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Suggest Treatment For Dry Flaky Skin Around Scrotum
Question: hello
Last year I had a fungal infection on my scrotum. The doctor prescribed daktacort which i used for 3 weeks and it made the itching worse so i stopped using it and instead bought virgin coconut oil which I heard had anti fungal properties. I use it morning and evening and the scaly flaking has stopped but i still from time to time get itching and i stop using the coconut oil my scrotum becomes very dry and flaky. I am unsure as to whether this is a fungal infection or a moisturizing issue
i find the doctors a waste of time. What I need is for someone to take a small scrape of my skin put it under the microscope and let me know whats going on rather than the endless guess work
What do you suggest and what type of consultant specialists would be best for this
Last year I had a fungal infection on my scrotum. The doctor prescribed daktacort which i used for 3 weeks and it made the itching worse so i stopped using it and instead bought virgin coconut oil which I heard had anti fungal properties. I use it morning and evening and the scaly flaking has stopped but i still from time to time get itching and i stop using the coconut oil my scrotum becomes very dry and flaky. I am unsure as to whether this is a fungal infection or a moisturizing issue
i find the doctors a waste of time. What I need is for someone to take a small scrape of my skin put it under the microscope and let me know whats going on rather than the endless guess work
What do you suggest and what type of consultant specialists would be best for this
Brief Answer:
I suggest a possibility of Scrotal LSCh; KOH preparation to rule out fungal
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern and frustration regarding the diagnosis.
Scrotum is not a usual site for fungal infection.
On the other hand, groin folds i.e upper inner thigh and adjacent pubis, are a common site for fungal infection.
The condition on your scrotum could be a Scrotal Dermatitis Or Scrotal Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSCh).
This usually presents as dry, scaly, extremely itchy and thickening of scrotal skin.
Anyways, a KOH preparation, made by scraping of a small amount of scale, can be visualized under the microscope for any fungal elements i.e hyphae.
If hyphae are seen, it is fungal infection.
A pathologist Or a microbiologist can do this for you.
For a confirmed fungal infection I would suggest one of the prescription topical antifungals e.g either clotrimazole 1%, sertaconazole 1% Or luliconazole 1%.
In addition I would also suggest an Oral antifungals e.g weekly fluconazole for 4-6 weeks for a more complete and faster cure.
However, if KOH scraping comes out to be negative, it is most likely scrotal LSCh.
Scrotal LSCh wont respond to topical antifungals. This could be the reason Miconazole did'nt show any improvement.
Coconut oil too will also not be of any permanent benefit in scrotal dermatitis. It would just temporarily mask the dryness, flakiness and sooth the itch.
The treatment of choice in scrotal LSCh is moderately potent topical steroids e.g either fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream Or mometasone furoate 0.1% cream Or triamcinolone acetoide 0.1% cream.
An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily will provide symptomatic relief from itching.
Regards
Hope this information helps you.
I suggest a possibility of Scrotal LSCh; KOH preparation to rule out fungal
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have understood your concern and frustration regarding the diagnosis.
Scrotum is not a usual site for fungal infection.
On the other hand, groin folds i.e upper inner thigh and adjacent pubis, are a common site for fungal infection.
The condition on your scrotum could be a Scrotal Dermatitis Or Scrotal Lichen Simplex Chronicus (LSCh).
This usually presents as dry, scaly, extremely itchy and thickening of scrotal skin.
Anyways, a KOH preparation, made by scraping of a small amount of scale, can be visualized under the microscope for any fungal elements i.e hyphae.
If hyphae are seen, it is fungal infection.
A pathologist Or a microbiologist can do this for you.
For a confirmed fungal infection I would suggest one of the prescription topical antifungals e.g either clotrimazole 1%, sertaconazole 1% Or luliconazole 1%.
In addition I would also suggest an Oral antifungals e.g weekly fluconazole for 4-6 weeks for a more complete and faster cure.
However, if KOH scraping comes out to be negative, it is most likely scrotal LSCh.
Scrotal LSCh wont respond to topical antifungals. This could be the reason Miconazole did'nt show any improvement.
Coconut oil too will also not be of any permanent benefit in scrotal dermatitis. It would just temporarily mask the dryness, flakiness and sooth the itch.
The treatment of choice in scrotal LSCh is moderately potent topical steroids e.g either fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream Or mometasone furoate 0.1% cream Or triamcinolone acetoide 0.1% cream.
An OTC oral antihistamine e.g cetrizine 10 mg once daily will provide symptomatic relief from itching.
Regards
Hope this information helps you.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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