discolouration of skin - scrotum

[concerned male]

I was married for 14years and since getting divorced have had two casual female partners. Both have commented on the colour of the skin covering my genitles. For many years the skin has been dark brown - something that I did not pay any attention to when I was married -  although I am otherwise pale skinned. I believe that I may have a fungal infection. It used to be itchy at times on the underside of the scrotum but not recently. I used to play a great deal of sport (English Cricket) and would wear a plastic box to protect the genitles. Having read a lot of the postings on the dermatology forum, and not wanting to see a doctor unless I am ill, I am hoping that some advice on a course of self help treatment from this site will solve my problem. I have got to admit to being slightly embarassed and am not intending to engage in any further sexual exploits until I solve this. If this is a fungal infection (other postings have mentioned the skin as being red) would clotrimazole be a good start or would hydrocortisone be better.

[abi_bm]

I have some white patches on the penis skin which is slowly spreading.does not have any pus.

[Paulmoore]

i have the same flacky stuff. i just noticed it today. i think it may be fungus. i have no idea. im trying anti-fungal cream. i will tell u if i have any luck. it looks like tiniaversicolor. (that maybe be wrong spelling)

[Jimmyjango]

I have a white patch on the left side of the shaft of my penis, just below the head.  Ther is no pain and no itching, but it looks a bit odd.  The patch is also a bit flaky and I can scrape some of it away.  I don't know what it is, I think it might be a yeast infection since I just found out that men can also get it.  Does anyone have a similar experience?

[Jimmyjango]

I have a white patch on the left side of the shaft of my penis, just below the head.  Ther is no pain and no itching, but it looks a bit odd.  The patch is also a bit flaky and I can scrape some of it away.  I don't know what it is, I think it might be a yeast infection since I just found out that men can also get it.  Does anyone have a similar experience?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Self help treatment is only useful if you have an abnomrality to treat.  I doubt you do, since fungal infections involve the folds of the groin rather than the penis.

Instead of letting your casual female friends mess with your head, please do yourself a favor and ask a doctor.  I bet you'll find that there's nothing wrong with you, thus ending your self-consciousness, not to mention your celibacy.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff