Itchy ladybits and DHs balls - what can it be?

[Reastie]

What a lovely subject title

I've had itchy ladybits for several weeks if not months (OK, yes, probably months). It's not constant, it's up and down. There could be a period of several days or so I don't notice anything and then a flair up for a few days/a week or so.

I'd put it down to sensitive skin, exercising and sweating alot recently which might make that area too hot and sweaty and uncomfortable, hormones (well, they do so many odd things....) or perhaps low level thrush (have no discharge and the itchyness/discomfort isn't internal, it's mainly in the pubic hair around the front/sides. I have had thrush alot and whilst reminiscent, it's not jumping out at me as thrush).

This week has been an annoying bad week for it. I mentioned it to DH and he said he's had the same thing but on his hair on/around his balls. He's had thrush before too and said it isn't like what he's had with that before.

I've been googling but can't really find any answers which fit other than dermatitis, which might be the case for me but doesn't fit the bill for DH who doesn't have sensitive skin.

I've tried sudocrem to help it but that didn't seem to do anything. When I use loo roll it often feels irritated. I've tried washing in only aveeno which to an extent helps and I'm very careful with what soaps I use and using non bio powder, but nothing gets rid of it. And the fact that DH has it too makes me think we might have given each other something and reinfect each other....

Any ideas or advice?

[QOD]

Ummmm I hate to say it but crabs? Pubic lice? Have either of you strayed?

[Reastie]

Well, I haven't and I genuinely don't think DH has either. Surely crabs or pubic lice would get progressively worse as they made more eggs rather than the on/off?

[InsanelyBrainDeprived]

My first thought was crabs too .... No one has to stray tho... You can catch them from unclean surfaces as far as I know. Rare but it does happen

[Reastie]

I've just had a good look in the mirror at the area and looked at pictures on google what what lice look like in that area and can't see any signs....

[cocolepew]

My first thought was crabs..
A new shower gel or washing powder

[Reastie]

Washing powder is same as have used for years (fairy). Used another shower gel for a short while which aggravated it but didn't start it, and I stopped using that several weeks ago...

[TondelayoSchwarzkopf]

Boring and sensible response - go to your GP or Sexual Health clinic.

[meditrina]

Do you use Always? (Your symptoms seem to have started about the time they were switching to their scented pearls). Or any other scented 'feminine' products? Which you then lovingly transfer onto DH.

[GlaikitFizzog]

Thrush?

[Reastie]

Yeah tond if I have to I will, just wondered if there was something i could try first to save me a visit.

med I mainly use bodyform nightime and don't think it's scented. DH doesn't though!

[Reastie]

Have put thrush cream on tonight and will try that for a couple of days, if that's a bit of an improvement will do the pessary and get DH sorted. He swears it isn't thrush though as he's always had spots on his willy before and he says there's no problem there, it's all on the balls!

[TondelayoSchwarzkopf]

Yes, sorry If I came across as patronising. I would be inclined to think mild thrush and a swab should confirm - but do blokes get it on their balls?

[meditrina]

Bodyform is unscented. It was a bit of a long shot - though perhaps a bit more plausible with wipes etc what might leave a layer that transfers.

[TheFuzz]

Try lamisil - yeast infection ?

[tiktok]

Lanacane powder for you both - it is worth trying. Used regularly in the summer in our house :) 'Cos the hot weather makes everyone sweat and this really stops a sweat rash (which sounds like wot you have got, to be honest, though check with doc)

[tobiasfunke]

You can get thrush on the skin folds around the groin without having it internally. I had it once and I used tea tree oil diluted to wash with and then canesten cream. You have to do it at least twice a day for a few weeks.
The other alternative might be Jock itch. I think you use antifungals for that as well- the stuff for athletes foot. Check it out online.

[tobiasfunke]

I forgot to say make sure you don't have thrush if you are using the Lanacane powder. It contains corn starch which feeds the yeast.

[Reastie]

lamisil - is that over the counter? Might try that. Have now tried thrush treatment....

Lancane powder - do chemist sell that too?

Thought I might also get aqueous cream to wash in should it be a skin reaction somehow.

[TheFuzz]

Lamisil is for athletes foot and jock itch. Weather can cause it. Certainly worth a shot for a week. It's over the counter !

[digerd]

Are you both wearing breathable cotton underwear? I had trouble when wearing nylon knickers.

[greeneyed]

Jock itch

[Reastie]

dig yes very careful about cotton knickers!

Have bought lamisil. Will start treatment tonight

[digerd]

The nylon ones were always the sexy ones. But I found a really sexy pair of French Nickers that were frilly, loose and airy!!
I now wear the Sloggi Chic.

[Brummiegirl15]

Sorry I'm a bit late to the discussion but I had the same problem with the ladybits. The itch was driving me insane. It actually hurt when I peed I was so raw!!

In end went to see nurse and she explained it was probably a really bad case of thrush, explained I'd been using canestsn cream but was doing nothing. Nurse said that I needed a stronger pessary which was 2% which is designed for people that had had thrush before. To be fair she also gave me a swab to do as well just in case anything was up down there (so to speak!!)
Result? Stronger thrush treatment worked an absolute treat!! And swab came back completely clear. Basically I had a really cracking case of thrush that needed the strong stuff to shift.
You don't need a prescription either, it's about £13 from Boots for pessary & cream combi
Hope that helps