Could the over use of an anti-fungal cause skin redness? It's been another 6 days of clotrimazole and before this was around 2 weeks of Butenafine hydrochloride 1%. It's appearing my scrotum is more red than it was, however the symptoms, which is just that "talcum powder like" feeling are not any worse and have gotten better, although seemingly slower than desired.
Also, it seems to be at a point where if irritation occurs at all, it's later at night --- does this point to anything in particular?
Thanks
Hi!
Yes, symptom wise, it does sound like jock itch (or Tinea cruris infection/sometimes also caused by candida). Though it is called jock itch, it may not itch always. Usually a reddish rash or area of darkened or tanned skin appears on penis/scrotum/groin fold/adjacent thighs. This is often accompanied by a burning or tingling sensation.
Also the diagnosis of jock itch appears to be correct since the sensation responded to application of an antifungal and the rash has dried up and is becoming scaly. The treatment may take about 4-5 weeks to produce complete results.
Choice of antifungal: Tinea cruris infection responds better to azole or allylamine type of anti-fungals. But since without analyzing skin scrapings, it is difficult to say whether the infection is caused by tinea or by candida, allylamine group of antifungals which are effective against both groups of fungi should be used. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist regarding this. This is available as Terbinafine, Butenafine, Amorolfin etc. Otherwise Azole group of antifungals such as clotrimazole, ketokonazole, albaconazole etc can be used. These are very effective against Tinea cruris.
What you can do: Many OTC products containing the above mentioned drugs are available (a combination of any of the following: Clotrimazole 1%, Miconazole nitrate 2%, Tolnaftate 1%, ketoconazole 1%, terfibnafine 1% and Butenafine hydrochloride 1%), your pharmacist can help. Try a combination of two and apply until the rash you see disappears. After the tingling sensation and dryness goes, you have to continue applying for at least another 2 weeks for the infection to be completely cured from the lower most layer of the skin. The cause for persistence is that the treatment is often left in between. Wash your hands well and dry them properly both before and after the application. Using a dusting spray/powder with any of these medications also helps keep the area dry and facilitates healing.
Meanwhile test for blood sugar level to see if it is high for diabetes too can prevent resolution of fungal infection. Keep the area as dry as possible. Wear cotton undergarments as this soaks sweat well. If the infection persists or worsens in the coming 2-3 weeks, please consult a skin specialist immediately.
Having said all this, I would caution you that I am going only by the symptoms you mentioned and the fact that there is improvement with the antifungal medication you used (other possibilities are eczema and dermatitis or allergic reaction to something). At any time, it is always advisable to consult a doctor who can examine you.
However, I sincerely hope my advice will help treat your symptoms effectively. Good Luck and take care!
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I can understand your concern. But the good thing is that there was no itching, pain, blisters or any penile discharge which could have pointed towards a sexually transmitted disease. It could have been the start of a fungal infection or could have been irritation due to rubbing of clothes. Even sweat dermatitis can present like this.
For the same I suggest you to stop applying anything, use mild soaps like Dove, wear cotton clothes and use plain Vaseline. It has been quite some time since you have been using Lotrimin and since the symptoms are almost gone now with a little bit dry skin persisting, you can stop using it.
Also use lubrication during intercourse or masturbation. If the symptoms persist you can add 1% hydrocortisone to the regimen.
Hope that this information helps and hope that you will get better soon.
Wishing you good health.