red itchy testicles

[worrysalot]

I have been suffering from an itchy uncomfortable anus for awhile, and got no help from doctors. Finally I got a prescription cream, ketacanazole or something, for yeast or fungus...he thought I had something like sebaccious dermatitis I think. Ive been using it, and around my testicle area because I have had discomfort there as well. Now all of the sudden my testicles are bright red, and very VERY itchy. It is driving me insane. The cream feels good at first, but that fades quickly. What could this be? Or is the cream causing this? I am allergic to sulfur, and the ingredients have a warning about it containing sulfites...could I be allergic to this stuff and its causing a rash? Thanks!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be intertrigo. An intertrigo is an inflammation (rash) of the body folds and most commonly occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case.
Hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Warm regards.

[worrysalot]

Thanks for your advice, should I stop using the ketoconazole cream that I was prescribed?  p.s. I failed to mention in the above post that I have been suffering these symptoms (anus discomfort etc) for nearly 5 months and just now the red itchy testicles is a new one, very recent last 4 days. I felt it all started after a sexual encounter (hetero) but so far docs thing I am std free, according to examination and tests. Thanks again for your help.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
You can consult your dermatologist and use the ketoconazole cream. It is a topical antifungal and can be used in intertrigo. If the symptoms persist then oral antifungals may be needed for which I would suggest you to get a dermatologist’s prescription.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[worrysalot]

So you don't think the cream is causing this sudden rash? I didn't have this problem with itchy red testicles until it I think. Now it is spreading to my penis, and it is unbearably itchy...im going to the store to get desitin and maybe some lamisil at, as I am desperate for relief. I want to consult my dermatologist but it isnt that easy I think, it takes like a month to get in for an appointment. Thanks again!

[worrysalot]

So I spoke with the dermatologist and was instructed to stop use of the ketaconazole cream to see it the sudden red rash and itchiness goes away. It seems less severe today after not using it. Last night I used both lamisil at and desitin in desperation. But now I have what looks like hives on my inner thigh, possibly going away (maybe reaction to the cream) and on the head of my penis is very sore/sensitive to the touch and a little splotchy red, with a couple tiny brighter red dots. I am freaking out this is ruining my life, for 5 months slowly and methodically and this seems like the climax. If it gets worse Im considering going to a walk-in clinic instead of waiting for an appointment with a derm. Now I am paranoid it could be herpes again with these recent symptoms. My testicles are still bright red and kind of itchy, not as severe, and they just look wierd..like shiny and extra wrinkly or something. The irritation on my penis head has got me very worried...do you think its herpes or still intertrigo? Thank you!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Since you had hives and these symptoms after using the creams, so it looks like contact dermatitis or an allergic reaction to the cream. Please stop using them and show the rash to your dermatologist as although it does not sound like herpes lesions, but still examination is must to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy of the skin will help in confirming the diagnosis.
Hope it helps .Take care and Kind regards.

[worrysalot]

Hello,

Thanks again for your kind help. I have since quit using any creams, and left a message for my dermatologist requesting alternative cream or oral treatment. Since stopping the redness has pretty much gone away and intense itching, but now there is still very prominent itching at the head of my penis and the testicles at times just not severe like the reaction type itching was. I have tiny black spots on the head of my penis that are almost impossible to see, and its kind of rough there. That was where it got red and irritated one day during use of the cream, could they be tiny (I mean reallly tiny) scabs? Would that point to anything else? Thanks so much!

[adiforu]

hello,
From the last three days, I m feeling very much uncomfortable because of heavy itching on the testis skin then i have seen that the skin has got red. I m using SURFAZ-SN+ tube for that which is antifungal, anti-bacterial..till no improvement. Can u plz suggest some other tube..because this itching is making me insane....even i can't walk...itching starts..plz tell and help