What causes itchy testicular skin?

Itchy testicular skin may be related to local moisture, allergic reactions, fungal infections, scrotal eczema, scabies and other factors. It is recommended to keep the area clean and dry, avoid scratching, and seek medical advice if necessary to determine the cause.

1. Partial moisture

Wearing non-breathable underwear for a long time or sitting for a long time may cause increased sweating in the testicles, and the local moist environment may irritate the skin and cause itching. You need to choose pure cotton breathable underwear for daily use, avoid sitting for long periods of time, and wash and dry them promptly after sweating. If it is accompanied by redness, swelling or ulceration, you can use calamine lotion as directed by your doctor to relieve symptoms.

2. Allergic reaction

Contact with chemical ingredients in items such as new laundry detergent, shower gel or condoms may induce contact dermatitis, which manifests as redness and itching of the testicular skin. Suspected allergens must be stopped immediately and the affected area flushed with clean water. In severe cases, topical hydrocortisone cream can be used for a short period of time, but it must be used under the guidance of a doctor.

3. Fungal infection

Fungi such as Candida albicans multiply in warm and humid environments, which may cause tinea cruris to spread to the scrotum, causing annular erythema and scaling. Diagnosis requires microscopic examination of dandruff, and miconazole nitrate cream or bifonazole cream is commonly used for treatment. At the same time, high-temperature disinfection of underwear is required.

4. Scrotal eczema

Chronic eczema may recur due to factors such as mental stress and gastrointestinal disorders, manifesting as skin thickening, lichenification and severe itching. In the acute stage, you can use boric acid solution for wet compresses as directed by your doctor, and in the chronic stage, use mometasone furoate cream, and avoid hot water scalding.

5. Scabies

Scabies mite infection will form papules and tunnels in thin and tender areas of the skin, such as the scrotum, and it will itch significantly at night. To confirm the diagnosis, scabies mites or eggs need to be found. Treatment requires sulfur ointment applied all over the body. All contacts must be treated simultaneously. Clothing and bedding must be washed in boiling water.

Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear on a daily basis and avoid using cleaning products that are too alkaline. After bathing, dry the wrinkled area thoroughly and avoid spicy and irritating foods. If the itching lasts for more than 1 week, exudates or spreads to other parts, you should go to a dermatologist in time to avoid long-term use of hormone ointments on your own, which may cause skin atrophy. People with underlying diseases such as diabetes need to be more alert to the risk of secondary infections.