What is the reason for itching in the scrotum?

Scrotal itching may be caused by scrotal eczema, tinea cruris, contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis, pubic lice, etc. It can be relieved by keeping the area clean, topical drugs, oral drugs, etc. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to determine the cause of the disease and avoid scratching from aggravating the symptoms.

1. Scrotal eczema

Scrotal eczema may be related to local excessive sweating, allergic constitution and other factors, and usually manifests as erythema, papules and severe itching. Exudation may occur in the acute phase, and skin thickening is the main symptom in the chronic phase. You can use hydrocortisone butyrate cream, calamine lotion, loratadine tablets and other drugs as directed by your doctor. Avoid hot water washing and choose pure cotton breathable underwear.

2. Tinea cruris

Tinea cruris is caused by fungal infection and is most common on the skin of the groin and scrotum. It manifests as annular erythema with scaling and raised edges. It may be related to obesity and excessive sweating. Bifonazole cream and miconazole nitrate cream can be used externally, and in severe cases, itraconazole capsules can be taken orally. Keep the affected area dry and avoid sharing towels with others.

3. Contact dermatitis

Contact with laundry detergent, condoms and other allergens may cause local redness, swelling, papules or blisters. Suspicious items need to be stopped immediately, rinse with water and then apply mometasone furoate cream externally. Those who experience recurring attacks can undergo a patch test to determine the allergen.

4. Neurodermatitis

Long-term scratching or mental stress may cause lichenification of the skin, manifesting as hypertrophic plaques with clear borders. Halometasone cream or triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream can be applied topically, combined with oral cetirizine hydrochloride tablets to relieve itching.

5. Pubic lice

Pubic lice parasitism can cause paroxysmal itching, and gray-white eggs can be seen attached to the pubic hair. After shaving your pubic hair, you need to apply topical tincture of 100% or benzyl benzoate cream, and your personal clothes need to be boiled and disinfected. Sexual partners need to be treated at the same time.

Spicy and stimulating foods should be avoided on a daily basis, and tobacco and alcohol intake should be reduced. The water temperature should not be too high when taking a bath, and dry the wrinkled areas promptly after bathing. If itching lasts for more than two weeks or ulceration and pus appear, you need to go to a dermatology department for fungal microscopy, allergen testing and other examinations. Do not use hormone ointments on your own for a long time to avoid adverse reactions such as skin atrophy.