Hi,

I am very concerned about a condition, or several conditions, coming together to cause what appears to be an unusual problem, Red Scrotum Syndrome.

I have a bright red to dark red or purple scrotum. This condition has coincided with acute epididymitis associated with the left testicle and persistent fungal infection of the crotch (jock itch). The scrotum itself is not tender, dry or scaly.

Two weeks ago, I saw my GP and he organised blood tests, midstream urine test, and prescribed fungal treatment. The blood test was a full blood test, returning normal results (no obvious infections as white blood cell counts were normal), the prostate test returned normal results for prostate specific agents and the mid stream urine test contained no pathogens.

I was prescribed antibiotics (Cephalexin 500mg) 20 capsules with 1 repeat at 1 capsule 3 times per day. These were taken at 8 hour intervals in most cases, but no interval was missed. The epididymitis abated very quickly after commencing the antibiotics, but in the last couple of days, after the antibiotics were completed, mild signs of epididymitis have returned. I first noticed very mild signs of epididymitis about 6 years ago, principally in the left testicle, but occasionally in the right one as well. The level of discomfort being about 1 out of 10, with 1 being the least noticeable. Two weeks ago the level would have been about 7 or 8 out of 10.

About a week ago the redness extended to the penis, including the head, but the collar of loose skin has always been red since the scrotum has been, but the intensity has varied in the area.

I did have brief oral sex about 14 months ago, but have been sexually inactive since.

I do have a pituitary disorder (macroprolactinoma treated with cabergoline 500ugm twice weekly) and thyroxine (100mg daily) plus blood pressure medication, duodenal ulcer medication, and cholesterol medication.

The main concerns I have is what could be the cause (and treatment) for this very obvious redness of my scrotum and penis? Is the condition associated with the epididymitis or is it coincidental to it? Could it be a vascular problem like blockage or ruptured blood vessel causing a detour of blood supply? Or could it be a bacterial or viral infection causing the condition? There is no specific discomfort associated with the redness.

I hope you are able to provide some answers or suggest what type of health care professional I should follow this condition up with.