Patchy pale white skin around scrotum and anus

Can someone help me identify the cause and cure of this skin condition?

Symptoms:
very pale white skin that is not raised or scaley
mildly itchy in the evenings
weak skin - when wiped or scratched or even just lightly rubbed to sooth the itching the skin comes away extremely easily
the skin is not unusually dry

Location:
a ring around the base of the penis
the underside of the scrotum leading round to the anus

Previous help sought:
I previously went to my GP about the problem who suspected it might be vitiligo but prescribed a course of anti-fungal cream which had no effect.
I do not believe it is vitiligo as the skin becomes itchy and when friction is applied such as wiping the skin comes away extremly easily occasionally causing a small wound or cut.

Previously tried treatments:
Anti-fungal cream
Athletes foot cream
E45 cream
Canesten cream
Sudocrem

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
For such symptoms lichen sclerosus and vitiligo need to be ruled out. Lichen sclerosus is a chronic disease which effects usually the genital areas. The exact cause is not known and can be too active immune system and hormone problems. Some people have also proposed a genetic and hereditary basis of disease.

I suggest you to discuss this possibility with a dermatologist.

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.