Rash on scrotum, won't go away

I have had a rash on my scrotum for a few months. It was very itchy at its onset, to the point that I could not sleep, and I tried to ignore it for awhile until the pain was too much. I started using an over the counter medication (Tinactin) - it helped the itching go away a little, but it was still itchy and red after about two weeks of usage. I went to the doctor, who prescribed me two creams, Ketoconazole and Triamcinolone (I know one of these was a steroid). This also helped a bit with the itching, but the rash was still red after about two weeks of treatment. Again I went to the doctor and he prescribed me a powder (Nystatin). This seemed to help the most, as inflammation seemed to go down, but again after about two weeks of usage, the rash remains red. I know that all these medications are antifungals, so I'm pretty sure it's not a fungus. The only thing I can think that it would be at this point is herpes, even though I have no other symptoms (i.e. fever, blisters, cold sores, pain during urination, etc.). I have had a few canker sores inside my mouth, but that's it. I know that herpes sometimes is very mild in its symptoms, and even though my doctor said that my chances for an STD are very small given my sexual history (5ish times receiving oral sex, 0 times intercourse), I see no other explanation outside of herpes at this point. Am I right? Is there anything else that it could be?

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

“Itchy and red” scrotum after multiple anti-inflammatory treatment options have failed points toward Scabies or Pediculosis pubis.


FYI - If you have any doubts in regards to genital herpes you can always get tested.


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic