The condition, known aspruritus scroti, affects the skin of thescrotum(“ball sac”).
The itchiness is brought on by the irritation of nerve receptors under the skin, known asnociceptors.
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1.
Satjawat Boontanataweepol / Getty Images
Chafing
Chafingcan occur when the scrotum rubs against other skin, causing redness, rawness, and pain.
It is especially common when you are sweating heavily from exercise or extreme physical activity.
Chafing can worsen if you wear rough clothing (like jeans without underwear).
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The treatment is aimed at keeping the skin clean and dry by:
2.
Jock Itch
Jock itch, also known astinea cruris, is an infection from the same fungi that causesringworm.
The fungus thrives on warm, moist skin covered by clothes, making the scrotum a perfect location.
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Poor hygiene can also contribute, particularly if you don’t shower and wash after exercise.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2024.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
The symptoms of a jock itch include scrotal burning and itching.
The rash is typically red and raised with scaly skin patches that can blister and ooze.
The treatment is aimed at keeping the skin clean and dry.
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Avoid wearing clothes that irritate the scrotum.
Intertrigo
Intertrigois an inflammatory skin condition found in skin folds, such as the armpit and groin.
Several types of bacteria and fungi can cause intertrigo.
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The skin folds provide the ideal moist, warm environment for the microorganism to grow.
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Intertrigo presents in many different ways.
Contact Dermatitis
Contact dermatitisis a skin reaction due to contact with an irritant orallergen.
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Common triggers include perfumed moisturizers or body sprays, laundry detergent, bubble bath, or harsh soap.
Symptoms include itching, redness, rash, swelling, and scaling.
The treatment is focused on avoiding the irritants or allergens that caused the rash.
The symptoms can be controlled with an OTC or prescriptionsteroid creamororal antihistamines.
They feed on blood from their host and multiply rapidly if left untreated.
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Pubic lice treatment is an OTC lotion that contains permethrin or a combination of permethrin and piperonyl butoxide.
Genital Herpes
Genital herpesis a sexually transmitted infection resulting from theherpes simplex virus (HSV).
It spreads through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.
Genital herpes may not present any symptoms.
It is transmitted through sexual contact with someone who has the infection.
A single intramuscular injection of the antibioticceftriaxonecan usually flush the infection.Your sexual partner or partners must also be treated.
They appear as small skin-colored areas on the scrotum and other areas around the genitals.
They can be flat or raised and bumpy.
HPV cannot be cured, but the warts can be reduced with topical or injectable medications.
Most people with the infection do not have symptoms, particularly men.
Those who do may experience irritation and inflammation in the genital area.
Trich can make the scrotum feel itchy, burning, or irritated.
Scabies
Scabiesis a skin condition brought on by a tiny mite calledSarcoptes scabiei.
The symptoms ofscabiesinclude itching (especially at night) and a pimple-like skin rash.
Treatment requires a prescription scabicide lotion containing permethrin (the same drug used to treat pubic lice).
It is applied to the entire body, including the head and neck.
Genital psoriasis is the punch in that affects the skin on and around your genitals, including the scrotum.
Mild psoriasis can be managed with gentle skin care, includingemollient moisturizers.
Severe cases may needimmunosuppressant drugsor treatment withUV light therapy.
Symptoms of eczema include itchiness, dry skin, and an inflamed, scaly rash.
The symptoms of candidiasis of the scrotum include itching, a red rash, and skin peeling.
The treatment of cutaneous candidiasis usually involves an OTC or prescription antifungal cream like Monistat (miconazole).
However, STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia require treatment by a healthcare provider without exception.
If your itchy balls are severe or do not go away with home treatment, see a healthcare provider.
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2013;28(5):302-305. doi:10.5001/omj.2013.91
MedlinePlus.Pubic lice.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Genital herpes - CDC basic fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Trichomonas - CDC fact sheet.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Parasites - scabies.
National Psoriasis Foundation.Plaque psoriasis.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Types of psoriasis: can you have more than one?
2021 May;48(5):625-632. doi:10.1111/1346-8138.15817
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