What Are the Symptoms of Pruritus Scroti?

Scrotal itching is a symptom of pruritus scroti.

Pruritus scroti is a common condition characterized by itching of the genital area, especially the scrotum.

An itchy genital area is a common condition. It is often caused by skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema, but may also be due to poor hygiene, an allergic reaction to soaps and lotions, or infections, including yeast or fungus (jock itch or tinea cruris is a fungus infection).

Pruritus is the medical term for itching, and it may affect any part of the body.

Pruritus scroti describes itching of the scrotum. In addition to itching or burning, other skin symptoms may include redness, dryness, cracked or leathery skin, bumps, or fluid-filled blisters.

Pruritus scroti may not occur with any other noticeable changes on the skin or may be associated with the following:

• Redness or discoloration
• Burning
• Raised skin
• Bumps, spots, or blisters
• Extremely dry skin
• Cracked skin
• Leathery or scaly patches
• Skin that oozes fluid and develops blisters filled with clear fluid

The common causes of pruritus scroti include eczema, which is atopic dermatitis, other dermatitis or inflammation of the skin, psoriasis, or allergic reactions.

The genital area can become sweaty and inflamed because of tight-fitting underwear or clothing. It can be inflamed from razor burns from close shaving. Skin on the scrotum can also become irritated because of local reactions to soaps, lotions, or cosmetics, or by wearing clothing like wool.

Infections may cause itching and include pinworms, public lice, scabies, fungus infections, genital herpes, and genital warts.

Underlying medical conditions can cause generalized itching of different parts of the body, including an itchy scrotum. Examples include liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes.

Other causes of pruritus scroti may include the following:

• Skin conditions
  • Xerosis (dry skin)
  • Eczema (dermatitis)
  • Fungal infections
  • Scabies
  • Psoriasis
  • Parasites
  • Burns
  • Scars
  • Insect bites
  • Hives
• Underlying diseases
  • Pruritus on the body might be a symptom of an underlying illness, such as:
    • Anemia
    • Diabetes
    • Liver disease
    • Kidney disease
    • Thyroid problems
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Lymphoma
• Neurological disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Pinched nerves
  • Shingles (herpes zoster)
• Psychiatric conditions
  • Anxiety
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder
  • Tactile hallucinations
  • Depression
• Irritation and allergic reactions
  • Irritation to certain materials, such as:
    • Wool
    • Chemicals
    • Soaps
    • Cosmetics
    • Other substances can irritate the skin and cause rashes and itching

Pruritus scroti often resolves on its own with local care, including keeping the area clean and well dried, wearing loose-fitting underwear, and avoiding scented soaps or lotions that may cause irritation.

It is reasonable to seek care from a healthcare provider if symptoms continue for more than a couple weeks, if there are open sores, or if there are signs of infection, including redness, swelling, fever, or chills.

As well, seeking care is appropriate if there are other associated symptoms like spreading itching or rash to other parts of the body, weight loss, fever, sweats, jaundice, or dark colored urine.

The diagnosis of pruritus scroti is often made at the bedside by the healthcare provider.

If a skin infection is suspected, scrapings of the skin may be taken to be examined under a microscope.

Screening blood tests for anemia, liver, kidney, or other diseases may be considered depending on the situation.

Treatment options include the following:

• Corticosteroid creams and ointments: These can reduce inflammation, itching, and redness. The ointments may contain 0.025%-0.1% corticosteroid. It is advised not to use steroid creams for more than 7 days because steroids can cause the skin to thin out. They can also increase the chances of a fungal infection in the irritated area.
• Other creams and ointments: Other topical treatments include calcineurin inhibitors that provide relief.
• Oral medications: Medications would include anti-itching medications, antibiotics, or antidepressants, depending on the cause.
• Light therapy (phototherapy): Phototherapy uses a specific type of light to control the sensation of itching.

Itching relief for pruritus scroti may include the following home remedies:

• Wear loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear and pants.
• Use mild, scent-free soaps.
• Consider using over-the-counter corticosteroid creams to decrease skin inflammation. If a skin infection is present, steroids may worsen the condition.
• Use over-the-counter antihistamines to help control the itch. Please note that some antihistamines may cause drowsiness; get advice from a pharmacist or your healthcare provider to choose the appropriate medication.
• If there is concern that a latex allergy might be the cause, consider using latex-free condoms for contraception.

Is jock itch and pruritus scroti the same?

Pruritus scroti describes the symptoms of an itchy scrotum and genital area. It is not an illness or infection. There are many causes of pruritus scroti. Jock itch is one of the causes.

Jock itch is a fungus infection (tinea cruris) of the genital area. It may cause itching (pruritic) of the scrotum.

What medicine is good for pruritus scroti?

The treatment for pruritus scroti will depend on its cause. Your healthcare provider will be able to offer treatment options based on the diagnosis.

If self-treating the itching symptoms, over-the-counter steroid creams and antihistamine medications may be helpful in controlling the itching.

What is the main symptom of pruritus?

The main symptom of pruritus is intense itching that is either acute or chronic and may also be accompanied by burning, prickling, and stinging. Itching in some cases can be so bothersome that it affects a person's sleep quality as well as their quality of life. Chronic (lasting more than six weeks) itching affects 15 percent of the population.

Why are my testicles itchy but not STD?

Itchy testicles are not always a sign of a sexually transmitted disease (STD). An STD is only one potential cause of the itching. Sexually transmitted conditions that may cause itchy genitals include pubic lice (crabs), genital herpes, genital warts (human papillomavirus or HPV), gonorrhea, chlamydia, trichomoniasis (trich), and scabies.

What is mistaken for jock itch?

Jock itch, or tinea cruris, is a fungus infection of the genital area. Other skin diseases, like psoriasis or eczema, may also cause itching.

Why do my testicles itch after a shower?

Hot or cold water can irritate the skin and make itching symptoms worse. It is also important to use mild, non-scented soaps, dry the skin area thoroughly, and wear loose-fitting cotton underwear to help minimize sweating.

Why does my pubic area itch at night?

Itching seems to be worse at night for a variety of reasons.

• Nighttime is a distraction-free environment. Other activities during the day distract the brain from concentrating on the itching.
• Skin becomes drier at night, partly because of circadian rhythm changes, and this drier skin tends to be itchier.
• The life cycle of parasites and fungi tends to increase activity at night, causing increased itching.
• The warmth from sleeping under the covers makes the genital area warmer and sweatier, increasing itching.