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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Three Patches of Skin
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
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Three Patches of Skin
by Canuck_Male, Dec 31, 2002 12:00AM
Approximately one month ago I noticed three distinct patches of dry skin on the left side of my scrotum. Although they varied in shape (NOT EXACTLY CIRCULAR), each had approximately the surface area equivalent to that of a dime. Visually the three patches appeared slightly white looking against my dark brown skin and were not too apparent.
No other symptoms accompanied or preceded the development of these patches. More specifically, there wasn’t any noticeable itchiness, no blisters of any sort, no flu/cold symptoms, no abdominal pains, nor did I experience any burning sensation when I urinated.
For the first week after noticing the patches I did nothing except examine them daily. During this period they were not spreading to other areas of my scrotum or penis and were not increasing in size. Then, approximately a week after first noticing these patches, I began treating them as if they were a bi-product of some form of “Jock-itch” bacteria. For the next two weeks I sprayed the questionable area twice a day with an over the counter “Jock-itch” spray, “Micatin”, which contains 2% Miconazole Nitrate topical powder. I noticed virtually no change in the size or shape of the patches, however, I did find that they were reddening and becoming more irritated than
they had been previously.
I attributed the reddening to my more aggressive self-examinations and therefore physical agitation rather than a reaction to the spray. My final attempt to rid myself of these patches began four days ago with two daily application of 0.5% hydrocortisone topical cream. Within two days I noticed a substantial reduction in the three patches and they are now virtually unnoticeable.
The repeated use of Hydrocortizone has made my skin feel dry and irratated when jogging or walking (rubbing of my scrotum). However, the patches of skin are gone.
I wanted to know what it is and if it herpes or just plain old Eczema? Any future concerns, or am I just a worry wort?
No other symptoms accompanied or preceded the development of these patches. More specifically, there wasn’t any noticeable itchiness, no blisters of any sort, no flu/cold symptoms, no abdominal pains, nor did I experience any burning sensation when I urinated.
For the first week after noticing the patches I did nothing except examine them daily. During this period they were not spreading to other areas of my scrotum or penis and were not increasing in size. Then, approximately a week after first noticing these patches, I began treating them as if they were a bi-product of some form of “Jock-itch” bacteria. For the next two weeks I sprayed the questionable area twice a day with an over the counter “Jock-itch” spray, “Micatin”, which contains 2% Miconazole Nitrate topical powder. I noticed virtually no change in the size or shape of the patches, however, I did find that they were reddening and becoming more irritated than
they had been previously.
I attributed the reddening to my more aggressive self-examinations and therefore physical agitation rather than a reaction to the spray. My final attempt to rid myself of these patches began four days ago with two daily application of 0.5% hydrocortisone topical cream. Within two days I noticed a substantial reduction in the three patches and they are now virtually unnoticeable.
The repeated use of Hydrocortizone has made my skin feel dry and irratated when jogging or walking (rubbing of my scrotum). However, the patches of skin are gone.
I wanted to know what it is and if it herpes or just plain old Eczema? Any future concerns, or am I just a worry wort?
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, Dec 31, 2002 12:00AM
, Dec 31, 2002 12:00AM
Must have been eczema. You did exactly the right thing by trying Micatin and then hydrocortisone. The results speak for themseleves, and you have interpreted them correctly. Don't worry about residual sensitivity--thet will pass. Treat any recurrences with the same preparation. And don't worry!
Happy New Year.
Dr. Rockoff
Happy New Year.
Dr. Rockoff
However, is genital herpes unlikely due to the location of the patches and its responsiveness to Hydrocortisone?
Take Care and Happy New Year
**Key Words: "scrotal eczema", "scrotum", "herpes", "skin patches"
Dr. Rockoff
Thanks you,
Dr. Rockoff
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