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Isolated Itching of the Genitals

Christelle Pomares Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice - Hôpital de l'Archet, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, C3M, Inserm U1065, Nice, France

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Pierre Marty Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice - Hôpital de l'Archet, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, C3M, Inserm U1065, Nice, France

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Pascal Delaunay Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice - Hôpital de l'Archet, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, C3M, Inserm U1065, Nice, France

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DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.13-0337
Volume/Issue:
Volume 90: Issue 4
Page(s):
589–590
Open access
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A 38-year-old man, returned from Ivory Coast 2 months ago and presented with a 3-month history of pruritus exclusively on the scrotum. Itching was continuous during the day and no pruritus was described in his wife and son. Clinical examination of the genitals revealed several nodules on the scrotum, a chancrous lesion was seen on the penis, and multiple excoriations were noted. Dermoscopy exam with a dermatoscope of the whole body was performed and no papules, nodules, or burrow were found. Microscopic examination of several superficial skin samples obtained by scraping in the peri-genital area revealed one adult of Sarcoptes scabiei. The patient and his relatives were successfully treated with Ivermectin 200 μg/kg with a second dose 2 weeks later. Very rare cases are described on localized scabies (scalp, feet) and they mainly occurred in an immunocompromised patient unlike this patient who does not have any immunosuppression.

A 38-year-old man, returned from Ivory Coast 2 months ago and presented with a 3-month history of pruritus exclusively on the scrotum. Itching was continuous during the day and no pruritus was described in his wife and son. It is to be noted that since the pruritus appeared, he stopped sexual contact with his wife. Clinical examination of the genitals revealed several nodules on the scrotum (Figure 1), a chancrous lesion was seen on the penis (Figure 2), and multiple excoriations were noted. Dermoscopy exam with a dermatoscope of the whole body, including the finger webs, the flexor surfaces of the wrists, the elbows, and the axillae was performed. No papules, nodules, or burrow were found. Microscopic examination of several superficial skin samples obtained by scraping in the peri-genital area revealed one adult of Sarcoptes scabiei (Figure 3)1; the patient and his relatives were successfully treated with Ivermectin 200 μg/kg with a second dose 2 weeks later.2 He was seen in follow-up 1 month later and the symptoms had resolved. Very rare cases are described on localized scabies (scalp, feet), and they mainly occurred in an immunocompromised patient unlike this patient who does not have any immunosuppression.3

Figure 1.
Figure 1.

Nodules on the scrotum.

Citation: The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 90, 4; 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0337

Figure 2.
Figure 2.

Chancrous lesion on penis and nodules on the scrotum.

Citation: The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 90, 4; 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0337

Figure 3.
Figure 3.

Sarcoptes scabiei (200×) revealed by microscopic examination of samples obtained from skin scrapings.

Citation: The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 90, 4; 10.4269/ajtmh.13-0337

  • 1.↑

    Mounsey KE, McCarthy JS, Walton SF, 2013. Scratching the itch: new tools to advance understanding of scabies. Trends Parasitol 29: 35–42.

  • 2.↑

    Chosidow O, 2012. Scabies and pediculosis: neglected diseases to highlight. Clin Microbiol Infect 18: 311–312.

  • 3.↑

    Lewis EJ, Connolly SB, Crutchfield CE 3rd, Rest EB, 1998. Localized crusted scabies of the scalp and feet. Cutis 61: 87–88.

Author Notes

* Address correspondence to Christelle Pomares, Service de Parasitologie-Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice - Hôpital de l'Archet, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, C3M, Inserm U 1065, 151, route de Saint Antoine de Ginestière, CS 23079 06202 Nice Cedex 3, France. E-mail: pomares.c@chu-nice.fr

Authors' addresses: Christelle Pomares, Pierre Marty, and Pascal Delaunay, Service de Parasitologie Mycologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice - Hôpital de l'Archet, Université de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, C3M, Inserm Nice Cedex 3, France, E-mails: pomares.c@chu-nice.fr, marty.p@chu-nice.fr, and delaunay.p@chu-nice.fr.

Copyright:
© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 2014
Received:
07 Jun 2013
|
Accepted:
09 Aug 2013
|
Published Online:
02 Apr 2014
Cover The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Print ISSN:
0002-9637
Online ISSN:
1476-1645
  • Figure 1.
    View in gallery
    Figure 1.

    Nodules on the scrotum.

  • Figure 2.
    View in gallery
    Figure 2.

    Chancrous lesion on penis and nodules on the scrotum.

  • Figure 3.
    View in gallery
    Figure 3.

    Sarcoptes scabiei (200×) revealed by microscopic examination of samples obtained from skin scrapings.

Figure 1.

Nodules on the scrotum.
Figure 2.

Chancrous lesion on penis and nodules on the scrotum.
Figure 3.

Sarcoptes scabiei (200×) revealed by microscopic examination of samples obtained from skin scrapings.
  • 1.

    Mounsey KE, McCarthy JS, Walton SF, 2013. Scratching the itch: new tools to advance understanding of scabies. Trends Parasitol 29: 35–42.

  • 2.

    Chosidow O, 2012. Scabies and pediculosis: neglected diseases to highlight. Clin Microbiol Infect 18: 311–312.

  • 3.

    Lewis EJ, Connolly SB, Crutchfield CE 3rd, Rest EB, 1998. Localized crusted scabies of the scalp and feet. Cutis 61: 87–88.

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