Discoloration on scrotum from sexual activities -

Hello,

      I have a somewhat embarrassing problem. For the most part I am pretty comfortable with my body image.

When I was younger I engaged in activites that caused my scrotum to experience damage from fiction. "Dry humping" and vigorous rubbing on cloth materials etc. When the problem first manifested, I noticed patches of red irritation and massive amounts of flaking. My scrotum color which was normally somewhat dark, had huge noticable patches of red, irritated skin. My scrotum, when it has *ahem* shrivled (for lack of a better word) due to coldness, the patches of red are very noticable (especially in flourescent lighting) compared to the rest of the scrotum which is a much darker color. It was so noticable that a nurse, upon a routine physical examination of that area, made a comment to me about it. She said that it was from a burn. I know that it is not an STD because I had this problem well before I started having sex.

I'm 26 now and though it doesnt cause me too much discomfort, it does itch on occasion. What bothers me more is the appearance, the noticable contrast especially in certain states of the scrotum. Is there any kind of treatment to minimize the contrast and the ocassional itching? On my next visit I am going to ask my doctor to refer me to a dermatologist but any advice would help.

[irritated26]

Also, there is no flaking at this point. Also, is it possible that I should have done something when there was flaking? I know that when it started to flake there was more than likely irreversible damage done already. I know it is pointless to ask because I am 26 now and this occurred when I was 13 or 14. I would just like to know if there is any treatment out there for the appearance.

[irritated26]

I am bumping this in hopes that I get a decent answer one way or the other. My question still hasn't been answered. I am hoping that someone will be kind enough to give my question consideration.

[irritated26]

Once again, I can't let this post go to the bottom and until I see my doctor I just want an idea of any treatments there are. Any diagnosis or treatment would be greatly appreciated.

[irritated26]

bumpy bump bump. Still waiting...

[irritated26]

Yeah, I'm beginning to think that there is no worthwhile advice on this site. And some of the answers seems like cookie cutter, atuomated responsises. I guess that little yellow icon means nothing? I would greatly appreciate an answer.

[irritated26]

yeah once again, gotta keep this near the top

[irritated26]

bump n dump!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms as the red patches have been present for quite some time without any change, so one possibility can be of lichen simplex chronicus. It is thickening of the skin with variable scaling that arises secondary to repetitive scratching or rubbing. It presents as well-demarcated, lichenified, firm, rough plaques.

Topical steroids are the main treatment and antihistaminics are needed when there is itching. Since you are consulting a dermatologist, you can discuss this possibility with him.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.