How to Care for Your Child with a scrotal swelling

This leaflet will provide you with information about a Scrotal swelling causes, diagnosis, treatment and home care advice.

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How to Care for Your Child with a scrotal swelling

What is a scrotal swelling?

The scrotum is the bag of skin around the testicles. Scrotal swelling is abnormal increase of size of the scrotum.

What are the causes of scrotal swelling?

Scrotal swelling can be a symptom for many diseases and conditions. The Causes of scrotal swelling in children and adolescents could be:

A.    Painless (without pain)

  1. A fluid-filled sac in the scrotum called hydrocele
  2. Inguinal hernia A painless bulge in the groin caused by a part of the intestine protruding through the abdominal wall
  3. Testicular tumor

B.    Painful:

  1. Testicular torsion:  which is a painful twisting of the spermatic cord that require immediate medical attention.
  2. Trauma to testicles
  3. Torsion of the appendix testis or appendix epididymis: a twisting or rotation of a small appendage near the testicle or epididymis.
  4. Epididymitis the inflammation or infection of the epididymis which is coiled tube located at the back of the testicle.
  5. Orchitis: inflammation or infection of one or both testicles
  6. Incarcerated inguinal hernia
  7. Vasculitis: inflammation of the blood vessels

How is Scrotal swelling diagnosed?

The doctor will ask few questions about your child’s health and examine your child.
Your doctor will decide if further investigation or blood tests are required.
Some investigation may include:

  • Urine test
  • Blood test
  • Ultrasound scan – not required in all cases.                        

How Scrotal Swelling is treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of your child condition, ranging from simple pain medicine to surgical intervention in some cases.

Home care advice

  • If your child was given antibiotics, make sure he takes the full course as directed, even if he is feeling better in a few days.
  • If your doctor advises giving pain medicine, you can give Paracetamol (any brand) or Ibuprofen (any brand).
    • Follow the instruction on the medicine package for the correct dose for your child.
    • Do not give your child Aspirin as this can cause serious problems.
    • Ensure you attend all follow-up clinic appointments as instructed.            

When should I seek medical advice?

  • If your child has scrotal swelling with pain and or fever.
  • If your child didn’t improve after treatment in a period determined by your doctor.
  • If your child develops new symptoms or getting worse.

Go to the Emergency Department if your child:

  • Has scrotal trauma or injury
  • Develops sudden or severe pain and scrotal swelling
  • Develops vomiting.