Itching of the scrotum: why it occurs and which ointments are effective.

Men sometimes experience redness and itching of the scrotum.

Many factors contribute to this.

Itching is a symptom of many diseases.

In today's article we will talk about the causes and consequences that can lead to itching under the scrotum.

The mechanism for the occurrence of redness is that an abundant supply of blood enters the skin of the scrotum and testicles, as a result of which it turns red.

Blood flow, in addition to the scrotum and testicles, can also flow abundantly into the epididymis and spermatic cords.

In many cases, this is evidence that an inflammatory process has begun.

There are several reasons for the occurrence of such hyperemia.

Their elimination is aimed at destroying pathogenetic factors and reducing the inflammatory process:

Infectious inflammation as a result of the activity of various pathogenic microorganisms. They can develop throughout the entire structure of the scrotum, testicles, epididymis, seminal canals, as a result of which the body begins a protective reaction to this process and the occurrence of severe itching of the scrotum and the occurrence of hyperemia.
The causes of inflammation of the scrotum can also be non-infectious.
Reduced blood flow from the testicles themselves, due to scrolling of the seminiferous ducts, which contain nerve fibers and small blood vessels.

If we talk about the infectious appearance of scrotal hyperemia, it is caused by several groups of bacteria.

They cause both itching of the scrotum itself and its hyperemia.

A nonspecific bacterial infection can be represented by the following pathogenic microorganisms:

staphylococcus
Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
streptococci
even pathogens such as protea can connect

In addition to the fact that they can affect the scrotum itself and its tissues, they can also penetrate the testicles and their appendages.

They can be introduced simply through the bloodstream or through the flow of the lymph itself.

According to many doctors, these pathogens do not have a clear direction in choosing the damaged tissue and its cells.

This indicates promiscuity towards the cells they destroy.

When a man says that his scrotum itches and begins to itch, he is mostly to blame.

He immediately begins to get nervous and remembers what he did, who he slept with or didn’t sleep with.

Basically, the causes of such itching can be ordinary failure to observe personal genital hygiene.

And it’s enough just to take a shower or go to the bathroom and wash well with soap.

After this, the itching of the scrotum can be reduced or completely eliminated if this process is of a non-bacterial type, which affects much worse.

Despite all his shyness, a man should still visit the appropriate doctor.

Namely, a urologist or dermatovenerologist.

The doctor will examine the genitals for hyperemia and inflammation, both the testicles and the scrotum itself.

But many men are embarrassed by such an examination.

Despite the fact that severe itching of the scrotum begins, they remain their ground and endure what is fraught with danger for themselves.

The process can go into a chronic stage and affect much more and worse, affecting the entire body as a whole.

Moreover, any inflammatory processes can negatively affect the reproductive function of men.

Itching of the scrotum: manifestations and mechanism

Itching itself is a specific reaction of the body, which is manifested by an indefinable desire to scratch the area where pathogenic bacteria were involved.

In other words, this is an uncomfortable state that does not feel very pleasant.

Itching can appear not only on the scrotum, but also on almost any part of the body.

If we talk about the mechanism of the appearance of itching itself, then this is a specific innervation of epithelial cells.

Occurs as a result of various environmental influences or to create cell excitation (exogenous and endogenous factors).

The mechanism of itching is to produce an intense effect on the cells of the immune system and blood cells (leukocytes).

In addition to these cells, calcitonin or the main hormone produced in the thyroid gland may also be involved in the manifestation and occurrence of itching.

Itching of the penis also occurs, mainly during an infectious process (for sexually transmitted diseases, syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV infections, etc.).

The patient may notice itching in other areas, for example:

Itching between the anus and scrotum
Itching of the scrotum and anus
Patients may also experience itching and burning in the scrotum itself.
They notice itching around the scrotum itself

Men who came to see a doctor complain:

for bloody calluses around or near the scrotum due to frequent and vigorous scratching
on chafing from clothes that are too tight and not breathable
for diaper rash

What symptoms should you see a doctor for?

You should contact a urologist if you have any alarming symptoms or unusual formations in the scrotum. It could be:

feeling of a lump, protrusion, compaction or, on the contrary, falling through (even if they are painless);
pain: sudden, dull, aching, concentrated in one place or spreading throughout the groin, abdomen or lower back;
feeling of heaviness;
swelling or swelling;
skin redness;
frequent urination;
pus or blood in the urine;
change in tactile sensations (hardened or swollen testicle).

If the cause of the scrotal disorder is an infection, symptoms may also include:

high temperature;
nausea and vomiting.

Types of scrotal itching

Itching can be divided into several types:

Pruritoceptive - or itching, accompanied by inflammation, damage and dryness of the skin. It is with this type of scrotal itching that patients note severe itching and peeling of the scrotum itself.

Neuropathic – itching specific to various nervous disorders.

Neurogenic - itching is specific to various other types of disorders, but as a rule it is not of a nervous nature.

Psychogenic – itching characteristic of specific mental pathologies and disorders.

Thanks to the division into types, one can talk about pathogenic or non-pathogenic factors of itching.

If we talk about the non-pathogenic factor of itching of the scrotum, then the irritation itself that appears on the scrotum area is of a natural nature due to one or another effect.

For example, chemical, thermal, tactile, physical.

Usually goes away due to the elimination of the above reasons.

This reason is not serious and does not require a visit to a doctor's office.

A man just needs to take appropriate measures.

For example, go to the shower and do the appropriate hygiene procedures.

Causes leading to severe itching of the scrotum and testicular area

There are many factors influencing such an unpleasant process.

Sometimes it is difficult to stop even with drugs with antihistamine effects.

Allergy

Touching the delicate skin of the genitals with poor-quality fabric of underwear, or contact with shampoo, gel, soap, little-known creams or ointments.

Sometimes behind the beautiful appearance there is hidden the treatment of linen with toxic dyes that contain large amounts of chromium.

If the underwear is made of synthetics, then this can also cause itching when worn for a long time, and leads to diaper rash in the genital area.

Many men note the occurrence of allergic itching due to the use of latex condoms.

Infections

A large number of both beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms constantly live on the surface of a man’s genitals.

If a man constantly follows the rules of personal hygiene, namely, changes his underwear daily and takes a shower, then beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms coexist peacefully.

But if a man does not follow these simple rules, then an inflammatory process may occur on the skin of the scrotum, leading to itching.

Due to damage to the delicate tissues of the skin.

Often the area where the testicles are located (the scrotum) is “attacked” by streptococcal bacteria.

Also, in addition to streptococcus, the scrotum can be “attacked” by mycoplasma and ureaplasma, and some types of fungi.

One of them is the Candida fungus (candidiasis).

It is with infectious dermatitis that a specific rash appears on the skin of the scrotum, somewhat reminiscent of a burn, the so-called urticarial rash.

If you look closely at it, it looks like a nettle burn.

Pediculosis

Despite all the observance of personal intimate hygiene, many men who are promiscuous can pick up a very unpleasant parasite.

These are pubic or body lice.

This parasitic disease is called pediculosis.

You can get infected almost anywhere:

in public transport, when a large crowd of people is forced to come into contact with each other
in a public bath, swimming pool, shower, sauna
when visiting a public toilet

Itching is caused by parasite bites on the delicate skin of the genitals.

But with the bite itself, the patient does not feel pain.

The parasite's saliva contains an anesthetic substance, which it injects immediately after the bite.

Itching at the site of the bite begins only after 5 minutes.

Itching from head lice can be very painful and is accompanied by small bloody calluses after scratching.

Chlamydia

A disease of a sexually transmitted nature provokes severe itching in the area of the scrotum and testicles located in it.

Many men with chlamydia experience immediate itching in the scrotum area.

In fact, the itching is concentrated on the inner surface of the testicles, which indicates a large population of chlamydia parasites.

In addition to itching, the man also complains of pain and burning when urinating.

With timely treatment and taking appropriate medications, itching in the testicular area usually decreases or stops altogether.

Erythrasma

Occurs when the body’s immune properties decrease.

With this progression, the parasites begin to actively multiply and release their pathogenic waste into the human body.

The main characteristic symptom that appears with erythrasma is that the scrotum begins to take on the color of red brick.

Itching can move between the genital area to the anus and perineum.

The itching is not constant; it usually begins in the afternoon and intensifies in the evening.

With erythrasma, this process is specific only when the immune system is reduced, when the body is not able to resist a large number of pathogens.

Athlete's inguinal

The pathology is fungal type, the main causative agent is mycotic fungal spores.

Inguinal athlete's foot can become chronic, causing very serious consequences.

It may occur with periods of both decline and exacerbation.

Men aged 32 to 45 years are most often affected.

In addition to the itching of the testicles or scrotum, patients complain of the appearance of round spots on the genitals, somewhat reminiscent of lichen planus.

Herpetic genital infection

As you know, herpes is viral in nature.

This type of itching, known as herpetic itching, occurs due to the appearance of herpes on the genitals.

The cause of its appearance is unprotected sexual intercourse with a partner who already has such an infection.

To avoid infection, you must use a condom.

The main symptom of herpes on the genitals is the appearance of small blisters filled with a yellowish-whitish liquid.

Psoriasis

A specific autoimmune reaction of the body.

The pathogenesis of this condition has not been fully studied, and a means to completely cure this disease has not yet been found.

At the first signs of psoriasis in men, the testicles always begin to itch due to the appearance of psoriatic plaques on them.

The scrotum becomes covered with a whitish coating and peels off due to damage to the epithelial tissue.

Causes of redness

As for the reasons, they can be very different:

Spermatocele – when a cyst forms on the testicle. Actually, this disease is considered to pass without symptoms, and perhaps redness may be a sign of its onset. The doctor must prescribe an ultrasound for diagnosis, and the disease can only be treated through surgery.
Varicocele – when the veins in the scrotum are damaged. In particular, the spermatic cords can be compressed, as a result of which the blood supply process becomes difficult. The condition may also be accompanied by swelling, swelling, and increased body temperature. Veins are noticeably visible just under the skin. An ultrasound will be needed to diagnose the condition. Treatment will require surgery. However, timely contact with a urology specialist significantly speeds up treatment and reduces related problems. One of the most undesirable negative consequences can be infertility.
Torsion is considered a very unpleasant condition when one testicle becomes twisted. An urgent visit to the doctor is necessary, because soon after the situation worsens, the pain will become stronger, the person may vomit, and will feel a slight collapse. The causes of the disease can be injuries, long-term abstinence, too sudden movements and simply muscle tension.
Fournier's gangrene - redness in this case is accompanied by sharp pain, swelling of the penis, the appearance of a rash, and increased temperature. Since the disease is quite dangerous, the treatment method should be selected by an experienced andrologist to avoid further spread of gangrene and organ necrosis.
Testicular cancer should not initially be considered a death sentence. In reality, it all depends on the stage at which the disease is detected and surgical treatment. Redness is considered the initial symptom, and therefore it is so important to note changes in the color of the skin.

Treatment for itchy scrotum

If we talk about such a symptom as itching of the scrotum rationally, then it can be reduced or completely eliminated.

For example, to reduce itching, you can wash the scrotum yourself with antiseptic solutions.

Every home has them (hydrogen peroxide, furatsilin tablets or solution, miramistin, chlorhexidine).

After washing, you can use Sinaflan ointment.

It is best to rinse before going to bed.

If we talk about folk methods, then various baths made from infusions of chamomile, oregano, and sweet clover have worked well.

If you nevertheless visit a doctor, then know that he will definitely prescribe hydrocortisone ointment.

This is the most famous and proven remedy for the treatment of itching of the scrotum.

Sometimes the doctor may also prescribe antihistamines to reduce itching and pain in the testicles.

Such drugs as triderm, panthenol, nezulin, gistane very well reduce itching in the scrotum.

Such ointments and tablets made on the basis of menthol cannot be used when the patient has deeply scratched the skin and there are ulcers and bloody cobwebs.

But basically, treatment will be effective only if the diagnosis is correctly determined.

With timely administration of appropriate medications and in order to avoid various complications.

But remember, every drug has side effects.

Therefore, before taking any medications, it is necessary to consult a specialist (urologist, infectious disease specialist).

Diseases of the scrotal organs

APPOINTMENT WITH DOCTOR OLEG VIKTOROVICH AKIMOV
The organs of the scrotum include the testicles, epididymis, spermatic cords, which include the vas deferens and testicular vessels. The formation of sperm occurs in the testicles, their maturation and accumulation occurs in the epididymis, and the vas deferens serve to bring them out. In addition, the formation of the male sex hormone, testosterone, occurs in the testicles, which performs a number of important functions in the male body. Diseases of the scrotal organs can be divided into inflammatory and non-inflammatory, as well as injuries of the scrotal organs. Inflammatory diseases include orchitis and epididymitis. This is an acute or chronic infectious and inflammatory disease of the testicle and/or epididymis. The causative agents of infection can be both nonspecific and specific (gonococci, chlamydia, mycoplasma, ureaplasma, trichomonas, etc.) bacteria, as well as viruses. Most often, the disease is a complication of inflammatory changes in neighboring organs (prostatitis, vesiculitis, urethritis), which occurs against the background of hypothermia, decreased immunity, and scrotal injuries. Non-inflammatory diseases of the scrotum include: varicocele (dilation of the veins of the spermatic cord), hydrocele, epididymal cysts, and rarely testicular cancer.

What is a varicocele?

Varicocele or varicose veins of the spermatic cord is an expansion of the veins of the pampiniform plexus, located in the scrotum along the spermatic cord. This dilatation mainly occurs as a result of increased pressure in the testicular vein, combined with insufficiency or absence of venous valves in it. It most often occurs in adolescents aged 10 to 14 years. An increase in testicular temperature, which occurs as a result of a violation of the venous outflow, leads to disturbances in its function, atrophy and often to the development of male infertility. Varicocele can cause insufficient production of testosterone (male sex hormone) and early male menopause. In this regard, operations for varicocele are currently offered not only to young men, but also to older men (after 45 years). Varicocele is observed mainly on the left side (in the left half of the scrotum and along the left spermatic cord), which is associated with the anatomical features of the origin of the left testicular vein. Bilateral varicocele occurs in 30% of patients. Varicocele on the right is observed more often as a symptom of pathology of the right retroperitoneal space (tumor of the right kidney, retroperitoneal fibrosis, etc.). Varicocele is treated only with surgery. For this purpose, several operations have been proposed, the essence of which boils down to ligating varicose veins, through which blood flows from the testicle, and starting blood flow through normal veins. What are the absolute indications for the treatment of varicocele: male infertility, pain or heaviness in the scrotum, testicular atrophy. The following mechanisms of impaired spermatogenesis in men with varicocele are assumed: increased temperature in the testicles due to venous blood stasis, retrograde entry of toxic metabolites from the adrenal glands and kidneys, blood stagnation with the development of hypoxia of the germinal epithelium, changes in the functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis. Recent experimental results confirm the relationship between increased blood flow, increased temperature in the testicles and impaired spermatogenesis.

What is testicular hydrocele?

A hydrocele, or hydrocele, is a collection of fluid within the membranes that normally surrounds the testicles. The causes of hydrocele can be congenital non-closure of the connection between the abdominal cavity and the vaginal membrane of the testicle (communicating hydrocele of the testicular membranes, a congenital condition more common in children), inflammatory processes of the testicle and its epididymis (orchitis, epididymitis), trauma to the scrotum, lesions of the inguinal and pelvic lymph nodes (metastases). tumors, parasitic diseases - filariasis), severe heart failure. In adult men, the incidence of hydrocele is within 1%, although this varies widely between countries. Hydrocele of the testicular membranes can also develop as a complication of operations to correct inguinal hernias or varicoceles. Diagnosis of this condition is based on a physical examination and physical examination. Diaphanoscopy and ultrasound examination of the scrotum help to establish an accurate diagnosis. Characterized by enlargement of the scrotum. The skin of the scrotum is unchanged. When palpated, the enlarged half of the scrotum has a dense elastic consistency and is painless. The testicle is usually pushed downwards; if it is large, it is pushed upward, and is often not palpable. Palpation is painless. When the scrotum is examined in a dark field (diaphanoscopy), a normal or slightly reduced testicle is clearly visible against a pink background. Hydrocele does not pose a threat to the patient’s life; it only causes aesthetic and functional inconvenience. Sometimes the dropsy of the testicular membranes can be so large that it makes it difficult to walk or even sit. The prognosis for large sizes is atrophy and impaired spermatogenesis. There are no drug treatments for testicular hydrocele. Temporary and quick help can be provided to the patient by puncturing the dropsy with a special needle and evacuating the dropsy using a syringe. However, puncture of dropsy ends in its recurrence in 100% of cases. The only radical way to get rid of hydrocele forever is surgery.

What is an epididymal and spermatic cord cyst?

An epididymal cyst or spermatocele, as well as a spermatic cord cyst or funiculocele, is a round-shaped voluminous formation, which is an accumulation of fluid, surrounded, like any cyst, by a dense fibrous membrane or capsule. Spermatoceles and funiculoceles form in the epididymis or in the vas deferens (part of the spermatic cord) when their excretory ducts stop emptying normally and fill with fluid that the epididymis produces to ensure normal maturation and transport of sperm. There is a history of trauma or inflammation of the scrotum, they can also be congenital. Spermatocele and funiculocele are asymptomatic. In old age, they cause pain when walking and physical work. Upon palpation above the testicle or without connection with it, a spherical formation is determined, with a smooth surface, soft-elastic consistency, painless. Sometimes slightly dilated veins of the spermatic cord. Epididymal cysts are much more common than spermatic cord cysts. An epididymal cyst does not pose any danger to human health and life. It should be treated only when it begins to cause noticeable and frequent pain or increases to such an extent that it causes a significant enlargement of the scrotum, which interferes with movement and sitting. The basis for diagnosing diseases of the testicle, its epididymis and spermatic cord is a physical examination (primarily palpation or palpation). The leading auxiliary methods are ultrasound examination of the scrotum. In recent years, ultrasound of the scrotum, as a much more informative and accurate method, has practically replaced the previously used diaphanoscopy. An ultrasound of the scrotum can accurately determine the location of the epididymal cyst and its size. Treatment for epididymal cysts is not required in most cases. Surgical treatment is excision of the epididymal cyst. It is recommended to limit physical activity for several months after surgery. The peculiarity of this operation is the removal of the cyst without violating its integrity.

What is epididymitis?

A feature of the course of this disease is most often the presence of sexually transmitted pathogens, often associated with the appearance of a new sexual partner or with the presence of several sexual partners in the recent past. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis. Orchitis is inflammation of the testicle itself, and orchiepididymitis is simultaneous inflammation of the testicle and its epididymis. In practice, epididymitis is most often observed, less often orchiepididymitis and even less often isolated orchitis. Acute epididymitis, orchiepididymitis or orchitis is a sudden inflammation, accompanied by enlargement and hardening of the testicle and/or its epididymis, sharp and intense pain and a rise in body temperature. Symptoms are usually one-sided: pain in the testicles, swelling of the scrotum. There may be symptoms of urethritis, often asymptomatic: discharge from the urethra, dysuria. With proper treatment, these diseases disappear within 2 weeks. Chronic inflammation of the testicle and/or epididymis is characterized by a long-term (from several months to several years) course and resistance to treatment. Tuberculous epididymitis most often has a chronic course. Recurrent inflammation of the scrotal organs is associated with inadequate treatment or repeated infection in the epididymis and testicle. Chronic and recurrent epididymitis, orchiepididymitis and orchitis are manifested by a less pronounced increase and more local compaction of the scrotal organs, the pain is less intense and paroxysmal in nature, body temperature is usually normal. Inflammation of the testicle and/or its epididymis is dangerous, first of all, due to the development of male infertility. If they are not treated promptly, they can lead to disruption of sperm production, their normal development and transport from the testicle to the posterior urethra, where sperm is finally formed. If there is bilateral inflammation of the scrotal organs, the risk of infertility is much higher. In such cases, problems may develop associated with insufficient production of the male sex hormone - testosterone (decreased libido, weakened erection, decreased performance, decreased muscle mass, etc.). The basis for diagnosing diseases of the testicle, its epididymis and spermatic cord is a physical examination (primarily palpation or palpation). The leading auxiliary methods are diaphanoscopy and ultrasound examination of the scrotum. All of these methods are completely painless, and their correct use and proper interpretation allow an accurate diagnosis to be made in the vast majority of cases. To establish the causes of epididymitis, orchitis and orchiepididymitis, a general analysis and culture of urine for microflora are required, and sometimes sperm (ejaculate) is analyzed for the presence of various infections. Tests are performed for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases. If there is suspicion, an examination is carried out for the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in the urine and/or ejaculate. If a testicular tumor is suspected, blood tests are performed for the appropriate tumor markers. Only a correctly constructed set of diagnostic measures makes it possible to establish an accurate diagnosis and carry out the most effective treatment. Be sure to consult a urologist or andrologist!