Switching to a nonlatex condom is an option that can help control and prevent this allergic reaction. Cases of severe contact dermatitis may require treatment with systemic corticosteroids as well as cool tap-water compresses. Mild cases can be treated with low-potency corticosteroid creams. Dermatitis often becomes chronic, developing into lichen simplex chronicus, which is characterized by extensive lichenification and hypertrophy of the affected skin. The scrotum is particularly prone to lichen simplex chronicus.
Patients complain of intense, unrelieved itching that is often related to heat and sweat.
They typically present with lichenified erythematous plaques on the lateral or entire scrotum. Darker-skinned patients often exhibit hyperpigmented eruptions rather than erythematous ones, which may lead the clinician to underestimate the degree of inflammation. In severe cases, low-potency topical corticosteroids prescribed for a maximum of 2 weeks can be helpful. Zinc oxide ointment is very soothing and helps absorb sweat. In most cases of chronic dermatitis, however, topical medications are soothing for only a few hours.