Chronic Itching and Swelling

[HankHill]

Roughly 3 years ago I had a sexual encounter with a girl.  we did not have sex, but she did grind very hard against my penis (no clothes no protection).  About a week later, 3-5 tiny pink bumps formed on my penis at a spot that was from an old genital piercing, i.e., something could have gotten under my skin.  I freaked out and immediately thought it was herpes.  I went to the doctor about 2 months later (I know that was a long time) who also thought it was herpes.  The problem was that these bumps never went away, there was no fluid in them, they were raised and itched severely.  I eventually used immiquimod and they went away after about 6 months of having them (perhaps could have been warts).

Throughout the whole time the bumps were there I severely itched.

The problem is that I still severely itch everyday since then.  Additionally My left testicle swells up to about twice its normal size every now and again.  Sometime, like today, the testicle turns purple.  I can see how dark it is even inside of my scrotum.  Also, on my scrotum, most of my blood vessels have broken and it looks like a bunch of tiny red spots that will not go away.

I have been to countless doctors who all tell me they can't see anything wrong.  I have to persist to get them to run any kinds of tests.  I have tested negative for Chlamydia, Syphilis, and HIV.  I tested for HSV2 and 1 and was in the equivocal range for HSV2 6 months post exposure and then in the negative range 2 years post exposure.  I've had a scrotal ultrasound which did not reveal anything wrong.  Also, I smell bad, not on my genitals, but under my arms.  I had no problems at all before this encounter.

I have been treated with Clomitorzal, 2.5% hydrocortizone, Valtrex, Acyclovir, Some other stronger steriods (can't think of the name) Zythormax and Cipro, all of which I had to insist on from doctors.  Also I have used pretty much every OTC medicine available anti-fungal, anti-yeast, feminie products, etc.  the only thing that has slightly worked was the Cipro.  After about a week of taking it, I had 2-3 days of relief from my pain and itching.  Those were some of the best days of my life.  I missed taking the pill on about the 8th day and all of the pain and itching was back within about 12 hours.  I wouldn't think that missing one pill would make everthing come back, but it did.

Have you ever heard of anything like this? Will syphilis, gonorrea, or HIV cause itching.

This condition has absolutely changed the way I have had to live my life.  

Any suggestions will help.  Please, just don't say that it is all in my head like one doctor tried to tell me.  And please do not suggest trying to stop applying medication, I have tried that also.  In three years of dealing with this I have tried about everything.  I need some hope that one day I will be able to live without this problem.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Tough to say without examining you.  You have had a pretty comprehensive workup including scrotal imaging, and tests for various STDs.

If the scrotal ultrasound is negative, you can consider tests to evaluate whethere there are some bleeding disorders.  A hematoma can cause a darkening and swelling of the scrotum (although this probably would have been seen on the ultrasound).  Blood tests to look at the blood count and coagulation studies can be considered.

You can also ensure that things like prostatitis or epididymitis isn't present by doing a urinalysis or imaging the prostate with a transrectal ultrasound.

If infection has been completely ruled out, you can consider a dermatology referral to have a closer look at the skin lesions.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b

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