Itching problem

[Famm2011]

I have had a problem with itching in my groin since I was in middle school.  I am 23 now.  At first I thought it was jock itch and I treated it as such with several over the counter creams and sprays.  But there was never any burning sensation to go along with the itching.  My penis, pelvis, testicles, and inner thighs have an intense itching sensation.  In the morning and at night is usually the worst.  I thought it might be crabs, but I never was able to find anything and I have never had sexual intercourse.  And I'm certain that it cant be an STD.  There are no bumps, no rashes, no anything.  I also itch on my chest, face, and back.  I think most of this is due to the large amounts of Benzo yl Peroxide I put on these parts of my body to prevent acne.  It works well, but it causes my skin to be dry.  But it is possible that whatever is causing the itching in my groin is also causing the intense itching on the trunk of my body as well.  PLEASE HELP!, this has been tormenting me for years and even the dermatologist I went to didnt help me.  I am willing to try just about anything.  

[Famm2011]

Thank you so much for your help.  I will implement some of your suggestions.  I think these will work for the trunk of my body, but I think my groin area is something more than dry skin.  Thanks again, this was very helpful.  I will be making an appointment with a Dermatologist soon.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Itchy skin that isn't accompanied by other obvious skin changes, such as a rash, is most often caused by dry skin (xerosis). Dry skin usually results from environmental factors that you can wholly or partially control. These include hot or cold weather with low humidity levels, long-term use of air conditioning or central heating, and washing or bathing too much.
In your case it can be due to excessive usage of benzoyl peroxide. The mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day.You can also use a topical cortisone (steroid) cream or ointment like dermacort(hydrocortisone). Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persist then possibility of eczema or atopic dermatitis needs to be ruled out. 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.