Prevention and treatment of common diseases affecting male genitalia: Dangers of cryptorchidism, risks associated with pointed leather shoes, and scientific treatment of tinea cruris.

Normal males have two testicles, located in the scrotum. However, some boys have only one testicle. Even after puberty, in about 1% of men, the testicle may not have descended into the scrotum; this is called cryptorchidism. The main cause of cryptorchidism is an imbalance in the body's endocrine system. Cryptorchidism can be quite harmful to health. The most obvious effect is impaired spermatogenesis. Because the temperature at the site of the undescended testicle is higher than inside the scrotum, spermatogenesis is affected. In more serious cases, the testicle, being in a higher-temperature environment, is more prone to cancer. Therefore, cryptorchidism should be treated actively. Common methods include waiting, hormone therapy, or surgery. If it is bilateral cryptorchidism, surgery should be performed before the age of 3, and no later than 6 years old.

Many young men like to wear pointed shoes, which can lead to a postural disorder called hallux valgus. When normal people wear pointed shoes, the angle between the first and second metatarsal bones increases, causing the first metatarsal bone to turn inward and the big toe to tilt outward. Frequently wearing pointed shoes, coupled with inappropriate weight-bearing, such as standing for too long or walking excessively, can easily cause hallux valgus. This condition is not only a morphological deformity but also often leads to functional impairment and causes pain and other symptoms. Men who like to wear pointed shoes should be especially careful to prevent hallux valgus; if they feel discomfort, they can switch to loose-fitting shoes.

During the hot summer months, some young men experience intense itching on their upper inner thighs and buttocks, but are too embarrassed to talk about it. It turns out they have tinea cruris (jock itch). Tinea cruris is a common disease among young men, mostly caused by a fungal infection called Epidermophyton floccosum. At the site of the lesion, it initially appears as small, ring-shaped blisters, which then crust over, peel, and spread outwards. Tinea cruris is usually transmitted through contact, such as contact with towels, bathtubs, or underwear contaminated by an infected person. Because dermophyton floccosum thrives in warm, moist environments, tinea cruris often occurs in summer, and the hot, humid perineum and groin area provide an ideal breeding ground for the fungus.

In communal living, young men should avoid using shared slippers, towels, and foot basins, and should not share underwear. Personal hygiene is also important; shower and change clothes frequently; avoid wearing tight clothing (especially jeans in summer); shorts should be loose and made of thin fabric. Some young men mistakenly believe that skin diseases can be cured simply by applying ointments like fluocinonide, but this is actually the opposite. Because steroid ointments like fluocinonide and triamcinolone can promote the growth and reproduction of fungi, the itching will worsen after application, and the affected areas will spread further. Some medications contain camphor and menthol, which only provide temporary relief from itching but do not kill the fungi.

Treating tinea cruris is generally quite easy. After a clear diagnosis, applying antifungal lotion or ointment to the affected area can usually cure it. However, it's important to note that the skin in areas prone to tinea cruris, such as the scrotum, penis, and groin, is often delicate, so strong antifungal lotions should be avoided to prevent skin damage. Instead, milder, less irritating medications should be chosen, such as compound resorcinol ointment or 1% clotrimazole ointment, applied to the affected area 1-2 times daily for 1-2 weeks until cured. Some patients only apply the medication when itchy and ignore it when the itching subsides, resulting in a prolonged illness. In addition to local treatment, it's essential to frequently change and wash underwear, scalding it with boiling water and then sun-drying it.