Rash on the Scrotum: Causes and Care

Sweat, rubbing, tight clothing, or fragranced products can irritate scrotal skin. Intertrigo may develop where warm, moist skin rubs. Contact Dermatitis and Atopic Dermatitis can cause red or dry areas; Ringworm more often affects the groin crease with a scaly border and may spare the scrotum. Psoriasis can produce smooth, persistent plaques. Burning, sores, blisters, discharge, or pain raises different concerns and warrants examination.

Look at the scrotum and the surrounding groin separately. Note whether the skin is cracked, swollen, wet, scaly, blistered, or tender, and whether symptoms followed exercise, a new product, shaving, medicine, or sexual contact.

Rinse with lukewarm water or a mild unscented cleanser, then pat completely dry. Wear breathable underwear, change after sweating, and avoid scratching, shaving, deodorants, and fragranced products. Do not put steroid, antifungal, or antibiotic cream on scrotal skin unless a clinician recommends the product and duration. Keep towels personal and avoid sexual contact if there are sores or blisters until assessed.

Obtain urgent care for sudden severe testicular pain or swelling, a rapidly spreading red or purple change, fever with marked tenderness, pus, skin breakdown, or feeling faint. Seek prompt medical advice for sores, blisters, pain when urinating, discharge, or symptoms after a new medicine. A clinician can distinguish skin inflammation from conditions involving the testicle and arrange appropriate testing.

Is the rash limited to the scrotal skin or does it involve the groin? Which products are safe here? Should I have infection testing or an examination of the testicles?