Contents

SynopsisCodesLook ForDiagnostic PearlsDifferential Diagnosis & PitfallsBest TestsManagement PearlsTherapyDrug Reaction DataReferences

View all Images (4)

Red scrotum syndrome - Anogenital in
See also in: Cellulitis DDx
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Red scrotum syndrome - Anogenital in

See also in: Cellulitis DDx
Contributors: Jourdan Brandon MD, Asha Nanda MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Red scrotum syndrome (RSS), also known as male genital dysesthesia, is characterized by persistent erythema of the scrotum, burning pain, and hyperalgesia. The pathophysiology of RSS is poorly understood, but proposed causes include rebound vasodilation after chronic topical corticosteroid use, localized erythromelalgia, and neurogenic inflammation.

White men older than 50 have the highest incidence of this condition, but cases have been reported in younger individuals. Patients commonly present with scrotal erythema and burning pain with a preceding history of topical corticosteroids on the affected area. The average duration of topical corticosteroid use is 27 months, but cases of RSS have occurred after as few as 2 weeks. RSS can develop after prolonged use of topical corticosteroids with a potency as low as over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream. A common complaint is difficulty sitting normally due to pressure on the scrotum causing pain. RSS is a chronic condition that is difficult to treat, which can cause profound psychological distress.

RSS is thought to be part of red burning skin syndrome, which describes other presentations of rebound vasodilation following chronic use of topical corticosteroids, including red face syndrome, red scalp syndrome, red ear syndrome, and red vulva syndrome.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L53.9 – Erythematous condition, unspecified
N50.89 – Other specified disorders of the male genital organs

SNOMEDCT:
238969001 – Burning scrotum
65645005 – Scrotal pruritus

Look For

Subscription Required

Diagnostic Pearls

Subscription Required

Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls

To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential

Subscription Required

Best Tests

Subscription Required

Management Pearls

Subscription Required

Therapy

Subscription Required

Drug Reaction Data

Subscription Required

References

Subscription Required

Last Reviewed:10/31/2022
Last Updated:11/13/2022
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.
Red scrotum syndrome - Anogenital in
See also in: Cellulitis DDx
A medical illustration showing key findings of Red scrotum syndrome : Erythema, Scrotum, Pruritus
Clinical image of Red scrotum syndrome - imageId=2046108. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'Diffuse bright red erythema of the scrotum.'
Diffuse bright red erythema of the scrotum.
Copyright © 2024 VisualDx®. All rights reserved.