6 Causes of Itchy Balls or Testicular Itch|Home Remedies to Get Rid of Itchy Testicles

Suffering from itchy balls? Want relief from this embarrassing problem? There are several causes of itchy scrotum. We will discuss most common 6 causes in this article. Testicular itch is a common problem that is faced by many men and boys. There are several home remedies available to treat the embarrassing itching. too. One must know the causes of itching and also choice of treatment. Hence, in this article we will discuss all that you should know about the causes of itchy balls or testicular itch. We will also discuss home remedies to get rid of itchy testicles.

1. Fungal Infection
2. Yeast Infection
3. Contact dermatitis
4. Pubic Lice and Crabs
5. Scabies
6. Psoriasis

Fungal infection of skin is frequently seen in skinfold that is wet and warm. During warm weather, sweat gets trapped in skin folds behind the scrotum. The wet skin fold is an ideal habitat for the growth of fungus. Fungal infection of the skin causes itchiness and irritation in the scrotum also known as balls and testicular sac. The fungal infection is also observed in individual who are obese, wear dirty undergarment and maintain poor skin hygiene.

Tinea cruris or jock itch caused by Trichophyton rubrum is the most common fungal infection observed spread over scrotum around testicle area.¹ The infection causes scaly red rashes and extreme itching that is spread around the inner thighs, anus and testicles. Fungal infection of scrotum or testicular skin is one of the commonest cause of itchy balls or testicular itch.

Home Remedies- Most home remedies for itchy balls or testicular itch are applied over the skin 2 to 3 times a day for 5 to 7 day.

The following are the most frequent used home remedies that is applied over the infected skin for 3 to 7 days. Most of these substances are applied 2 to 3 times a day.

Antifungal home remedies to treat itchy balls or testicular itch:

• Garlic Paste
• Coconut Oil
• Turmeric Powder Mixed With Coconut Oil
• Grapefruit Seed Extract and
• Licorice Powder
• Over-the-counter spray and creams to treat itchy balls or testicular itch¹
• Micaderm (miconazole) Cream
• Selenium Sulfide (Selenium Blue) Lotion
• Lamisil (Terbinafine) Lotion or Cream
• Lotrimine Cream or Lotion

Skin infection caused by Candida Albicans is also known as Yeast Infection.² Candida Albicans is classified as yeast. Fungus candida albicans lies on the skin as harmless resident for several years or entire life. The yeast is activated to cause skin infection when individual hygiene is poor, individual is suffering with chronic disease or presence of autoimmune disease.³ The skin infection caused by yeast is suspected when over-the-counter creams and sprays fails to relieve symptoms of itchy balls or testicular itch. Yeast infection caused by candida Albicans is the second most common alternative cause of itchy skin infection of scrotum. Individuals suffering with Candida yeast infection frequently complain of severe itching and irritation in the scrotal area as well as burning sensation in the groin region. Yeast infection of skin in groin area is transferred from female partner to male partner by frequent contact. Women also suffer from Candida Albicans skin infection.

Treatment includes prevention and application of antifungal ointment or lotion. If the local application of medication fails, then course of oral antifungal pills are recommended.

Preventive Treatment for Itchy Balls or Testicular Itch-

• Do not wear wet undergarment for long time.
• Wear loose fitting cloth
• Clean all the skin with soap every time you take a shower. You must take a shower at least 2 to 3 times a week if not daily to avoid fungal skin infection.
• Eat less sweet meal.

Over the counter local application of lotion or ointment-

• Try Monistat
• Tioconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Most yeast infection not responding to over the counter lotion or ointment are treated with following oral pills.⁴
• Lamisil (Terbinafine)
• Sporanox (Itraconazole)
• Griseofulvin,
• Fluconazol

Allergic response is yet another cause of itchy balls or testicular itch. The region around the scrotum, testicles, and groin may develop extreme discomfort, rash and itch on coming in contact with an allergen or irritant. These symptoms together may indicate contact dermatitis. Ones who already have an allergy generally develop allergic contact dermatitis on coming in contact with allergy triggering plants, dyes, fragrances, etc.

Irritant contact dermatitis on the other hand is commonly triggered by contact with a strong chemical or other irritating substance. It is best to avoid these allergens and irritants to keep contact dermatitis at bay.

Pubic lice or crabs can also cause itchy balls or testicular itch in men as these parasites generally feed on the human blood present in the genitals and surrounding areas. They generally spread through sexual contact and sharing of towels, clothing and bedding. These parasites can be eliminated by using medicated soaps and creams on the affected area, but if they still don’t go away, one should immediately contact a doctor.

Sarcoptes scabiei, also called the itch mite, causes scabies.⁵ The disease may be caused by average 12 mites as a parasite that lives under the skin. If infection Is not treated soon then infection turns into crusted scabies and then there could be several hundred mites under the skin. This disease, Scabies, most commonly causes skin appearance as red and scarred itchy skin rash. The scabies is observed over the skin of scrotum, groin and axilla. Like crabs, the bites of these parasites cause extreme irritation too and are one of the common causes of itchy balls or testicular itch.

Topical or Local Application of Medications⁶–

• Elimite cream contains permethrin, a chemical that kills mite.
• Eurex Lotion- The croatamiton is the active chemical that kills the mite.
• Lindane Lotion- The chemical lindane does not penetrate deep into subcutaneous tissue and kills mite when applied over the itchy skin.

Oral Pills

Stromectol- Stromectol is given as a pill. In some cases of crusted scabies local application of medication does not work. Few of several hundred of mite often are not harmed by local application of chemicals. The medication is not recommended for children, pregnant woman and malnourished elderly individual

Psoriasis, a skin disorder commonly known to affect the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back, also causes itchy balls or testicular itch. Red raised areas of scaly derma appear in the affected region. Psoriasis in the moist groin region looks more like a red patch instead of scaly dry derma.

Psoriasis is treated by topical or local application of lotion, cream or ointment or pills.

Topical Therapy-

• Corticosteroid ointment
• Vitamin D3 (calcipotriol) containing ointment or cream

Phototherapy-

• Ultraviolet narrow band light therapy
• Ultraviolet broad band light therapy
• Oral Pills or Systemic Therapy

Acitritin- The medication is prescribed when local application fails to reduce symptoms.

• Methotrexate
• Cyclosporine

Having itchy testicles can be very embarrassing and bothersome. The first step to get rid of itchy testicles is visiting a doctor and getting the cause of the infection diagnosed accurately to plan appropriate treatment. Many over-the counter creams, sprays, zinc oxide ointment and antifungal medicines helps to relieve itchiness in testicles and eliminate the infection.

Apart from these, there are some excellent home remedies to get rid of itchy testicles. These are:

Tea tree oil has potent natural antifungal, anti-bacterial and deep cleansing properties. This is one of the best home remedies to get rid of itchy balls or testicular itch. Applying tea tree oil, twice a day for a week, on the irritated area using a cotton ball can prove effective in relieving the itchiness around testicle. If there is associated burning sensation, a mix of tea tree and coconut oil can be applied instead. One can also add some drops of this oil to their bath water and soak in it for about half an hour or use soaps and shower gels containing tea tree oil for easing itchy testicles.

Apple cider vinegar is a natural disinfectant which can be used to cure many skin infections and can be used as an effective home remedy to get rid of itchy balls or testicular itch. Cleaning the infected area with a solution containing 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in 2 cups of warm water can help eliminate the fungal and bacterial infection effectively. One must repeat this procedure once in the morning, again at noon and before bed for best results.

Rubbing alcohol on the affected area using a cotton ball can help disinfect and dry out the region in no time. One must repeat the procedure 2 to 3 times a day for best results. One can also substitute alcohol with Listerine for deriving the same anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and antiseptic benefits. This too is one of the wonderful home remedies to get rid of itchy balls or testicular itch.

White vinegar has potent antiseptic and antifungal properties and is one of the popular home remedies and can be useful to get rid of itchy balls or testicular itch. One can get relief from itchy testicles by thoroughly cleaning the infected area with a washcloth soaked in a solution of white vinegar and water, mixed in the ratio of 1:4. This process can be repeated 1 to 2 times a day.

Alternatively, spreading a mix of white vinegar and coconut oil, combined in equal proportions, on the infected region and then washing it off after some hours can bring the same amount of relief.

In order to get rid of testicular itch, it is important to know the dos and don’ts too. One should avoid scratching the infected region to prevent the spread and aggravation of the infection and itchiness of the testicles. Cleaning the groin area thoroughly every day, wearing clean and cotton underwear and using a clean towel are some lifestyle changes which can help prevent and deal with itchy testicles. One should avoid using fabric softeners, bleach and certain laundry detergents which contain irritation causing strong chemicals.

Now that you are aware of the causes of itchy balls or testicular itch and the home remedies to get rid of it, it would be easier to prevent or manage the condition effectively. If the problem still persists, it is best to seek medical advice.

Oral pills are prescribed by primary care physician or dermatologist. Individuals suffering with skin diseases that causes testicular itch are advised to see doctor for following reason.

If the Itchy Balls or testicular itch and rash is not getting better within 5 to 7 days.

You should look for rash and if you see rash that is not responding or increasing in size after trial of home remedies and failure of local application of over the counter ointment then you should see your primary care physician as soon as possible.

You need to see physician for oral medication or pills.

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