Dry Irratated skin on the lower side of scrotum.

I'm a 22 year old male and I developed this problem 2 or 3years ago, it hasn't gotten any worse, but it hasn't gotten any better and I was hoping that I could get some advice for remedy before I sought a dermatologist. On the lower side of the scrotum I have extremely dry skin that sometimes peels and cracks, sometimes it is worse than others and it improves noticeably after I shower, however even after a shower the skin on the irritated area is noticeably  whiter than the surrounding skin, I was wondering if this indeed was a sign of Psoriasis or Eczema and if there are any topical treatments that I could test. Also, I am somewhat sexually active, but none of my sexual partners have reported any problems to me.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

From the symptoms you have mentioned, it seems to be a case of Eczema. It is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema.
Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If the symptoms persist then other possibilities like psoriasis,lichen sclerosis and balanitis xerotica obliterans have to be ruled out.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.