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.

[needhelp201_2]

Hi Jimmy

I have the same skin problem as yours. Is your problem solved now.
If it is, please let me know the treatement you have followed

[caliman86]

Hi Jimmy,
I too was prescribed a steroid/anti-fungal cream. I was told to apply it to the foreskin and glans (glands) of my penis and it caused skin atrophy. Please let me know if anything has worked for you. Hope yours is better. I'm praying that I'll find a solution or time will heal it.

[SteroidHell]

I'm so sorry to hear this my friend.  I don't wish to further depress you, but this is indeed permanent.  I am living proof.  I was prescribed Lotrisone (containing the potent steroid betamethasone dipropionate) for a rash on my nuts and I got serious burns that sent me to the emergency room.  I used the Lotrisone for 10 days.  When I complained to one of the doctors of bright red testicles and burning he told me he was not concerned, that I could keep on using it for the 2 weeks I had been told to use it.  My gut told me otherwise, but there was something about a doctor telling me not to worry that made me think maybe I was overreacting and let my guard down.  Anyway, by the time I spoke to him it was already too late because I've read that Lotrisone can do irreversible damage in as little as three days.  That was in 2006 and I'm no better.  My scrotal skin looked so bad today (six years later), like thin crepe paper.  Very red.  Just totally mutilated.  Now I've been having strange electrical shock like sensations in my groin area and testicles when I have sex (sometimes when I'm not).  I had some particularly serious pain for two days the other days.  The right testicle hurt terribly, as well as the area between the testicles and the body and this pain went all the way up to the groin area on my right side.  The doctor thought it might be a hernia, but that came back negative.  I have a strange feeling it has something to do with the nerve damage I'm sure I got back in 2006 when I got burned.  If the skin was damaged so severely, I can only image the thin veins and capillaries contained within did as well.  I am beyond shocked that these doctors continue to prescribe these powerful steroids to people without a care in the world and they just dismiss anyone who tells them this stuff is not safe. It's feels like a conspiracy from some movie. I'm in a nightmare I will never be able to wake up from.  And I can't ever kick this depression because of this.  My whole life has been affected.  It's like I had a life and suddenly I hit a brick wall.

[SteroidHell]

Not to mention that I suffer from Vitiligo, hair loss and have a messed up knee as well.  I guess the stupid doctors (and the pharmacist) who did this to me didn't think I was being punished enough.

[caliman86]

Why is it that NO doctors talk about the rebound effect that happens after applying topical steroids to the skin, especially the groin area. The groin absorbs 30-40% of the steroid, much much more than other parts of the body.

LET ME BE CLEAR ABOUT THIS.

ANY Doctor who prescribes lotrisone for a guy to apply to his penis for a fungal infection has NO clue what risk they are taking with that persons life. IT IS NOT WORTH IT.

So Doctors, if you are really out to ruin peoples lives then keep telling your patients to apply a steroid to their penis, because that's all you are doing.



  

[kev6677]

NEVER NEVER EVER USED STEROIDS FOR ANYTHING IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE FOREVER........ I know from personal experience i suffered for almost 10 years numerous ailments with no cure or diagnosis in sight. it all started after using cortisone creams and nebulizers both contain very powerfull and dangerous steroids . this class of drugs should be banned the side effects outweigh the conditions they are meant to cure.

[kev6677]

NEVER NEVER EVER USED STEROIDS FOR ANYTHING IT WILL RUIN YOUR LIFE FOREVER........ I know from personal experience i suffered for almost 10 years numerous ailments with no cure or diagnosis in sight. it all started after using cortisone creams and nebulizers both contain very powerfull and dangerous steroids . this class of drugs should be banned the side effects outweigh the conditions they are meant to cure.