Scrotal eczema can cause itchiness in the crotch area. The exact cause is unclear, but various medical treatments and home remedies can help alleviate symptoms.

Eczema, or dermatitis, is a term that encompasses a few skin conditions.

Eczema can affect different parts of the body. Scrotal eczema affects the groin area, and can spread to the skin around the anus, between the buttocks, and on the penis.

Read on to learn more about scrotal eczema. This article looks at symptoms and causes, treatment options, how doctors diagnose the condition, and more.

Symptoms of scrotal eczema are similar to general symptoms of eczema. They appear on the scrotum and in the genital area.

Possible symptoms include:

  • itching that can be intense
  • burning
  • redness or discoloration
  • dry, scaly, or leathery skin
  • swelling
  • skin that oozes fluid and develops blisters filled with clear fluid
  • broken hairs

The cause of eczema isn’t fully understood. It also varies depending on the type of eczema you have. Types of eczema that can affect the genital area include:

  • Atopic dermatitis: Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema. The cause is unclear and the condition is chronic, but treatments can help.
  • Seborrheic dermatitis: Seborrheic dermatitis is usually an inflammatory response to excess Malassezia yeast on the skin. It commonly affects the scalp, it can also develop in the groin area.
  • Contact dermatitis: Allergic contact dermatitis happens in response to an allergen, while irritant contact dermatitis can develop with exposure to an irritant. Removing the environmental trigger usually clears up symptoms.

The skin of your scrotum is more absorbent than much of your skin. This makes it vulnerable to toxins and irritants that can cause eczema.

Eczema tends to run in families, so you’re more likely to have scrotal eczema if a family member also has it. Other skin conditions, like other types of eczema, may also lead to scrotal eczema.

Your primary care doctor can usually diagnose eczema by looking at the rash.

If you have severe or prolonged episodes of scrotal eczema, you should see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of skin conditions.

Your doctor may perform a skin biopsy by scraping off a small sample of your skin. A pathologist in a laboratory will study the skin sample to identify the source of the rash.

Treatment for eczema focuses primarily on stopping itching. As the scrotum is more sensitive than other parts of the body, it’s important to work with a doctor to create an eczema treatment plan that’s suitable for the groin area.

Treatments that may be suitable include emollients and topical steroids.

As the groin area absorbs steroids more quickly than other parts of the body, you should use them with caution. Your doctor can advise on how frequently you should apply steroids.

You can apply emollients as often as necessary. In particular, you may benefit from applying them directly after showering or bathing.

Home remedies can help treat scrotal eczema and reduce the likelihood or severity of a flare-up.

Steps to take include:

  • avoiding scratching and keeping fingernails short with no jagged edges
  • applying a cool compress
  • wearing loose clothing or underwear, particularly those made from 100% cotton, silk, or bamboo
  • avoiding temperature extremes, as sweating or dry skin from cold weather can make scrotal eczema worse
  • using moisturizers to keep the area hydrated
  • avoiding harsh soaps and fragranced products
  • monitoring for things that make your eczema worse, such as latex condoms
  • managing stress

Scrotal eczema and jock itch, or tinea cruris, can appear similar, though they are different conditions.

However, there are some differences

With jock itch, the rash starts in the groin, where the torso and legs meet. With scrotal eczema, it begins on the scrotum, though it may affect other areas too.

Jock itch is curable with treatment in about 80% to 90% of cases. However, scrotal eczema may be a chronic condition, unless it occurs due to contact with an irritant or allergen.

It’s important to receive an accurate diagnosis to ensure you can begin the right treatment. Your doctor can diagnose the condition and help create a suitable treatment plan.

Scrotal eczema is a type of atopic dermatitis that affects the scrotum. It can cause itchiness, dryness, and other skin changes.

Treatment such as emollients and steroid creams can help alleviate symptoms. Home remedies, such as moisturizing the area and avoiding tight clothing, may also help.

If you have symptoms of scrotal eczema, it’s important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. With the right treatment, it’s possible to alleviate symptoms and reduce the likelihood or severity of a flare-up.