Reversal of Corticosteroid Damage?

[jimmy199]

For about a year, on and off, I was prescribed various anti-fungal and hydro-cortisone ointment and creams by my doctor, and later my dermatologist to deal with itching on my scrotum and at the base of my penis shaft (where it meets the scrotum). No treatments seemed to help, so I eventually gave up on all prescription, about a year later and hoped the issue would resolve itself. It has now been a year since I gave up on doctors, and nearly two years since my problem began (august of 2009), and I find that my scrotal skin is hypersensitive. Just wearing pants causes me to experience itching and soreness. I don't know if its normal because i can't really remember how the skin used to look, but there is a "shinyness" about the skin, particularly where the penis hangs over the scrotum. In addition, the fordyce spots in this area are extra pronounced. I did a bit of my own internet research, having given up on my doc, and came across some unsettling information about steroid induced skin atrophy. I am in a panic that the cortisone treatments have permanently damaged my skin. Is this likely? I notice no striae, which i've read indicate atrophy, but the skin does seem to have lost some of its colour, and is, as i mentioned before, "shinyer"than before. Is soreness and itching a symptom of atrophy? Will the atrophy be resolved over time on its own? (I am only 20 yrs old.) In my panic I have searched the web for methods of reversing atrophy, and have come across a great deal of information about a product called "Tretinoin," which apparently helps to reverse skin atrophy. Is it advisable to use this or something similar on an area so sensitive as the scrotum? Obviously I will return to my dermatologist in person to ask, but I was hoping to get some insight from you. This condition is severely depressing as it is always on my mind.  

[leemack]

Corticosteroids have been a mainstay of skin diseases for decades now. More people have used potent creams including betamethasone and clobetasol on their scrotums to treat various infections and skin problems than this forum seem to suggest. IF corticosteroids did cause widespread 'skin atrophy' on the scrotum, there would have been more commotion. Yet, only very few people online have reported to have severe skin reactions to topical corticosteroids. Fungal infections are widespread amongst both men and women. These creams are also widely used. It must be odd that a couple of guys on medhelp are the only ones with issues.

Remember, if doctors had indeed prescribed Lotrisone to treat your scrotal/penile issues, it is most likely standard practice. Doctors are not that creative.

I have cancer, and I have used Lotrisone to treat a fungal infection for two weeks. The Lotrisone was prescribed by my oncologist and he assured me that he regularly prescribes Lotrisone for stubborn fungal infections. He also assured me that skin atrophy, as it is clinically defined, does not happen with short-term use of corticosteroids. Yes, even on the scrotum. The Lotrisone cured my itching and I am currently applying Daktarin cream to make sure the fungus is gone for good. I have had no reaction to the cream. Before using Lotrisone, I have used creams like Betnovate and Daktacort. The latter I've used for weeks at a time.

What many of you have described sounds more like a skin reaction to the steroid creams than skin atrophy, which does not happen that quickly. Redness, burning, and pain, sounds more like an allergic reaction or TSW, i.e Red Scrotum Syndrome. Steroids can also worsen fungal infections. Fungal infections can cause symptoms skin to skin atrophy - thin, peeling, dry skin, sometimes revealing open sores which may bleed. There are many rare diseases of the scrotum that may give rise to the symptoms that is described here. Some of which, such as genital dysaesthesia, is mostly neurological. How hard is it to get your skin examined under a microscope to check whether your skin has actually undergone atrophy?

If you're thinking, what are the odds of my having a rare skin condition that literally fewer than 10 people online and on medical journals have reported to have? I have a cancer that affects only 2.6 people out of 100,000 every year. It happens. Corticosteroids may have been the trigger, but I can assure you that people have been using steroids on sensitive parts of their bodies for ages. Steroids do not cause skin atrophy in such a short time period.

[SteroidHell]

That's not true. A doctor wrote in a paper that certain steroids can cause damage in as little as 3 days, which is what happened to me. I got serious steroid damage by day 5, but now I know that the faint tingling I felt on day 1 was the beginning. And it kept getting stronger. I got a doctor on the phone, but all he kept saying was that he wasn't concerned. I made the mistake to let my guard down. That was 2005 when it happened. 2021 now and I am no better.

[flutivatehell]

tried everyting now and there is no cure

goodbye

[SauceBoss]

Hey man, don't give up! I personally want you to find peace in this lifetime. It doesn't involve self-surgery either...

What you will need to do is begin compiling all your research, penis pictures and a thorough account of doctors visits, attempted therapies and symptoms over time.

Then, we will need to look for an online forum that allows for the posting of this type of information. There are legit forums these days where you can upload your whole medical history and multiple professionals can look at it and collaborate. Start looking for the best ones!
We can't have you dying on us just yet...

So hang in there a little longer!

[flutivatehell]

http://www.plasticsurgerypractice.com/2013/09/study-supports-use-of-autologous-fat-grafting-for-hard-to-treat-scars/

[flutivatehell]

so I´ve tried protopic and lyrica and no effect. I will see a plastic surgeon and discuss my problem. Sometimes I wanna take a knife and cut out the skin myself.

[flutivatehell]

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7576658_Treatment_of_Local_Persistent_Cutaneous_Atrophy_Following_Corticosteroid_Injection_with_Normal_Saline_Infiltration

[flutivatehell]

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/09/130924122451.htm

[flutivatehell]

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/14764172.2015.1114639

[flutivatehell]

does anyone know if there are more longterm working numbing creams like lidokaine on the market. I think the only way to cope with this nightmare is just using numbing cream for ever and maybe bring it with you and put it on several times day. When it comes to rethicken the skin it seems like doctors only say one thing works and that is retinol. But retinol will sting bad and there is no guarantee it´ll work. I can´t have that **** on my **** everyday it hurts a lot due to the peeling effect. Lidokaine is the only thing that takes the pain away but it´s so short time. I wonder if I can accept what has happend to me and live my life anyway. I just think it´s so sad i have lost interest in sex. I have problems keeping an erection cause i believe it will hurt when a girl touches me...Therefor I can´t perform like before. My confidence is zero. When i think about sex i associate it with pain. I guess however it´s time to give up now after 7 years and accept it or commit suicide.