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Can I Apply Lamisil For Sores On Scrotum?
Question: I have genital sores on my scrotum and penis for about 3 days. I have incontinence and believe that is the reason. It itched at first and now they are sores. Can I apply an antifungal cream such as Lamisil?
Brief Answer:
What to use depends on the underlying cause of the sores.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry about the sores you are experiencing. What to use depends on what is causing the sores.
If the sores are from the skin breaking down due to being exposed to urine, I would recommend Zinc Oxide ointment or "Vitamin A & D ointment" (both are sold at drug stores). These will help heal the skin and protect the skin from further break down from moisture and irritation from the urine.
Candida, which is a yeast (which likes warm moist environments), can cause diaper rash and can cause a rash if there is incontinence. It usually makes "satellite lesions" which are little rashes next to the main rash. Here is a picture of candida of the groin: http://www.dermnet.com/images/Candida-Groin/picture/10087 For a yeast overgrowth I would recommend an anti yeast cream such as Lotrimin.
Fungal infection of the groin (which is usually ringworm - Tinea Cruris) is usually brownish red and is usually located where the leg fold is (groin) and extends down the thigh. The location of your sores are not typical for ringworm. If it is fungal, Lamisil would be appropriate. It might take up to 14 days for the Lamisil to work and 1 month for it to completely clear a fungal infection. Lotrimin can be used for either fungal or candida/yeast infection so you may want to skip the Lamisil if you think it is fungal or yeast but don't know which one.
Whether it is from skin irritation and break down from urine, or a fungal or yeast overgrowth, I would advise that if at all possible, you designate some time each day where you soak your genitals well, such as in a bath or sitz bath, dry the area well, and then just have the area exposed to air for a while, with no undergarments on. Do this for at least several minutes but the longer the better. This will help speed the healing. The soak will remove the irritating dried urine from the skin, and the dry air and light will promote the healing. Reapply the ointment or cream before you get dressed again, but leave it off while you are drying out/exposing yourself to air and light.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
What to use depends on the underlying cause of the sores.
Detailed Answer:
I am sorry about the sores you are experiencing. What to use depends on what is causing the sores.
If the sores are from the skin breaking down due to being exposed to urine, I would recommend Zinc Oxide ointment or "Vitamin A & D ointment" (both are sold at drug stores). These will help heal the skin and protect the skin from further break down from moisture and irritation from the urine.
Candida, which is a yeast (which likes warm moist environments), can cause diaper rash and can cause a rash if there is incontinence. It usually makes "satellite lesions" which are little rashes next to the main rash. Here is a picture of candida of the groin: http://www.dermnet.com/images/Candida-Groin/picture/10087 For a yeast overgrowth I would recommend an anti yeast cream such as Lotrimin.
Fungal infection of the groin (which is usually ringworm - Tinea Cruris) is usually brownish red and is usually located where the leg fold is (groin) and extends down the thigh. The location of your sores are not typical for ringworm. If it is fungal, Lamisil would be appropriate. It might take up to 14 days for the Lamisil to work and 1 month for it to completely clear a fungal infection. Lotrimin can be used for either fungal or candida/yeast infection so you may want to skip the Lamisil if you think it is fungal or yeast but don't know which one.
Whether it is from skin irritation and break down from urine, or a fungal or yeast overgrowth, I would advise that if at all possible, you designate some time each day where you soak your genitals well, such as in a bath or sitz bath, dry the area well, and then just have the area exposed to air for a while, with no undergarments on. Do this for at least several minutes but the longer the better. This will help speed the healing. The soak will remove the irritating dried urine from the skin, and the dry air and light will promote the healing. Reapply the ointment or cream before you get dressed again, but leave it off while you are drying out/exposing yourself to air and light.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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