Genital and General itch

[jim_daverson]

Hi

My problem is for the last 14 months I have itching sensation around my penis and on my testicals and in the folds between where my genitals join my legs.  The itching is strongest after I have been wearing the one set of clothes and underwear (so happens at work towards 5pm).  A shower will provide relief.  The annoying thing was 15 months ago, everything was completely normal with no sensation at all, then suddenly around October 09, I started to itch.

I have seen 4 doctors and 1 demotologist.  The demotologist is unsure what is causing this, but thinks it may be an allergic reaction.

I have tried hydrocorzine, clotrimzole, and other topical anti-fungal medications.  I have tried taking antihistermines for the last 3 months.  I have changed soaps, laundary poweders and regularly mosturised.

I have been tested for:
Stds - negative
Allergies (IgA levels were elevated)
Coeliac - negative

The only visable symptoms are some slight dryness below my scrotum where the skin connects to the body on both sides, and some inflamation of the urethral opening and an occasional red rash (see photo) when itching is particularly strong.

On a recent trip to sri lanka I was taking antihistermines, and felt very good with little or no itching, then a week after returning home, I was progressively itching again.  This got me thinking that it may be diet or something where I live that is triggering the event (although I had no reaction to my home/washing machine/water for the 1 year I lived there before the itching started).

Sweating seems to make it worse - during exercise it is fine, but if I am just sitting and it starts to get hot, then I will itch with a kind of sensation like small beads of water are running down the creases.

Weirdly my armpits and feet itch as well, but I'm not sure it is related to the genital itch - the demotologist seemed to think it wasn't (but still took scrapings, which were negative for any fungus).

Any idea what is causing this?  Any ideas for treatment?

[circulartrend]

I would see your dermatoligist again or see a different one. Also mention to your derm what that the derm on this board.

[jim_daverson]

hi, the dermatologist took the samples a few months ago. The results were negative. It is really starting to bother me as it goes in waves with the itch getting stronger about 6 days ago. I've tried to get relief by applying topical fermented carica papaya which worked for a couple of days then the itch has flared up again. It is very uncomfortable. The dermatologist has recommended the antihistamines and acknowledges he doesn't know what is going on.  i'm taking antihistamines  now and they aren't working, i'm at a loss.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since your dermatologist has taken the skin scrapings samples to check out any fungal infection, so you should wait for the report to come back. If there is uncertainty in report then you may request skin scrapings and a biopsy of the genital region also.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[jim_daverson]

Thanks, since the demotologist took scrapings of the soles of my feet and armpits to check for fungus, should I then get scrapings taken of the genital area?

Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms it can be fungal infection, dermatitis or eczema skin. I would suggest you to get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings done and if it comes positive then a fungal culture done to confirm the diagnosis as fungal infection. A biopsy of the skin will also help in confirming the diagnosis. This is because none of the treatments that you have taken has helped you. Also try wearing cotton underwear instead of polyster ones.

I sincerely hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[jim_daverson]

i should also add that my upper inner thighs are itchy as well.

Thanks!

[jim_daverson]

i should also add that my upper inner thighs are itchy as well.

Thanks!