Rash on Scrotum

[mutineer]

Hello Dr

Two genital skin questions

1) I recently had a bit of irritation on
right side of scrotum and base of penis (rubbed area raw a bit). I used some alcohol, betadine, soap and water and powders to treat and after a day or two the area became irritated and leathery, cracked, bled a little, somewhat blistery and red.
I was concerned it may have been herpes symptoms
but realized that it appeared like Excema. So
I used 1% hydrocortizone and treated. The symptoms disappeared before my eyes. Still treating twice a day and looks much better.
My question is, does this seem like the right diagnosis, and could cortizone make herpes symptoms disappear? Also, some weeks
back i noticed a small red patch appear on scrotum and disappear on its own again before my eyes. Does Excema do this?

2) I recently had two cyst like bumps
appear on scrotum near the crease of my thigh (skin color, dome shaped, approx .25 inch in length and height). This
after hiking vigorously. Is this common? Does friction
and sweating cause cysts?

thanks for your help

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, it sounds like eczema.  Cortisone would not make herpes disappear, but it would help eczema, as it apparently has in your case.  I'd stay away from using alcohol down there, because that's irritating, especially if you have eczema.  Yes, eczema does com and go.  Likewise, you can get clogged pores from sweating and friction.  These are best left alone.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff