Problem with Rash in his Private Parts

Farm Gal

For months I have been battling a rash in and around hubby's groin area. I started out using a zinc oxide cream and the rash would come and go but it finally go to the point that it was almost raw it was so bad.  I took him to the doctor and she said it was a fungal infection / jock itch.  She prescribed Nystatin cream and powder.  I treat it every night and it still comes and goes.  

However it finally dawned on my that when he has his hand in his pants holding himself while he sits in him recliner all day is when it really flares up.  His hands sweat which keeps the area moist and makes the rash worse. 

I bought a back closure outfit from Buck and Buck but he got really upset because he thought he was locked into the clothes and needed to go to the bathroom.  He was nearly into a full panic attack.  So that idea was out and now  I just try to watch him and remind him about his rash and not to put his hands into his pants.  

Any suggestions on how to keep his hands out of his pants?  or get rid of the rash? or what kind of clothing to discourage him from putting his hands in his pants.  

ButterflyWings

FarmGal, that must be so uncomfortable, right? 

No wonder he is putting his hands down there but it makes it worse. My DH had something different recently - not jock itch, but also considered a fungal or yeast infection on his privates (penis specifically, it was a nightmare). We used the cream but it didn't clear up until they prescribed the oral anti-fungal (Fluco something?). 

They first checked his kidney or liver function...said that medicine is hard on the system...sorry I am stretched to the limit right now and not so sharp on the details. Anyway, it helped and then we (I) make sure to insist on changing his unders more often. He was wearing Depends and they got kind of soggy before he'd let me change them 1x a day with lots of complaining (him).

I use a more absorbent pull up brief now, and he has to change 2x daily, period. No matter how much fuss he raises, I'm not doing any more weeks with 2 ER trips, one for 14 hours, ambulance and all that. Just no. In addition to changing more often, I clean his privates after EVERY bathroom visit, with an adult wipe since he won't shower or bathe any more. (How is your DH's hygiene?) Also, the visiting nurse prescribed a Nystatin ointment that stays on longer than the cream did. So we are using that as a preventative measure now that the infection is cleared.

I hope you find something that works soon, to get you both relief. This was one of the scariest  most stressful physical/medical issues I've had to deal with yet, on this dementia journey... and it caused a lot of other stress and chaos for us. My heart goes out to you!  

M1

FG, I wonder if it would work to use the nystatin powder without the cream-since it’s naturally a moist area, drying it out will help. I’d also let him sit around in cotton boxer shorts only (assuming he’s not in Depends)-that should also help. Push comes to shove, there are anti fungal pills they can prescribe, but they interact with a lot of other meds.

Jo C.

What an annoying and uncomfortable issue this is.   When my step-dad had a stubborn case of a fungal infection in the groin area, it was a full court press to get it under control.  If a person is a diabetic they are more prone to such fungal infections and such infections can become chronic appearing again and again.  Always on alert so to speak.

Here is what finally brought the issue under control for my step-dad:

1.  Daily shower with tepid water NOT hot water; heat encourages the fungus to grow.  If not able to take a daily shower, washing of affected area with clean cloth water and soap and rinsing well,.  Do NOT rub the area.  In shower; rinse with water on the area; use mild soap without rubbing and then rinse thoroughly with tepid water.

2.  Dry area thoroughly using electric hair blower on COOLsetting only (Remember; heat causes fungus to grow.)  This cool blower air drying was really helpful.

3.  Area needs air to be dry and being cool while healing - so sitting in boxer type shorts (not the snug shorts); or pajama bottoms other cool and loose garment is helpful.

4.  We found Nystatin not effective; finally went to Dermatologist and got prescription for Mentax cream which was very helpful.  BUT one MUST apply whatever cream as often as and in the way the directions say.  Got script for multiple tubes as in such treatment one can easily run out before end of need.   Also had gloves and/or finger cots for applying cream.

5. It can sometimes take a few days for even a small improvement to be seen; other times some areas can be seen to be much less red and responding more quickly. NOTE:  MUST continue to use the cream for the number of days specified and not discontinue it early if all seems well.   If I am recalling correctly; it was ten days for step-dad. 

6.   Once under control, it will be far easier for the problem to resurface; so be sure that showering happens routinely, drying post-shower with cool blow dryer is done with your help I would imagine; and that he wears non-restrictive clothing that are not tight and hot in the area; and check once in awhile to see if there is any rash re-appearing so you can catch it quickly.

There are oral meds that can assist such as Flagyl; BUT those meds come with side effects and can also interact with other prescription meds, so I would try the lesser best practice measures first and stick to them to see if that is helpful.

If it isn't one thing, it certainly is another.  So hope this improves soon. 

J.

Marta

On top of what Jo has recommended, do NOT be tempted to use any other products such as baby powder, Gold Bond powder, or aloe vera in the area of rash. Any organic substance will be FOOD for the fungus and make it worse.

I prescribe the bathing ritual and Nystatin TWICE per day. 

Jo C.

. . . . forgot to mention; since your husband does not wear diapers, be sure that his undershorts are clean each day and that his other clothing such as slacks or whatever are also clean as they can lean into the groin areas.

Do not have to bleach underwear; regular washing and drying is sufficient - per what Derm MD informed me.

J.

Farm Gal

Thanks everyone.  I had forgot to say that several months ago that I bought 100% cotton boxers and got rid of the tight stretchy boxers.  

The doctor did give him an oral pill but it made him horribly ill.  A few days ago I started washing him each morning before he gets dressed with soap and water and then clean him again at night.  I hesitate to put the Nystatin on during the day because he gets his hand into it  and of course he rubs his eyes so I don't want the med in his eyes.

I have gotten rid of it many times but it always comes back with a vengeance when he has been putting his hands into his pants.  I guess it is going to be an ongoing battle.  

I will try the hair dryer and see how that helps.  He only takes a shower twice a week so bed baths are the best option for me.

JJ401

Once you get rid of it, since it is reoccurring, use an anti fungal powder daily. That is what my dermatologist recommended. She recommended using Zeasorb daily. CVS has a version of Zeasorb that works well and is slightly cheaper. Daily use here has keep the problem away.

Farm Gal

Thanks so much for the info about Zeasorb.  I found it on amazon so have ordered it.

harshedbuzz

Hi Farm Gal-

Another weird tip for jock itch is to put your socks on before your boxers- if you have any athlete's foot infection you can easily introduce it to the groin putting on underwear. 

HB

Farm Gal

HB, 

That is something I hadn't thought of , thanks.  I wear rubber gloves when cleaning him and then wash my hands thoroughly and I change his boxers every day.  I will be mindful of his socks.

Jo C.

Zeasorb is an antifungal powder; it can be found at many local stores including Target and others.   It is a bit more expensive product than others. 

Our experience with this product was that it is for preventive use; NOT for use during an outbreak of fungal rash when using the antifungal cream. 

We did note that it while it was an absorbent powder, it could "cake" with perspiration and we had to be careful to wash all of that off at daily showering.

J.

Farm Gal

Thanks Jo.  The rash is just about gone and I did order that Zeasorb so will use it when rash is gone.  Planning to use it daily.

My big problem is how to keep his hands out of his pants other than watching him constantly.  Anyone have any other ideas.  

Jo C.

Just saw this again . . . well; keeping his hands busy would be one way to go about it since clothing that closes down the back was a failure.

Are there "fidget" boxes, or other fidget devices that would keep his hands busy much of the time?  Sometimes small items or puzzle items can be helpful to keep hands busy.  Some folks have even bought or made  "fidget" lap aprons; one can find ideas online. How about adult coloring books with coloring pens or coloring pencils?  Puzzles?  Magazines with pictures? Bits of plastic pipe in a box with some nuts and screws?  A small box of those small building blocks with nubs on them - name is escaping me . . . .

Other than keeping him busy with fidgets or with other activities out of his chair or increased socialization with others if that is even possible, if he is sitting and mindlessly tucking his hads in, then that is his ingrained habit.  Would he go to adult daycare?   Occupying him may be the helpful answer.  Let us know if you have solved the problem, it may help someone else in such a position.

J.

Farm Gal

Hi Jo,  I have thought those ideas but have never been able to get him to do puzzles, coloring, look at photos or magazines.  Nothing!  All he will do is sit in his recliner watching TV.  He doesn't like to even go out of the house and is unable to walk well enough that we can't even do that.  

I  got the rash cleared up using Nystatin but continue to wash it each day and dry thoroughly then use  Zeasorb on it.  So far no problems again.  

Thanks so much for all the ideas and help!

elisny

I recommend you try  Remedy Phytoplex Antifungal Powder.

UnusedScreenName

If you can't get him to keep his hand out of his pants, maybe frequent hand washing would help?  Including under the nails, and keep the nails trimmed short.

Rebeccah

Farm Gal

Yes I wash his hands several times a day.  Actually I started back when Covid started and just told him we didn't want to get the virus.  Now he doesn't fuss when I walk up to him with a warm wash cloth that has soap on it.  

Actually I finally cleared up the rash already.  I believe that the washing with soap and water morning and night diligently and putting the prescription Nystatin on it finally did the trick.  After it cleared up totally I use Zeasorb powder on it every evening and still wash it in the evening when he goes to bed.

That Zeasorb powder is amazing.  It stays dry and powdery all day.  Thanks to @JJ401 for suggesting it!