Red scrotum syndrome: successful treatment with oral doxycycline

Red scrotum syndrome often follows the prolonged application of topical corticosteroids to the scrotal area and is characterized by persistent erythema of the scrotum associated with severe itching, hyperalgesia, and a burning sensation. Several topical and systemic treatments have been used in the past without success.

To assess the efficacy of oral doxycycline, in addition to corticosteroid abstinence, in the treatment of red scrotum syndrome.

In a retrospective chart review, seven patients with red scrotum syndrome, who presented between 2004 and 2007 to the outpatient clinic at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, were identified as having been treated with oral doxycycline and steroid abstinence.

All patients reported significant improvement (between 50%and 80%) of their symptoms within 2 weeks of starting doxycycline and had marked improvement of the erythema and complete resolution of symptoms in a period ranging from 2 to 3 months.

We suggest that doxycycline may be effective in the treatment of red scrotum syndrome.