OpenHealth Q&A

Seeking Clarity on a Skin Concern

I have a substantial amount I want to convey, but the primary reason for my post is my current inability to seek medical help due to financial constraints. Before I proceed, allow me to share some pertinent details: A. I am a virgin. B. I am a 21-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 150 pounds, and I am Caucasian. C. This particular issue has been affecting me for roughly two years. D. I don't have any known additional health problems. E. I do not take any medications, and I refrain from drinking alcohol or smoking. The problem I am experiencing involves numerous small cysts appearing on the skin of my scrotum, not the testicles themselves. These cysts vary in size, with most being small and a select few larger. They possess a texture that is neither completely hard nor squishy, and I can observe a whitish substance within many of them. I find this situation quite unsettling and would prefer not to dwell on how unpleasant it is. Initially, it began with a lone small bump, which I mistook for a mole. Subsequently, more bumps emerged and began to spread. To my knowledge, these cysts seem to be localized on my scrotum and do not appear elsewhere on my body. Every few months, I notice a further spread. To anticipate some potential questions: A. Yes, I maintain good hygiene; I clean myself daily, sometimes even twice, ensuring that area is thoroughly attended to. B. Typically, the cysts don't cause much discomfort, although on occasion they can irritate me, leading to concerns that their proliferation might exacerbate any discomfort. C. No, I have never engaged in sexual activity of any kind. D. Unfortunately, the cysts do not seem to resolve on their own. E. I suspect that my habit of frequently scratching the area could be a contributing factor, but I've been doing so for as long as I can recall without any prior issues. Nonetheless, perhaps this excessive scratching could have triggered the condition. I find myself at a loss regarding the nature of these cysts. While I'm not an expert in medical terminology, I would like to share some thoughts that could help narrow down potential diagnoses: - **Gonorrhea**: This seems unlikely since it typically causes urinary tract infections and discharge, neither of which I have experienced. - **Chlamydia**: For similar reasons as with gonorrhea, I doubt this is the case. - **Genital Herpes**: It's possible, but the images online do not mirror my symptoms. - **Fordyce Spots**: These appear too small compared to what I am dealing with; mine are cysts while Fordyce spots are merely skin marks. - **Pubic Lice**: I sincerely hope it’s not this condition, but again, the visuals I've examined don’t align with my situation. - **Scrotal Calcinosis**: I'm not fond of this diagnosis either. Though the symptoms seem to coincide, what I have is considerably less severe than many documented examples. Ultimately, I am not a medical professional and thus may be way off base here. Once my financial situation allows, I plan to consult a doctor about this matter. In summary, I am genuinely perplexed and at a loss for an explanation regarding my condition.

Answers (1)

8/31/2025, 9:57:25 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you’re feeling concerned and uncertain about the cysts on your scrotum, especially with your financial constraints making it difficult to seek medical help. It’s important to know that you’re not alone in experiencing such skin issues, and there are several common causes for cysts in that area.

Main Points

1. You may be dealing with sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts, which are usually harmless.
2. Avoid scratching, as this can irritate the area and worsen symptoms.
3. Implement gentle self-care practices to help manage the condition until you can see a medical professional.

Explanation

From your description, the cysts you are experiencing could likely be sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts. These are typically small, non-painful lumps filled with a whitish material (keratin). They often appear on areas of the body with more sebaceous (oil) glands, which includes the scrotum. Here are a few key points:

• Sebaceous Cysts: These form when a hair follicle or skin pore becomes blocked. They can sometimes contain a thick, pasty substance.
• Epidermoid Cysts: These cysts, although similar, arise from the skin cells and can also be filled with keratin.

Both types are generally not harmful, but they can occasionally become inflamed or infected, which might cause discomfort.

Next Steps

1. Avoid Scratching: This is crucial. Scratching may cause irritation or lead to infection. Try to keep the area clean and avoid touching it unnecessarily.

2. Keep the Area Clean and Dry: Continue your hygiene routine of washing the area gently with mild soap. Avoid using harsh soaps or scrubs that might irritate the skin further.

3. Use Warm Compresses: If the cysts are mildly irritating, applying a warm, damp cloth can soothe the area and help with any discomfort.

4. Limit Tight Clothing: Wear loose-fitting underwear to reduce friction and irritation in the area.

5. Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the cysts. Note if they grow larger, become painful, or show signs of infection (such as redness, warmth, or pus). If any of this happens, seek medical attention as soon as feasible.

6. Document Symptoms: Keeping a diary of your symptoms and any changes can be helpful when you eventually see a healthcare provider.

While it’s understandable to worry about what these cysts might indicate, most are benign and can be managed with simple self-care measures. When your finances allow, it’s still strongly advised to see a medical professional for a direct evaluation, as they can provide a definitive diagnosis and discuss any necessary treatments.