Eczema on testicles and upper legs

[Scott]

For most of my life I have had dry scaly skin that itches and cracks on my testicles and perneal area. I have tried several different creams and such, but nothing seems to help. I have read several of the posts here and you have suggested using hydrocortozone, however, I am allergic to it. Do you have any other suggestions? Is this ezcema (eczema) or something else?

Thanks for you time.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Scott:

Please forgive me, but on what basis do you say you are "allergic" to hydrocortisone.  Allergy to this medication is something I have not encountered in 20 years of practice.  Do you perhaps mean that your skin reddened after applying it?  That whatever condition you were treating appeared elsewhere or recurred in the same place?  If so, these are not allergies.

Oridnary moisturizers are a little better than nothing, but not much.  My advice is to try hydrocortisone: you really have nothing to lose, and if you see substantial results in a couple of days, as you are likely to do, then you'll feel better and you'll also have unlearned something erroneous about skin allergy.

If you don't improve, of course you ought to consult a physician.

Best.

Dr. R

[Scott]

It isn't that my skin just reddened, the itching intensified greatly and I developed hives. I guess I am just a freak of nature. :o)

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Scott:

If you insist.  But just because something happened once, doesn't mean it must happen every time.  You're really not doing yourself a favor by forbidding yourself hydrocortisone, but I guess that's your choice to do.

Good luck.

Dr. R