Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Recurrent balanitis and jock itch
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Recurrent balanitis and jock itch
by davebest2001, Jul 10, 2005 12:00AM
Hi,
I live in Dublin, Ireland
I have always had problems with my foreskin/penis.About 5 years ago I was diagnosed as having herpes by a dermatologist.I was shocked to hear this as I never had blisters on my penis.He never conducted any examinations before coming to this conclusion e.g. no blood test, no swab, no urine sample.I went to another STD expert who conducted all the tests and told me that I was clear of all STDs and that I merely had balanitis.He told me to take salt baths and put Caldesene powder on the affected area.I tried this for two months solid but it didn't really work well because my foreskin still felt very sore.I was getting swollen foreskins and recurrent smelly discharges that would last for about two days and clear up once I kept washing my penis.
Anyway, I then got a torsion in my right testicle and had to have it removed.I have since had a heavy silicone implant inserted in it's place.This is probably not relevant to my main query.
Six months ago, I contacted a urologist about my recurrent balanitis and he suggested a circumcision.I had this done in January 05.I have healed totally from my circumcision BUT I still have a soreness around the area where the top of my foreskin used to be e.g. just under the hood of the glans.
I also have a very itchy scrotum BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS when I am lying down.It doesn't itch when I stand up.
I am now very confused because I don't think the circumcision has sorted out my problem which has always been a sore penis.I have always had pain when penetrating a woman and all I want is to be free of this pain.
Would you think from my descriptions that I still have balanitis even though the foreskin is gone ? It doesn't itch at all or I don't get a discharge but it is still very sore when I come into contact with a woman.
I have bad eczema on my legs for the past number of years.Could I have eczema in my groin as well ?
I took a tablet for thrush and I also took antifungal creams and put the cream on my scrotum but it is still itchy.
I was wondering if the cure to my problems would be a steroid cream on my penis and scrotum or could I have something far more serious like eczema ?
Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.
I live in Dublin, Ireland
I have always had problems with my foreskin/penis.About 5 years ago I was diagnosed as having herpes by a dermatologist.I was shocked to hear this as I never had blisters on my penis.He never conducted any examinations before coming to this conclusion e.g. no blood test, no swab, no urine sample.I went to another STD expert who conducted all the tests and told me that I was clear of all STDs and that I merely had balanitis.He told me to take salt baths and put Caldesene powder on the affected area.I tried this for two months solid but it didn't really work well because my foreskin still felt very sore.I was getting swollen foreskins and recurrent smelly discharges that would last for about two days and clear up once I kept washing my penis.
Anyway, I then got a torsion in my right testicle and had to have it removed.I have since had a heavy silicone implant inserted in it's place.This is probably not relevant to my main query.
Six months ago, I contacted a urologist about my recurrent balanitis and he suggested a circumcision.I had this done in January 05.I have healed totally from my circumcision BUT I still have a soreness around the area where the top of my foreskin used to be e.g. just under the hood of the glans.
I also have a very itchy scrotum BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS when I am lying down.It doesn't itch when I stand up.
I am now very confused because I don't think the circumcision has sorted out my problem which has always been a sore penis.I have always had pain when penetrating a woman and all I want is to be free of this pain.
Would you think from my descriptions that I still have balanitis even though the foreskin is gone ? It doesn't itch at all or I don't get a discharge but it is still very sore when I come into contact with a woman.
I have bad eczema on my legs for the past number of years.Could I have eczema in my groin as well ?
I took a tablet for thrush and I also took antifungal creams and put the cream on my scrotum but it is still itchy.
I was wondering if the cure to my problems would be a steroid cream on my penis and scrotum or could I have something far more serious like eczema ?
Any suggestions or help would be appreciated.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Jul 11, 2005 12:00AM
, Jul 11, 2005 12:00AM
Balanitis is just another way of saying eczema of the penis. Eczema of the penis is just sensitivity and is not serious. Yes, a steroid cream would be worth trying. This may help the discomfort, though it may not eliminate it. You should see a dermatologist about diagnosing and managing this. There may be some residual irritation, both physical and psychological, from the various problems you've had down there, including the unfounded concern about herpes.
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
Best.
Dr. Rockoff
What would your opinion be about my jock itch ? I've noticed the itching only happens when I am lying down and affects my testicles and the underside of my penis.I've inspected the area with a mirror and there is no redness or discolouration at all.
Dr. Rockoff