itchy scrotum and rectum

[yoyo83]

hello,

i am 25 years old, and for the last 5 years my scrotum, rectum and Perineum have been itching. In the beginning it was just the scrotum, but it spreaded to other areas as well.
I have been to several skin doctors who did not diagnose any rash, fungus etc'... that can cause this itch. I also went to a lab where they took a sample of my skin (from the perineum) and checked for funguses. The answer was negative.

I have been told by the doctors that this area is very dry, and I need to put a lot of cream, and wash the area as many times as I can, because the sweat makes the itch worse. I have tried all kinds of creams and ointments. The only one that helps temporally is BETACORTEN - but I was told by my doctor not to use it too much because it is not good to use it very after.

The itching sensation increases when I take a hot shower, do some kind of physical activity which makes the whole area sweat (walk 15 min. in the sun...) and after sex.  Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night because of the itching.

I take a shower and change my underwear every day. I wear 100% cotton underwear. I tried using special anti-dry skin soap in the shower and it did not help either.

Please advice what should I do?

Thanks!!

[yoyo83]

i don't have an eczema. my skin specialist did not see anything in my skin that could be an eczema.there is no sign of redness, rashes or any similar skin problams. he also sent me to a lab which did not find any funguses.

so which one is it? sweat dermatitis or allergic reactions? how can i tell what is causing the itch, and what should i do to deal with the itch, in both cases?

thanks!

[BhumikaMD]

It could be eczema, sweat dermatitis, allergic reactions or eczema.

You need to wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites.

Apply calamine lotion at the site of the lesions and see if it helps. You could take some oral antihistamine medications like cetrizine or loratadine. You need to maintain a good personal hygiene .

Anti-itch drugs, often antihistamine, may reduce the itch during a flare up of eczema, and the reduced scratching in turn reduces damage and irritation to the skin.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone or desonide), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide).

Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Moisturizing is one of the most important self-care treatments for sufferers of eczema. Keeping the affected area moistened can promote skin healing and relief of symptoms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eczema

Let us know if you need any further information.

It would be advisable to consult a skin specialist for your symptoms and a proper clinical examination.

Let us know if you need any other information and post us on how you are doing.

Regards.