Possible fungus on testicles

[LeiRoy]

I was backpacking for about 4 weeks at the end of the summer, and as we would normally go for about 5 days or so without being able to shower or clean ourselves, I got used to the fact that the crotch area would develop some smell as normal with sweat..., but about 2 weeks after our trip ended I continually noticed that the smell I had in the past associated with having been sweaty was almost always present and at times became particularly stronger.  I also noticed what I originally thought had been shampoo or conditioner I hadn't washed off my testicles; a white wax-like coating, would cover the hairs of a certain area of my testicles ( the area that seems to me to be the lowest hanging).  I will not rub off nor wash off with water easily, and seems to vary in strength, sometimes a hair or two, or sometimes all in that one area.  It definitely corresponds with the odor.  I have no pains nor itchiness.  No rash nor reaction that I can notice.  The skin may be dry at times, but not any unusual amount, and it only occurs in that one area.

[TheThinkTheyKnowItTrue]

When i run or sleep alot or doing certain actions, my testicles seem to have some smelly musks or somerhing, using cologne or underarm spray was not the right solution, no itchyness or pain. Some said it is caused when testis thin blood grows a bit big, causing harm to future life and children's health. Marriage would be useless, and many said the adoption is the solution or to make an operation to make blood veins thinner making them better...! But is that the cause of that smell? Or is it just perspiration?

[cutmachine77]

A related discussion, red itchy sack was started.

[shadeth]

I just want to say, I found this thread looking for what it is, i have (what sounds like) the same thing.  It appears to be harmless, but it worries me.  I'll describe my symptoms:

It is on one area, usually the left side or the part in the middle where the penis hangs over the scrotum.  The affected hairs appear to get thicker towards the ends, and upon close examination it looks like these small beads of off white/yellow stuff is stuck on the hairs.  it even makes the hairs where affected more likely to break if you pull on them.  It may have a faint odor, but I mainly notice it just because it looks strange and feels kind of yucky.  It never happens to the hairs on top, or even further down between the anus and scrotum, it's only the hairs on the scrotum.  The stuff appears to be fused onto the hairs, no cleaning method seems to work to get it off, I tried trimming at first, and then I have tried to pluck out all of the hairs with this problem, but then a few days later, other hairs will have the same thing happening.  It's most noticable when i get out of the shower, i think the water makes whatever it is appear larger, maybe it absorbs it?  the skin is totally normal looking and so are the hair growers (folicles?) i mean the area where skin and hair meet is fine.

I have not been on any long camping trips without shower, i shower regularly, but i was thinking maybe it was caused by sex bodily fluids?  my girlfriend is shaved almost all the time, so i don't know if she would have it also if not for that.  I was thinking it might be some kind of yeast or fungus, but she never had a yeast infection and we have both been tested and don't have any STD's.... and nothing looks strange on her. so unless it's some kind of residue left over from bodily fluids, then I have no clue what it is.

[shadeth]

I'm no docter, but after a lot of looking around, i was able to find, what i think is the answer:

I think it is "trichomycosis"
here's a page about it:
http://www.emedicine.com/derm/topic601.htm

it is not threatening, and supposedly can be treated by shaving (hard area to shave, but worth a try).

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Good call, Shadeth!  You're absolutely right.  I see this condition so rarely that I forgot all about it, and I'd also forgotten that the condition may be associated with odor issues.

I advise looking at the URL you provided for elaboration and recommendations (shaving, benzoyl peroxide gel.)

"Trichomycosis" , which means "fungus of the hair" is a misnomer--it's not a fungus, and the bacteria involved are noncontagious.

Dr. Rockoff

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Odd set of symptoms.  Doesn't remind me of fungus at all, which typically affects the folds of the groin.  I suggest you gently cleanse the area with rubbing alcohol (only for a day or two, not more, and don't rub.)  Sometimes alcohol will wash away built-up residue that soap and water won't.

Yourr condition doesn't sound like more than a minor annoyance, but if my suggestion doesn't solve the problem, you should see a skin doctor.  

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff