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Burning & Sensitive Scrotum

Sent to Health Experts October 7 2006 at 9:50 AM
   

For the last 2 days, my scrotum has been burning (but not itching) and the skin appears red. Everytime I sit, I need to reposition it, because I feel like I'm sitting on it (it's very sensitive). I can't really sit for an extended period of time. At the end of the day, my underwear is discolored (yellow-brown) in the exact area where my scrotum contacts the underwear. It's as if my body is trying to "sweat out" some toxin. A few days ago, I used one of those "instant hand sterilization liquids" (that you use when you don't have access to soap and water) and I inadvertently rubbed my balls afterwards. Could I be having a reaction? Also, I exercise regularly...including the adductor/abductor machine. I wonder if I could have over strained myself without realizing it? I also strained my back 2 days ago squatting with about 230 lbs.

I am a male, age 46.
I'm 6'2", approx. 175 lbs.
Aside from the above mentioned new symptoms, I'm in excellent physical condition. In fact, I had a glowing report from my physical in February.

I had a similar experience several months ago when I was forced to sit in a very uncomfortable chair for about 4 hours. The pain (though not as severe as now) lasted several days, but then disappeared entirely. Should I try to wait it out or should I see a physician immediately?

 

Optional Information:
Male , Age: 46

Already Tried:
cool, moist washcloth

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $30
Answer
October 7 2006 at 10:10 AM (19 minutes and 59 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
Thank you for your question, and I'm sorry to hear about your discomfort. It sounds very painful.

First, I think you could indeed be having a reaction to the hand sterilization liquid. Many people are sensitive to any number of things, and detergents and antiseptics (like in this liquid) are a common trigger of this sort of thing. Technically, it would be called a contact dermatitis - irritation of the skin, just based on that contact.

I don't think exercising has anything to do with it, at least as far as the ab/adductor machines contributing. But, this irritation and swelling that you have could certainly be aggravated by the warmth/moisture that can build up down there with exercise, and of course friction could aggravate it as well. Keeping the area cool and dry will help, and as non-aggravated as possible.

Sometimes people can develop jock itch, as well, which is a yeast infection (tinea cruris) in the area. If your symptoms don't get better in the next day or two, you should consider trying one of the over-the-counter preparations that are available for jock itch (lamisil, tinactin).

You can wait until monday. If it is contact dermatitis, keep the area clean, dry and cool (a cool compress like you're doing with the washcloth can definitely help), and see if it improves. Don't use any harsh soaps on the area. If, by monday, it hasn't improved, this may be a case of jock itch (here's an image of jock itch, if it helps - http://www.hope.edu/academic/kinesiology/athtrain/program/studentprojects/405-03/dermatology/tineacruris_1_020527.jpg). Then, an over the counter remedy can help this.

If, however, you still haven't improved, or if you still aren't convinced, then give your physician a call. They'll be able to take a look, and start the appropriate workup. But I think waiting until Monday is just fine.

I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any further questions - I'm more than happy to help.

Take care, and feel better - Dr. Fay

If I have helped, then please click the ACCEPT button and leave positive feedback - Thank you, and take care
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Jonathan Fay, M.D. -- Doctor (MD) -- 100% Positive Feedback on 534 Health Accepts
Physician health consultant
Answer
October 7 2006 at 10:15 AM (5 minutes and 16 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark
The condition that you are having is called 'Red scrotum syndrome'. It is a fairly common condition the exact cause of which is not known, and hence there is quite a lot of controversy about it. There is controversy regarding the cause for example, whether it arises spontaneously or due to an allergic reaction, which is possible in your case. There is also controversy regarding the treatment, and while many doctors will prescribe Steroid and antifungal ointments, many advise just mild soaps and bland moisturizers. One thing there is no controversy about is that it is a harmless condition and gets cured within a short time without leaving any side effects. Hence you need not worry much about it, and I feel it can safely be kept under watch at home unless it aggravates further.


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Dr. D. Evans -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 4439 Health Accepts
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Answer
October 7 2006 at 1:08 PM (2 hours and 52 minutes and 15 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark
You have a bacterial infection of the follicles in your scrotum (folliculitis). This is causing the yellowish discoloration on your underwear and the red hot sensation of your scrotum. Your scrotum is inflamed and red due to an infection which is obvious because of the yellowish stains on your underwear. Bacteria often enter through a small opening of a hair follicle. Sometimes small parts of skin can clog the follicle and you will have clogged follicles on your scrotum which can lead to a purulent inflammation of a hair follicle. Folliculitis is usually caused by staphylococcus aureus. Heat and sweat can aggravate folliculitis. Folliculitis is treated with topical or oral antibiotics sensitive to S.aureus. I recommend that you wash your scrotum with an antibacterial soap and have a dermatologist culture the yellowish discharge so you can be treated with an appropriate antibiotic.

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Dr. Hanson -- Doctor (MD) -- 99% Positive Feedback on 820 Health Accepts
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Reply
October 7 2006 at 2:14 PM (1 hour and 6 minutes and 30 seconds later)
         
Reply to Jonathan Fay, M.D.'s Post: Thank you for your answer. You, and the other 2 physicians who replied have offered some very valuable information. I accepted the reply from Dr. Hanson because amongst the answers I received, this one appeared to be the most specifically related to my personal condition. Thank you again for your reply.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Reply
October 7 2006 at 2:15 PM (50 seconds later)
         
Reply to Dr. D. Evans's Post: Thank you for your answer. You, and the other 2 physicians who replied have offered some very valuable information. I accepted the reply from Dr. Hanson because amongst the answers I received, this one appeared to be the most specifically related to my personal condition. Thank you again for your reply.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
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