HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes An Itchy Rash On The Scrotum?

default
Posted on Tue, 6 Sep 2016
Question: My husband has a rash on his ball sack. It is itchy and burns. Lots of moisture also is seeping from the sack.The rash has spread to the surrounding area between his legs. It is hot to the touch.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yeast/fungal infection vs cellulitis.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

This sounds uncomfortable! The rash you are describing could be a yeast infection or fungal infection, in which case regular use of an antiyeast/antifungal cream such as clotrimazole for 1-2 weeks would help. But I am concerned about the oozing and that it is hot to touch. This could mean cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the soft tissue that requires an antibiotic. For this reason, I don't feel comfortable telling you to have him use an anti yeast/antifungal cream without being seen first. Cellulitis can be a serious infection. So please have him go in to an urgent care clinic or ER promptly.

I'd be happy to provide further information after he has been seen in person.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (19 minutes later)
Thank you for your response. We will seek care soon.


What would the causes be for a yeast infection in a man?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (55 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Conditions for yeast.

Detailed Answer:
Yeast live all over our skin, and a yeast infection is really just an overgrowth of the yeast because of either an exposure or if the conditions are right. Good conditions for yeast to grow are increased heat and moisture, and in some cases increased blood sugar (pre diabetes or diabetes). Also a decrease in one's immunity which can happen when a person has had an infection or prolonged stress.

If the redness and heat are spreading, don't wait for him to be seen, please, as I want to make sure this isn't cellulitis.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (32 minutes later)
Thank you, what exactly is cellulitis and how is it contracted?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
information

Detailed Answer:
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the underlying soft tissue and skin, and can spread rapidly. Since it is a bacterial infection, if it gets into the blood stream it can become serious. It is treated with heat (but not on the scrotum) if it is on an area that is easy to soak or apply heat to such as a foot or arm. But if it spreads or the person is ill, or it is a location that you don't want to heat up (such as the genitals), an oral antibiotic is necessary.

People can get cellulitis from a scratch or other opening in the skin.

If you are not going in for him to be seen tonight, he should soak in a warm tub, XXXXXXX the skin dry, then dry the scrotal skin further with a blow dryers set on the lowest setting (so it doesn't burn the skin). Wear clean cotton boxer shorts.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (43 hours later)
Just wanted to let you know, we went to urgent care last night. He did have a bacterial infection. Thank you for your guidance. He is now on antibiotics and 2 different types of cream
doctor
Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
So glad he went in to be seen for this.

Detailed Answer:
I am very glad he went in to be seen!

And thank you for letting me know that he went in and his diagnosis. That is a relief to me.

I hope his infection resolves quickly now.

Best regards,
Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, MD
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes An Itchy Rash On The Scrotum?

Brief Answer: Yeast/fungal infection vs cellulitis. Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome, This sounds uncomfortable! The rash you are describing could be a yeast infection or fungal infection, in which case regular use of an antiyeast/antifungal cream such as clotrimazole for 1-2 weeks would help. But I am concerned about the oozing and that it is hot to touch. This could mean cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the soft tissue that requires an antibiotic. For this reason, I don't feel comfortable telling you to have him use an anti yeast/antifungal cream without being seen first. Cellulitis can be a serious infection. So please have him go in to an urgent care clinic or ER promptly. I'd be happy to provide further information after he has been seen in person.