Reversal of Corticosteroid Damage?

For about a year, on and off, I was prescribed various anti-fungal and hydro-cortisone ointment and creams by my doctor, and later my dermatologist to deal with itching on my scrotum and at the base of my penis shaft (where it meets the scrotum). No treatments seemed to help, so I eventually gave up on all prescription, about a year later and hoped the issue would resolve itself. It has now been a year since I gave up on doctors, and nearly two years since my problem began (august of 2009), and I find that my scrotal skin is hypersensitive. Just wearing pants causes me to experience itching and soreness. I don't know if its normal because i can't really remember how the skin used to look, but there is a "shinyness" about the skin, particularly where the penis hangs over the scrotum. In addition, the fordyce spots in this area are extra pronounced. I did a bit of my own internet research, having given up on my doc, and came across some unsettling information about steroid induced skin atrophy. I am in a panic that the cortisone treatments have permanently damaged my skin. Is this likely? I notice no striae, which i've read indicate atrophy, but the skin does seem to have lost some of its colour, and is, as i mentioned before, "shinyer"than before. Is soreness and itching a symptom of atrophy? Will the atrophy be resolved over time on its own? (I am only 20 yrs old.) In my panic I have searched the web for methods of reversing atrophy, and have come across a great deal of information about a product called "Tretinoin," which apparently helps to reverse skin atrophy. Is it advisable to use this or something similar on an area so sensitive as the scrotum? Obviously I will return to my dermatologist in person to ask, but I was hoping to get some insight from you. This condition is severely depressing as it is always on my mind.  

[rio_branco]

Corticosteroid/cortisone creams have indeed been reported to cause problems to so many people. I was prescribed a Hydrocortisone by my dermatologist for this hypo-pigmentation on my penis. But after doing some research I realized it's not safe for a long-term use. I only used it for a week and immediately discontinued after knowing that it could cause skin atrophy. Hydrocortisone applied on other areas but your genitals might not be as dangerous as if you apply it on your penis, because penis skin is a lot thinner than the rest of the body.

There is another post on this forum by a guy who's gonna sue a derm in California for prescribing him Hydrocortisone without informing him that applying it on your penis might result in serious consequences (he described the exact same conditions that you're experiencing). You might want to search and take a look at it.  

All the best!!

[jimmy199]

That's the last thing i wanted to hear :(

[jimmy199]

I really would like to hear a doctors opinion, this is getting me so down. An expert opinion would help me think more clearly.

[rio_branco]

I'm sorry, didn't mean to get you down... I'm very sure there are treatments available for your condition, you'd just have to see a dermatologist right away (please visit a good one this time). Meanwhile maybe Dr. Bhupinder has something to say...Dr?

Keep your chin up! ;)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Using on and off corticosetroids is less likely to cause steroid induced atrophy skin. It is only after using topical steroids for a long time that this side effect results. However in your case from the symptoms that you have described i.e thin, red and shiny skin, this possibility cannot be denied. But on the positive note, since you used it off and on it should be mild and reversible.

I don’t suggest the use of tretinoin without a medical supervision as it may cause more harm than good. Instead, you can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult 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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.