I have the same problem ladies. My dermatologist gave me a script for Hydrocortisone Valerate cream USO, 0.2%. Because it's in my groin area it's very difficult to prevent. It works very well, but as soon as I stop using it because of the skin folds and moisture it doesn't take long for the infection to return. I agree with the documentation suggestion above.

I would go in and ask for a culture to be done. I have had a rash for years, and have taken every anti fungal in the book, and it never worked because - well, it wasn't a fungus, it was a bacterial infection. Doctors have no idea what to do to make it go away b/c anti biotics don't work, so im stuck with the rash until I can have the skin removed, but definitely get it tested and documented. Anti fungals burn and make it worse sometimes so if you try the creams and it doesnt work, there might be a reason :)

What she said--This is key--I have a family of sensitive skinned people, so we face this a lot, and though to the layman a fungal and bacterial skin infection may look similar, treatment for one will actually exacerbate the other, so get it diagnosed first and foremost. Its worth a trip to the doc.

I would advise the original poster to try some of the recommended products before going to the doctor since she might be helped by them which would be a lot cheaper than going to the doctor.

*shrug* money always has to be a consideration. I guess its a matter of severity and sensitivity--my experiences were pretty drastic when I guessed wrong since I'm prone to secondary MRSA infections.

I have had a VSG and I'm a nurse who case manages a lot of the bariatric patients at our hospital.  I have had great success with the product in the link below with my patients who have been experiencing similar problems. Not sure how you would access these as a member of the public but sure you will find some company who will sell to you. The great thing about these cloths is they clean, deodarise and lay down a barrier all in one action. I usually get the patients and/or staff to wipe the affected area 2-4 hourly. Have seen some very dramatic turn arounds in just 24 hours. Hope you get some relief soon.

http://www.woundsource.com/product/comfort-shield-barrier-cloths

If it is candida then there is a powder that has an anti-fungal ingredient. It is by prescription. Other than that I have found that keeping the area as dry as possible works for me. I put a Viva paper towel (because they are very soft) under my breasts. Easy to change when it gets wet. The creams seem to keep everything wet and that just makes it worse.

I use Animax creme and swear by it. Yes, I know....it's for animals but it works.

Desitin Works wonders !!

Thank you for all the great advice! I'm posting in this thread so I can find it later when I may need it post-op; VSG vets rule!