What causes testicular itching and flaking?

Testicular itching and flaking may be caused by eczema, tinea cruris, contact dermatitis, scrotalitis or keratotic eczema, and are often accompanied by symptoms such as scaling, erythema or oozing. It is recommended to keep the area clean and dry, avoid scratching, and seek medical advice promptly for a clear diagnosis.

1. Eczema

Scrotal eczema may be related to local moisture and allergic constitution, and manifests as itching, erythema, and scaling. There may be oozing in the acute phase and thickening of the skin in the chronic phase. For treatment, you need to avoid scratching. You can use mometasone furoate cream, halomethasone cream and other topical hormone ointments as directed by your doctor, combined with oral loratadine tablets to relieve symptoms. Wear breathable cotton underwear every day and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

2. Tinea cruris

Caused by fungal infection, red annular skin lesions are common with edge scaling and obvious itching. It may be related to excessive sweating and poor hygiene. Antifungal drugs such as miconazole nitrate cream and bifonazole cream can be used as directed by the doctor. In severe cases, itraconazole capsules can be taken orally. Patients need to wash their underwear alone and scald them in boiling water, and avoid sharing towels with others.

3. Contact dermatitis

Due to contact with chemical fiber clothing, detergents and other allergens, erythema, papules and peeling skin appear with clear borders. Suspicious items must be stopped immediately and the affected area flushed with clean water. You can use hydrocortisone butyrate cream and oral cetirizine tablets as directed by your doctor. It is recommended to choose a shower gel with a non-allergenic formula and wash new underwear thoroughly before wearing it for the first time.

4. Scrotal inflammation

Bacterial infection can cause local redness, swelling, erosion and white scales, which often leads to suppuration due to scratching. It may be related to prolonged sitting and excessive sweating. Topical mupirocin ointment must be used as directed by the doctor, combined with antibiotics such as cefaclor dispersible tablets. You should avoid riding a bicycle for long periods of time every day, and wipe from front to back after defecation to prevent fecal contamination.

5. Keratotic eczema

It is a chronic type of eczema, characterized by dry, chapped and flaky skin, which is aggravated in winter. You can use urea ointment to soften cuticles as directed by your doctor, and use tacrolimus ointment to control inflammation. The bath water temperature should not exceed 38°C, and apply moisturizing cream immediately after bathing. Avoid using alkaline soaps to clean the affected area.

Pay attention to the ventilation of the perineum on a daily basis. Choose loose and breathable cotton underwear and change it daily. Avoid eating seafood, chili peppers and other allergenic foods. Use mild, unscented shower gel when cleaning, and the water temperature should not be too high. If symptoms persist or worsen, and blisters, pus, etc. appear, you should go to a dermatology department in time. If necessary, fungal microscopy or pathological examination should be performed to clarify the cause. Do not use hormonal ointments on your own for a long time to avoid skin atrophy.