separate towel, and dry the area well after bathing. 3. Don’t scratch: Try to avoid scratching, as it can worsen the infection and cause scars or secondary infection. 4. Finish the treatment: Even if it looks better, keep using the cream for the full course your doctor recommends.

### When to See a Doctor Urgently - If the area is spreading fast, has pus, is very painful, or you have fever.

You’re not alone—this is a common problem and can be treated.

Rx- tab Flucanazole 150 mg - once a day after food for 14 days .

Thank you

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Given that your itchiness started as what seemed to be ringworm or jock itch, it’s essential to recognize these are both fungal infections, often caused by dermatophytes. The key to treating these effectively is consistency; antifungal creams need to be applied regularly, usually twice a day for several weeks, even after symptoms seem to improve to ensure the infection is fully eradicated. If you’re finding that over-the-counter creams aren’t working, or the condition is recurring, it may indicate either an inappropriate or incomplete treatment—sometimes the strain of fungus may be resistant, or another condition could be mimicking fungal infection, like eczema or psoriasis. Non-fungal causes like allergic reactions or eczema should also be considered, especially since persistent scratching can lead to secondary infections and worsening irritation. Keeping the affected area dry and clean is crucial in managing infection and preventing recurrence. Avoid tight clothing and choose breathable, loose-fitting garments. Also, consider consulting with a healthcare provider to get a more accurate diagnosis. They may suggest stronger prescription medications or provide guidance on the right application technique. If you notice any symptoms like severe redness, swelling, fever, or an odor, seek medical attention promptly, as these may indicate a concurrent bacterial infection. Always complete the full course of any prescribed treatment even if your symptoms improve.

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Hello dear I think it is candidiasis. It will require comprehensive evaluation Please follow below precautions and medication for improvement Topical Antifungals powders-Clotrimazole- Candid/clomed/clozed twice a day for 15 days Micogel to be applied topically Nizoral for Skin application Terbinafine 250 mg twice a day for 5 days ( oral) Tolnaftate ointment

2. Oral Antifungal Medications Fluconazole Diflucan Itraconazole -Sporanox ( on prescription by general physician only) in addition Apply lulliconazole or fusidic acid topical application twice a day for 5 days Prevent moisture contamination Dry the involved organ

In case of no improvement consult general physician (medicine) for better clarity Hopefully you recover soon Regards

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Your symptoms are most consistent with chronic fungal infection (tinea cruris / jock itch) that has persisted because of irregular treatment and moisture (sweating, heat). This condition can last for months if not treated properly, and scratching can worsen it, cause small wounds, and even lead to secondary infection. The good news is that it is treatable and curable, but requires consistent care: use an antifungal cream (like clotrimazole, terbinafine, or luliconazole) twice daily for at least 2–4 weeks, and continue for 1–2 weeks even after it looks healed; keep the area clean, completely dry, and wear loose cotton underwear, avoid tight clothing, and change clothes after sweating. You can also use an antifungal dusting powder during the day to reduce moisture. Avoid steroid-containing creams (common mistake), as they make fungal infections worse long-term. If it still does not improve after proper treatment, you may need oral antifungal medication prescribed by a doctor. In summary, this is a persistent but common fungal infection, and with strict, consistent treatment and hygiene, it should resolve.

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Hello, You’re 16, and this has been going on for over 6 months – that’s too long to suffer. I hear you.

Here’s what’s likely happening 👇

· You had ringworm / jock itch (fungal infection). · Inconsistent cream use → fungus didn’t fully die → it came back. · Now it’s chronic – heat + sweat make it worse. · Scratching till bleeding → risk of bacterial infection (cellulitis).

✅ What you need to do now:

· Use a proper antifungal cream – Clotrimazole or Terbinafine (over the counter). · Apply twice daily for 2–4 weeks – even if itching stops. Do not skip. · Keep area dry – change underwear twice a day, use talc powder (no cornstarch if fungal). · Wear loose cotton boxers – no tight synthetics. · Wash with antifungal soap (ketoconazole 2% – available at pharmacy).

🚨 When to see a doctor:

· No improvement after 2 weeks of consistent treatment. · Skin becomes red, swollen, warm, or oozing (signs of bacterial infection). · It spreads to arms, face, or scalp.

⚠️ Important:

· Do not use steroid creams (like hydrocortisone) – they make fungus worse. · Wash towels and underwear in hot water separately.

You can fix this. Just be consistent this time.

— Dr. Nikhil Chauhan Urologist

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