Persistent Itch Underneath Scrotum After Months
Age: 30 I'm using a throwaway account due to the sensitive nature of this issue. Several months ago, around January, I was grooming myself as usual when I accidentally cut the underside of my scrotum while shaving. Initially, I didn't think it was a big deal. However, within a week, the area where I cut myself became extremely itchy. I assumed it was just a minor irritation that would heal on its own. Unfortunately, the itching continued, and the cut remains unhealed after all this time. It looks exactly the same as it did weeks ago—no scabbing or improvement at all. I speculated that my regular grooming habits might be aggravating the area and hindering recovery, so I refrained from shaving or trimming for an entire month. Still, there was no change. I just shaved today, partly to take a clear image to show others for advice. My mind is racing with worries, particularly about conditions like necrotizing fasciitis, which has added to my anxiety. Visiting a doctor is not feasible for me right now since my health insurance is tied to one specific state, and I’m currently away for several weeks. In the photo I took today, you might notice that the skin surrounding the area is slightly raised, reminiscent of a reaction from a cat scratch. Should I consider going to an urgent care clinic nearby to get this issue examined?
Answers (1)
3/20/2025, 9:40:34 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a persistent issue that's causing you discomfort and anxiety. Given that the area under your scrotum has not healed for several months and continues to itch, it’s important to approach this situation carefully and thoughtfully.
Main Points:
- Prolonged Itching and Non-Healing Cut: The combination of itching and a cut that hasn’t healed could suggest a few potential issues, such as a skin infection, ingrown hair, allergic reaction, or possibly a dermatological condition.
- Immediate Concerns: While conditions like necrotizing fasciitis are serious, they are quite rare, especially in a localized area without severe symptoms. However, the persistence of your symptoms warrants further examination.
Explanation:
Skin in sensitive areas like the groin can be prone to irritation and infection, especially after shaving. The raised skin you describe could indicate an inflammatory response, possibly due to an allergic reaction or an infection, especially if there is persistent itching and no healing.
Next Steps:
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Refrain from Further Irritation: Avoid shaving or grooming that area for the time being to prevent further irritation. Allow the skin a chance to heal.
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Gentle Care: Keep the area clean and dry. You may consider using a mild, fragrance-free soap and applying a barrier cream (like zinc oxide) to protect it from moisture if it feels appropriate.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes, such as increases in redness, swelling, or if you notice any discharge, which could indicate an infection.
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Seek Evaluation: Given that this has been ongoing for months without improvement, visiting an urgent care clinic or a dermatology clinic when possible is advisable. Explain your symptoms and the timeline clearly to the healthcare provider. They will be able to evaluate the area directly and may want to conduct a culture if they suspect an infection.
While it may feel overwhelming, addressing this issue promptly is essential for your peace of mind and health. You deserve clarity and relief from these bothersome symptoms. Let me know if you have further questions or need more guidance!
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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7 Months Old) - **Weight:** 9 kg (good growth rate in spite of condition) - **Jaundice:** Continues to be present (yellow skin) - **Stools:** Remain pale/clay-colored - **Development:** Achieving appropriate milestones - **Energy:** Appears to have a good energy level - **Feeding:** Normal appetite --- ## QUESTIONS FOR r/AskDocs We have been informed this is **Type 2 Abernethy malformation** (portal vein present). **Three treatment avenues have been proposed:** ### Option 1: **Endovascular Coil Embolization** (minimally invasive approach) - A catheter is inserted via the leg vein to access the shunt and deploy coils/plugs to close the abnormal vessels - Pros: No surgical incision, minimal discomfort, short hospital stay (2-4 days), no scars, enhanced safety - Duration: 1-2 hours - Recovery: 2-4 weeks for jaundice to show improvement ### Option 2: **Open Surgical Intervention** - An incision in the abdomen to ligate abnormal vessels and redirect blood to the liver - Pros: Direct visualization, effective results - Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.