Rash in genital area / on penis

[ineedhelp2855]

I have no clue what i have. It started on the right side of my groin and spread throughout the entire scrotum, down the scrotum, onto my shaft, and even on/near the head of my penis. I am circumcised. It sometimes peels and gets a little hard(near the head of my penis), and if i scrub it a bit with a rough shower sponge it was get somewhat soft and it wont peel until the next day. If i masturbate it hurts a lot and actually seems to get torn in some areas and some of the skin gets open and it starts to hurt if i touch it.

I put hydrocortisone cream on it for a week, and it managed to cure it for a short amount of time, and when i stopped using the hydrocortisone cream it came back right after. If used a zinc oxide cream called Desitin and that didn't have any affect on helping it.

Please help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Eczema is a diagnosis which can be made by clinical examination. Sometimes, a biopsy of the skin may be taken in order to rule out other skin diseases that may be producing signs and symptoms similar to eczema. Sometimes a skin allergy test like patch test may be carried out in an attempt to identify the specific trigger of the condition. There are no specific tests to be done at home for confirming eczema.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[ineedhelp2855]

Is there anyway i can find out myself if i have eczema, like doing something in my house?

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
You can take antihistaminics like Claritin as it does not cause drowsiness. If it is due to eczema, you can apply good quality moisturizers. the most effective treatment plan for eczema involves using a combination of therapies to treat the skin and making lifestyle changes(prevention of triggers and application of lots of moisturizers) to control flare-ups. Doing so tends to increase effectiveness and reduce side effects from medications.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[ineedhelp2855]

Thanks. If I have what you said, and I take the Antihistaminics, let's say Claritin. Would it cure what I have?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Antihistaminics like Benadryl or Claritin are available over the counter and can be taken. Benadryl may cause drowsiness but Claritin does not cause drowsiness. You can also use calamine lotion while will help in relieving the itching.
I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[ineedhelp2855]

Alright. Is there anything i can take, over the counter, that will help get rid of this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like dry skin and eczema to me. It may be infected also. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps. Also do not apply any cosmetic, wear cotton clothes and use a mild soap like Dove.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid .But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

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.

[ineedhelp2855]

I've also tried Jock Itch cream, and a whole tube of it didnt do anything.