Extreme irritation/itching in genital area

[Kam2]

About 2 months ago, after taking antibiotics for a root canal, I had a yeast infection, which I treated successfully with Monistat.  Shortly after that I had to take antibiotics again for a mild UTI. (I had not taken antibiotics for about 10 years before this.) To prevent another yeast infection, the dr. prescribed a 250mg Diflucan.  I had extreme vaginal irritation after that which I didn't realize was from the Diflucan, so used Monistat thinking it was some weird symptom of a new yeast infection.  The Monistat burned me and a visit to the OB/GYN confirmed no yeast infection and an extremely irritated vagina and outer genital area.  She suggested some natural treatments for preventing another yeast infectin (yogurt, vinegar douche, etc.) as I was still on the antibiotics. She gave me mild steroid cream to use as needed. A week later, I had extreme itching and thought I again had a yeast infection.  I was away on vacation and tried using the yogurt treatment, which helped somewhat but I again had symptoms when I returned home.  Another visit to ob/gyn showed no yeast infection and very irritated genital area (mostly outside).  She suggested mild soap, airing out when possible, Desitin powder, etc.  That was almost 2 weeks ago.  The area is extremely irritated, still.  Any soap irritates and stings the area.  The only thing I can use is liquid Cetaphil.  I'm now wondering if the antibiotics and Diflucan changed the PH of that area so much that I'm now extremely sensitive to everything.  I've avoided using the steroid cream as much as possible, but sometimes it itches so bad I can't stand it.  What about Benadryl cream?  Is that safe to use in the genital area? I have never had anything like this and am thinking it's a dermatology issue, not an ob/gyn issue.  I am going to try using a hypollerginic laundry detergent, but don't know what else to do.

[geecee]

I have a problem with itching on my scrotum. Sometimes I scratch it so bad it bleeds.

What can I do about this?

Thanking you in advance.

Have a blessed day.

Sincerely,

George C. Maclin lll

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I agree that it's a dermatology issue.  If you ever did have a yeast infection, you don't seem to have one now.  I advise using mild soaps, moisture lotions, etc., plus 1% hydrocortisone twice daily until you see a dermatologist.  I doubt the Diflucan had anything to do with this.  It probably was an irritation to begin with.  Why now?  Who knows, and it doesn't matter much.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff