Question:
Embarassing question,
I will try to be as delicate as possible in asking this question. I'm a long term post op (4+ years) who has been having itching in the groin, mons and all over the external female parts for a couple years. Sometimes I scratch myself raw. I've been to embarrassed to see a doc, but did finally go around 6-9 months ago. I was giving a prescription for a powder and a cream. No help. So I continue itching. Usually it is mostly in the morning when I get up to change clothes and upon changing at night. Although I do scratch like crazy usually when going to the bathroom. Seems like most times it is when my clothes are going on or comming off. It does'nt seem like it came be cloth detergent related as I dont itch anywhere else but the privates! One thing that helps is keeping things cut short there. Hope that is'nt to graphic. My mons (area above the private but below the stomach?) is VERY VERY VERY huge. This is partly due to other surgeries and catheters in the past. Anyway, I'm thinking it is because air cannot get to the areas... where the itching is. So it is probally the same kind of thing with the guys and jock icth. Anyway this is driving me nuts. (Excuse the pun). It was'nt intended. I don't know what I"m going to do anymore. Or if this makes me a canidate for plastic surgery? I have Blue Choice Option/Medicaid. (NYS) I do need a full body lift. However I doubt the insurance will pay. But perhaps with this I'd qualify for something that will relieve this problem? Thanks for any info. — Morning S. (posted on May 16, 2005)
May 16, 2005
I can't help with what to do. But, if you hope to have this as a
complication that indicated plastics- you need to get it treated by a
doctor. Or else, it's like it's not even happening. It's got to be
documented that conservative meeasures to relieve this infection you suffer
from were unsuccessful. So- check your embarrasment at the door and get
yourself to the DR. Good luck to you!
— LMCLILLY
May 16, 2005
I had the same thing happen to me. I finely went to the doctor after
trying everything under the sun. He told me to get the stuff the use for
yeast infection you can get the store brand and it stop itching then and I
havent had any other problems with it. It was so bad it was going down my
legs I was itching like crazy so try that and see if it helps.
— maxine84
May 16, 2005
I would definately go to the doctor again. You don't need to be living
this way, and if you hope to get ins to pay for PS, you need to document.
I used to get bacteria infections ALL the time. What you are describing
sounds just like what I went thru. I was given medication and told to lay
off the colored or scented TP and soap, not to sit in the shower and that
cotton panties were better and to sleep w/o them. Anyhow, go see your doc.
Best of luck to you.
— RebeccaP
May 16, 2005
I am so sorry you are going through this. Maybe an antihistimine and/or
antihistimine cream like Benadryl would give you some relief. I agree with
the other posters about seeing a Dr. Good Luck!
— Erin N.
May 16, 2005
go to the dr/. and if what they give you doesn't work go bac as many times
as it takes to clear it up. If your pcp can't help after 1-2 tries go to a
dermatologist.
— **willow**
May 16, 2005
I have had this problem before, and you are right - the itching is
extremely intense. I finally gave up and saw my GYN, who told me to keep
the area as dry as possible and to spray liquid Lamisil on it twice a day.
After a week it completely cleared up.
If infections (esp. yeast) are caused by overhang of skin, insurance may
cover corrective surgery - check with your carrier.
But don't be embarassed to ask a doc about this - they have seen it all.
— Mob M.
May 16, 2005
MorningStar - you MUST not be too embarassed to visit with your primary
care physician again. Since the previous treatment didn't work - it's time
to try "plan B". I'd say most all doctors have plans A,B,C and
possibly more in mind and they try what is most economical, least time
consuming, most comfortable, least likely to have side effects, etc.
It is NOT normal to itch! And scratching is not good for your skin...
Just a couple of thoughts for you to consider... are you wearing nylon or
cotton undies? Loose fitting or tight fitting pants? Do you sleep with
undies?
I'd suggest wearing cotton, loose fitting, and go au natural at night to
help promote air circulation. (If you can - expose this tissue to moving
air (a fan!) several times a day.) Whenever possible, keep your legs open
to help heat to dissapate... And try not to scratch!
Good luck - and go get medical help!
Angela Belveal, MS, RN
— Angela B.
May 17, 2005
hi,
It sounds like everyone has given you really good advice.
Someone already mentioned it but you might want to try the blow dryer
technique... make sure it is on low and cool and then after you shower make
sure you dry the areas of your itching really well.
Also, I'd stick to cotton undies and nothing at night.
And make sure you *do* go back and see the doctor. It's really important
especially if you are trying to use it as a qualifier for plastic surgery.
Best wishes,
Sid
— mrsidknee
May 19, 2005
Mycolog is the medication you need. The generic is triamcinolone with
Nystatin. Triamcinolone is a strong hydrocotisone type medicine (stops the
itch!) and the nystatin is an antifungal (stops the cause). You have to use
it for at least 10 days, even it you think the rash is gone keep using it a
while. You need a doctor's prescription for this medicine/ointment. I get
it ordered with refills and use it as soon as I have the tiniest itch or
redness and it works great. Actually I haven't had a rash since my surgery
12/03. It's really wierd, but I don't sweat like I used to so that must be
why. Good luck. Cathy
— catleth
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