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Dermatology Community
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Steroid Cream (Jock Itch) Scare
by TGSBD, Feb 19, 2008 08:42PM
Over the summer, I had a case of what I thought was jock itch (only affected the scrotum). My symptoms were a burning, itching sensation on my scrotum, but no rash. I tried to treat with Equate Athlete's Foot Cream or Tolnaftate Cream USP, 1% Antifungal. I probably used the product once a day for 3 to 4 weeks, even though twice a day is recommended for 2 weeks. As you might guess, symptoms improved, but the jock itch remained, especially after I discontinued the treatment. I do not know whether the jock itch remained due to my non-compliance or the efficacy of the medication, or both.
I made a visit to my Internist who didn't hesitate to prescribe Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP based off the symptoms I describe to him, i.e. didn't bother to look at affected area. Little did I know that this was the most potent topical steroid on the market. Had I known, it wouldn't have even made a difference anyway because I didn't know the side effects of steroids either. I was not given any instructions on how to use it, imagine that, and I forgot to ask, not really my job either because I am entrusting a Dr. But, I took matters into my own hands and read the package insert and learned to apply twice a day and you should not use the cream longer than two weeks for jock itch. This time I was loyal to the twice a day regimen for 15 days; an extra day just to knock this thing out. That seemed to have done the trick until a few months later, back comes the itch. So, what do I do? Use the prescription cream again for three or four days until my scrotum becomes BEET red. I had to do something because the itch was terrible. So, I discontinue treatment and seek advice from a Dermatologist who gets angry at me for walking into his office with an itch but without a rash. He tells me even I did have Jock Itch, he would NEVER EVER treat it with Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP (prescription cream) because it can cause SEVERE thinning of the skin. He goes on to tell me that he wouldn't even use it on athlete's foot. Finally, he tells me maybe I should see a Psychiatrist because the itch is all in my head.
My questions are these. After the completion of all of these treatments, I have obviously learned that one of the side effects of these types of medications can be a thinning of the skin and skin redness. Besides the obvious, what does this mean and how could it adversely affect someone? Is this a temporary condition or permanent? Will the redness go away and why did my Internist prescribe this stuff in the first place assuming the Dermatologist is right about the Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP? I don't think this stuff is all in my head, how is that possible? I have an open mind, but come on.
Moreover, the reason I am also concerned is my COMBINED use of all of these creams, i.e. the Tolnaftate Cream USP, 1% Antifungal for about 3 to 4 weeks, albeit intermittently, and the Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP for 15 days. This would make my total treatment time 5 to 6 weeks exceeding the 2 week limit in the labeling of both medications. Then, you can tack on the final three to four days of the prescription cream until the BEET redness appeared on my scrotum. It looks like a sunburn because you can see EXACTLY where the cream was applied. After talking to the Derm, I'm scared to death.
In short, have I messed myself up with this stuff permanently and what exactly is going on with this itch?? The Derm doesn't believe it really exists.
Thank you in advance for your response. I know I have asked a ton of questions, but your help would be much appreciated.
I made a visit to my Internist who didn't hesitate to prescribe Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP based off the symptoms I describe to him, i.e. didn't bother to look at affected area. Little did I know that this was the most potent topical steroid on the market. Had I known, it wouldn't have even made a difference anyway because I didn't know the side effects of steroids either. I was not given any instructions on how to use it, imagine that, and I forgot to ask, not really my job either because I am entrusting a Dr. But, I took matters into my own hands and read the package insert and learned to apply twice a day and you should not use the cream longer than two weeks for jock itch. This time I was loyal to the twice a day regimen for 15 days; an extra day just to knock this thing out. That seemed to have done the trick until a few months later, back comes the itch. So, what do I do? Use the prescription cream again for three or four days until my scrotum becomes BEET red. I had to do something because the itch was terrible. So, I discontinue treatment and seek advice from a Dermatologist who gets angry at me for walking into his office with an itch but without a rash. He tells me even I did have Jock Itch, he would NEVER EVER treat it with Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP (prescription cream) because it can cause SEVERE thinning of the skin. He goes on to tell me that he wouldn't even use it on athlete's foot. Finally, he tells me maybe I should see a Psychiatrist because the itch is all in my head.
My questions are these. After the completion of all of these treatments, I have obviously learned that one of the side effects of these types of medications can be a thinning of the skin and skin redness. Besides the obvious, what does this mean and how could it adversely affect someone? Is this a temporary condition or permanent? Will the redness go away and why did my Internist prescribe this stuff in the first place assuming the Dermatologist is right about the Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP? I don't think this stuff is all in my head, how is that possible? I have an open mind, but come on.
Moreover, the reason I am also concerned is my COMBINED use of all of these creams, i.e. the Tolnaftate Cream USP, 1% Antifungal for about 3 to 4 weeks, albeit intermittently, and the Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate Cream USP for 15 days. This would make my total treatment time 5 to 6 weeks exceeding the 2 week limit in the labeling of both medications. Then, you can tack on the final three to four days of the prescription cream until the BEET redness appeared on my scrotum. It looks like a sunburn because you can see EXACTLY where the cream was applied. After talking to the Derm, I'm scared to death.
In short, have I messed myself up with this stuff permanently and what exactly is going on with this itch?? The Derm doesn't believe it really exists.
Thank you in advance for your response. I know I have asked a ton of questions, but your help would be much appreciated.
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read.
My balls have been red for over nine months now. Doctor has no clue. Tgsbd
Don't use cortisone on your sack. Just 1% or less. The skin will turn red and get thin. also not good for you. This hasn't done permanent damage yet. your skin will recover. But the real problem will come back. Your going to be the millionth customer to the red scrotum club. Chronic red sore scrotum for life. Prescriptions don't work so doctor says it's in your head. Your making your scrotum turn red.
Take a look through the history of this site. Would you ever believe that their are that many guys out there with the same problem.