Brown skin on scrotum and penis shaft

[mark_p]

Hi,

I have a very bad 'rash' all over my srotum and inner thighs which does not seem to want to go away. I thought initially it was jock itch, but various creams or powder did not shift it. The crease of the thighs is slightly redder and smoother than the rest and is usually very hot and clammy, and sometimes omits an odor. The worrying thing is now my scrotum (especially on the underside close to the anus) and most of the penis shaft seem to have turned a dark brown colour all over. I think it could be lichen simplex but not sure (possibly due to clothes rubbing, my jeans are quite tight now I've put weight back on).  My doctor prescribed Timodine cream but this does not seem to be helping. About 3 months ago I suffered from severe depression, and right now I'm going through rapid hair loss which I think is possibly a telogen effluvium. Could this all be a hormonal problem, or is it lichen?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I doubt that it is lichen simplex (eczema), because that would produce thickened scaling and thus would not be smooth.  I suspect mild chafing, which might be best treated with no active medications at all, just powder.  The brown color may be secondary to mild irritation, in which case it is best ignored and left to fade on its own.  (Are you quite sure the "brown color" is new and different--is it possible you never looked carefully before?)

As usual, I am compelled to refer you to a skin specialist who can evaluate you in person and offer treatment, if any is needed.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[mark_p]

Thanks! I usually wear boxer shorts, but it seems they ride up inside the jeans and rub a lot on the crotch. I've now bought some 'jockey shorts', like briefs but they extend down each leg. I wore them today for the first time with some talc powder, and the irritation was *much* less, so this looks like chafing is the culprit! I'm seeing a dermatologist anyway, but thanks again.

Mark.