itching all over

[redy]

Dr. A long time problem. My scrotum burns and itches. It is pink in color.The hair follicals are enlarged. It is aggrivated by the pressure when sitting and the dampness of urine. I have been incontinent since prostate removal years ago. (It is getting worse.) I need 4 or more pads daily. My family Doctor has subscribed several things at various times, nystatin and triamcinolone acetoneide cream,Mentax 1% cream/Lidocaine 5%0,Lotrisone Lotion,Desitin Ointment, Gold Bond medicated powder, for examples. I have noted some improvement from time to time but continued use of any of it seems not to help.
What I seem to go back to most is the gold bond powder. I sometimes get up at night and apply a cold wash cloth before using it.
Also I have an very annoying itch on various parts of my face.
It even goes into my nose.
Also my eyes itch quite severely at times. It helps to apply pressure and rub them.(Artifical tears don't seem to work as good as they used to.) I have been using a different eye drop for a while now. (Lumigam) It has brought the pressure down nicely but itching is listed as a possible side effect. my eye doctor tells me to continue using it and told my to try Naphcon which is for eye allegy relief. It does help a little.
I mention all this about my eyes in case it could be tied in to the other itch problems
Is it possible that the itch in my groin could be transferred to my face and nose and even to the eyes?
Is this problem with my scrotum something that I should be able to get to the bottom of or is it hopeless because of the urine there?
How common is this problem with all men?
Is there a test that could done to find the problem?
Do I need to see another doctor?

Thanks for reading. I'll wait for your comments
Bill Leedom (82)

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't think the eye problem has anything to do with the scrotal itching.  As you realize, that is due to the chronic irritation by urine.  I don't think you ought to use antifungal creams like Nystatin (it's not a fungus) or strong cortisone creams like Lotrisone, since they can thin the skin and increase sensitivity.  This is indeed a common problem, and a difficult one to manage, because the urine continues to irritate.  I suggest: doing anything you can to minimize wetness (changing pads, etc.) and using powder to keep the area dry, and a nonmedicated moisture lotion like Lubriderm, as often as needed.  You might also want to consult a skin doctor once, to make sure that you don't have yeast, etc., though I doubt you do.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff