'Red Bag' Syndrome

Approximately 4 years ago, I began having a severe burning rash.  The Dermatologist said that it was called "Red Bag" syndrome and there was really no cure for it.  He prescribed hyrocortisone tablets.  I have also consulted an Internist and Urologist and several things were tried but nothing ever cleared this up completely. I have been told that it is not a fungus or yeast infection.  I have been treated with different strengths of Triamcinolone and Silvadine.  I have also been treated with Doxipen, Lamisil, anti-inflammatories, antibiotics and prednisone

From time to time the rash and burning pain would lessen but it never did go away 100%.

The Dermatologist suggested that I seek out information from other Dermatologists to see if there might be some new treatment developed during the last few years.

I have had to change my lifestyle completely because of the severity of the problem.  I cannot sit or ride for long periods of time without being in agony.

I would certainly appreciate any ideas you might have on this problem as well as any new information available from the past 4 years.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

There are no new treatments that I know of.

I would suggest that you avoid any actve medications: cortisones, antifungals, antibacterials, etc.  

Wash with Cetaphi, moisturize daily with Cetaphil lotion, and apply a heavier moisturizer (Aquaphor) at bedtime.

Ask your druggist for moleskin pads to limit friction below thew scrotum.

Wit palliative treatment like this and lots of patience (3-6 months), I haven't seen a single patient over the years whose condtion didn't subside.  The key is avoidance of active medications and patience.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff

[DermKid]

Just for education, what exactly is "red bag syndrome" and any idea as to why it occurs?

[jserpico22]

A related discussion, Red Bag Syndrome was started.

[lamb72]

A related discussion, Redscrotumsyndrome was started.

[Mike19832]

Hey i saw your post about red bag syndrum. I think i have the same problem. Mine started with a jockitch like rash on my crack and in between my legs and then my scrotum. I took atifungil creams from walmart and eventually the rash went away. But what i was left with was a sometimes red and refracted scrotum. I went to the doctor. He gave me pills and cream for yeast infection. Didnt notice any real improvement. That was a year ago. My scrotum seems to be reall retracted just before q bowel movement but after i relaxes a little but and is really. Hours later usually at night it looks perfect no red or retracting. But this happens every day.  I do not put any active i gredients on it any more. I have been washing with cetaphil soap and it seems let irritated.  Do you think washing with cetiphil and moisturizing every day will help me as well