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What Causes Itching Sensation On Inner Thighs, Scrotum And Penis?
Question: i am a 55 year old male with eczema. i recently have developed a severe condition on my inner thighs, scrotum and penis of inflamed itchy skin. i initially thought it was jock itch so i started treating it with lotrimin which after a several weeks had no resolution and seemed to only worsen the condition. i then visited my gp who prescribed KETOCONAZOLE 2% CREAM 30GM which i applied to my thighs, scrotum and penis as instructed. my condition immediately worsened and i ceased use. the skin on my scrotum and penis is now severely itchy and red like a chemical burn with cracked skin on my scrotum. my inner thighs are red and inflamed and very itchy. i revisited my gp who did a swab and instructed me to cease use of all topicals until test results come back. he thinks it eczema not a fungal infection despite what i consider to be an abnormal odor on my groin. needless to say i am quite miserable and perplexed as to why i cannot get a clear diagnosis and/or treatment. i have read about topical steroid addiction and red scrotum syndrome both of which describe my condition which is plausible since i was prescribed and used 2.5% cortisone cream on my groin off and on for a few months. thanks in advance for any insight/advice you may have.
Brief Answer:
Need to stop steroid application
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
I have seen the attached pictures.
From the details that you have provided and also clinically, I think you have developed topical steroid addiction in the groin skin . But at the same time ,I also see signs of a fungal infection which seems to be modified due to steroid .
Now in cases like yours ,regular treatment with an antifungal cream is required along with oral antihistamine drugs to relieve the
itching and irritation due to steroid withdrawal.
You should surely stop application of any steroid creams over the area since it will only worsen your problems .
You need to know that completely stopping the application of steroid can lead to a sudden increase in itching and irritation.
Just take some oral antihistamines,keep the area adequately moisturised by application of some good moisturisers and apply an antifungal agent twice daily for atleast two weeks .Since you have used other antifungal agents without much relief ,you can use clotrimazole now.
Wear cotton undergarments.
Avoid scratching the area .
Following the above regimen will surely require a lot of patience on your part ,but I am sure it would be of help .
Dr Geetika Paul
Need to stop steroid application
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I am able to help you in the same.
I have seen the attached pictures.
From the details that you have provided and also clinically, I think you have developed topical steroid addiction in the groin skin . But at the same time ,I also see signs of a fungal infection which seems to be modified due to steroid .
Now in cases like yours ,regular treatment with an antifungal cream is required along with oral antihistamine drugs to relieve the
itching and irritation due to steroid withdrawal.
You should surely stop application of any steroid creams over the area since it will only worsen your problems .
You need to know that completely stopping the application of steroid can lead to a sudden increase in itching and irritation.
Just take some oral antihistamines,keep the area adequately moisturised by application of some good moisturisers and apply an antifungal agent twice daily for atleast two weeks .Since you have used other antifungal agents without much relief ,you can use clotrimazole now.
Wear cotton undergarments.
Avoid scratching the area .
Following the above regimen will surely require a lot of patience on your part ,but I am sure it would be of help .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you for your diagnosis. this is what i suspected however i am perplexed as to why the lotrimin and ketoconozole did nothing to clear the fungal infection? also, i am wary of further use of anti-fungal since the last application caused what i would call a chemical burn. is clotrimazole milder? must i get a prescription or is it orc? what strength do you recommend? also, do you recommend a anti-fungal soap? if not what type of soap? i have been drying my groin after bathing with a blow dryer on medium heat. is this ok? fyi, i take benedryl and it has no effect. i have also used zyrtec with no results. any ideas? thanks in advance for your reply.
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Need to follow regimen
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
You should avoid using a dryer since it might aggravate the eczema . Just dry the area with a towel.
Clotrimazole is available as an Otc agent .Apply it twice daily .
In addition ,to prevent irritation and excess dryness ,apply a moisturiser regularly to the area two to three times daily .
Use a normal mild soap for washing the area.Do not use any harsh soaps ,antiseptics of things like dettol .Do not apply oil .
Since Benadryl is not helping you much ,you can take tablet levocetrizine at night regularly for a week. It will take care of the itching and irritation .
I am sure the above measures will help you.
Dr Geetika Paul
Need to follow regimen
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
You should avoid using a dryer since it might aggravate the eczema . Just dry the area with a towel.
Clotrimazole is available as an Otc agent .Apply it twice daily .
In addition ,to prevent irritation and excess dryness ,apply a moisturiser regularly to the area two to three times daily .
Use a normal mild soap for washing the area.Do not use any harsh soaps ,antiseptics of things like dettol .Do not apply oil .
Since Benadryl is not helping you much ,you can take tablet levocetrizine at night regularly for a week. It will take care of the itching and irritation .
I am sure the above measures will help you.
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you once again. i have phoned my gp and asked for a scrip for the antihistamine.i will continue with your other recommendations.
i meant to ask you what your opinion of beach baths. i presently take a bleach bath 2-3x per week. 1/3 cup bleach to full bath.
best regards...
i meant to ask you what your opinion of beach baths. i presently take a bleach bath 2-3x per week. 1/3 cup bleach to full bath.
best regards...
Brief Answer:
You may continue with bleach baths
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
There is no problem in continuing the bleach baths although I don't think it would be very useful in your case as well .
Dr Geetika Paul
You may continue with bleach baths
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
There is no problem in continuing the bleach baths although I don't think it would be very useful in your case as well .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
fyi, i have suffered from eczema for over 20 years with worsening conditions over the past 5. i was wondering what you thoughts are on diet and dietary supplements for treatment of a.d. doctors in the u.s. typically do not believe in these modes. what is your opinion/advice?
Brief Answer:
Not much Change in diet
Detailed Answer:
Well,the current evidence in the field of atopic dermatitis does not favour any such lifestyle modifications especially at your age .
It is more important to maintain a healthy skin and healthy skin barrier by using adequate good lotions meant for your skin type .
I would personally not recommend any special diet change to you .
Dr Geetika Paul
Not much Change in diet
Detailed Answer:
Well,the current evidence in the field of atopic dermatitis does not favour any such lifestyle modifications especially at your age .
It is more important to maintain a healthy skin and healthy skin barrier by using adequate good lotions meant for your skin type .
I would personally not recommend any special diet change to you .
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
since we're on the subject i should tell you this is not my only problem, in fact the groin area is just the most recent area to be affected however it the most disturbing for obvious reasons. i am presently having a pretty severe flare up and i wanted your thoughts on the issues on my face. i have attached another photo which shows the denis-morgan lines as well as cracking above my eyes and on my lower lip along with severe dry skin. please note i drink a lot of water, typically 64+ ozs per day. i also take multi-vitamins, fish oil, glutamine and probiotics. my diet is on the heathy side with no soft drinks, no fast food, no junk food, fresh fruit/veg, nuts and healthy home cooked meals most often fish. regarding bathing, i was instructed by my dermatologist to wash my face with head and shoulders w/zinc pyrithione since i also have severe dandruff. all in all i am quite miserable with this condition consuming me every waking moment. i am in the process of signing up for a dupilumab clinical trial. i appreciate any guidance you can give me to treat my present condition without the use of steroids. thank you.
Brief Answer:
Lifestyle changes
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I can see that tou are suffering from severe adult atopic dermatitis .
As you already know ,steroids form the mainstay of treatment in such cases but they have their own limitations .
I can see that you practise adequate care in the type of diet you take and your lifestyle .
Since very convincing and healing therapies are not available for a case like yours ,it round be a great step to register yourself for the trial .
Adequate moisturisation forms the base for your skin type and offers relieve from the problem .
Hope it helps
Dr Geetika Paul
Lifestyle changes
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I can see that tou are suffering from severe adult atopic dermatitis .
As you already know ,steroids form the mainstay of treatment in such cases but they have their own limitations .
I can see that you practise adequate care in the type of diet you take and your lifestyle .
Since very convincing and healing therapies are not available for a case like yours ,it round be a great step to register yourself for the trial .
Adequate moisturisation forms the base for your skin type and offers relieve from the problem .
Hope it helps
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you
Brief Answer:
Best of health
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome
Wishing you speedy recovery
Dr Geetika Paul
Best of health
Detailed Answer:
You are most welcome
Wishing you speedy recovery
Dr Geetika Paul
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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