Itch, flaky, smelly (after shower) & sweaty scrotum!!! NIGHTMARE!

[Itchynads]

Hi, i've had this problem for 4-5 years and it's a nightmare. The under side of my scrotum is nightmarishly itchy, stingy and sweats...a lot. There is no visible signs like a rash but the skin becomes flaky and cracked through ferocious itching, i stretch the sac out and just go for it like i'm scrubbing the bath with my nails! It can be like i've pee'd in bed the amount of sweat that comes out. Also when i'm sat watching tv and my balls aren't aired, when i stand up they are literally dripping. Oh and there's a smell, 2 hours after getting out of the shower my balls are sweating and eaving, the smell is like cheesy belly button not cheesy penis but like i say i keep em clean. I don't use any sort of perfumed soap or shower gel on them i use E45 moisturizing body wash. I've tried anti bacterial cream, Oilatum moisturizer that is real good moisturizer prescription only and tried E45 cream as well as Johnson's Baby lotion and Nivea. I can't go anywhere without having to have a real good itch and it gets embarrassing!

BTW i'm 37 medium/muscular build and 12 1/2 stone no other health problems. Only had to visit a doctor twice in 10 years, once for an hernia 6 years ago and this, doctor was clueless gave me anti fungal which didn't work because it isn't fungal i don't think. I did use the cream right and carried on using till the tube was gone, it didn't make a difference.

Please help if you can, thanks.

[jemma116]

I believe that to ask a doctor a question on MedHelp you have to pay for that service.

As regards your problem, seeing the doctor is not the same as having a swab taken of the area where the problem is.   You did not say that the doctor took any swabs from your scrotum and by that we can conclude that you did not have a skin swab taken.  

And yes, by the symptoms you describe, it is highly probable that you do have a fungal infection.  A swab test would show which type of fungus or bacteria you have.  Having a swab done is the best way to find out what is causing the problem and then you would be given the appropriate medication to treat it.

Because you have been scratching so much, you may now have a condition called Lichen Planus.   Try and not scratch, scratching will just make it worse.  Have cool shower, dry gently and apply cold natural yogurt.  Try and stop the itch-scratch cycle.

Please do NOT use athlete's foot cream on your genitals.  The cream for athlete's foot is specifically made to use on the feet. The skin on your genitals is very delicate.  Because you have been going full on scratching a lot, you may have damaged the area of the skin now.  If you wish to purchase an antifungal cream, your pharmacist will help and advise you.  There are different ones available and although the one the doctor prescribed did not work, you should have got back to your doctor so that a different type of cream would have been prescribed for you.

You are doing the right thing by not using normal soaps to wash with.  There are different emollients available and if the one that you are using is not helping, the doctor may prescribe you with a different one.  

As a home remedy, after washing and drying your genitals, you can apply lots of natural set yogurt.  This will help to cool the itching.  You can use this for a long as you require.  

There are also antifungal medications that can be taken by mouth.  
And your doctor is the best person to decide whether you would be better having the medications by mouth, or a different antifungal cream, or both.   I do not know which country you are from, but in the UK Canesten cream is used on the genitals.  There are other types of antifungal creams.

Only use a non-biological washing detergent to wash your clothes in and a delicate softener that is suitable for people with allergies.  Only wear cotton underwear.  Manmade fibres will make you sweat more.

If you do use condoms, only use the latex free ones, as you may have an allergy to the latex.

[PMDER1]

you should have it checked, i have almost the same thing. it happens when i fap too much, stimulates sweat.

[Itchynads]

I couldn't edit but this may be important. If it is fungal is it possible to transfer athletes foot to the balls?
I've just been reading about anti fungal killer terbinafine hydrochloride and it mentions it's for feet and groin so thought the infection may be able to spread from feet to scrotum! Thinking about it my condition is remarkably similar to athletes foot: sweaty, itchy, flaky and smelly and when i itch like mad the top layer of skin comes away and it's red and wet feeling. I've had athletes foot on and off since being a kid but for years it has only infected in between my little toe, sometimes the next over but rarely so i've not bothered getting it treated. I only really itch my toes in bed at night and not often maybe twice a week but may have or probably have itched my scrotum afterwards. So maybe the cream i had never worked because i was reinfecting myself!?
The cream i was using was Daktacort. I read lamisil cream is good and over the counter should i try this?

If it is fungal what causes the sweating? When i air my balls they don't sweat but i can't walk around with them out all the time, so that isn't a solution. Although sat with a fan between my legs feels good!

Cheers, Michael.