Causes of scrotal hydrops in children

Most people may think that scrotal swelling only happens in adults, but this is not the case. Many parents have reported that they found their children's scrotum was swollen when changing their children's clothes or bathing them. However, since I had never encountered such a situation before and didn't understand what was going on, I was worried and anxious, so I didn't know what to do for a moment. So, what is the cause of scrotal swelling in children?

(1) Hydrocele.

The tunica vaginalis is the intrinsic membrane that wraps around the testicles. Under normal circumstances, there is a small amount of fluid inside that allows the testicles to move freely within the membrane. If too much fluid accumulates in the membrane, it is called hydrocele, which causes scrotal swelling. During the examination, shine a flashlight on the swollen area. Because it contains fluid, it is light-transmissive.

(2) Inguinal hernia, commonly known as hernia.

Because the processus vaginalis peritonei is not closed in time after descending with the testicle, a passage between the peritoneal cavity and the testicle is formed. When the abdominal pressure increases, the intestines and peritoneum can enter the scrotum through the passage to form a hernia, causing the scrotum to swell suddenly. Hernias often swell up after children cry and disappear after they are quiet or lying down.

(3) Scrotal hematoma.

Often, the scrotum is subjected to external violence, causing internal bleeding, blood clots, and hematoma formation. Carefully check the surface of the scrotum to see if there are blue spots or skin abrasions.

(4) Others such as testicular tumors.

The testicles can enlarge rapidly, are opaque when illuminated by a flashlight, and have a smooth surface with no adhesions.

Experts say that if a baby's scrotum is swollen, hydrocele or hernia is often considered. Use a flashlight to illuminate the swollen scrotum. If the brightness is strong and uniform, it should be hydrocele. Then observe whether the swelling of the scrotum increases when the child cries to determine whether it is a communicating hydrocele. Communicability means communication with the abdominal cavity. Hernia is a condition in which the small intestine in the abdominal cavity moves into the scrotum when the abdominal pressure increases, such as when crying. If the parents cannot make the judgment, please ask the surgeon to make the judgment.

Parents are reminded that scrotal swelling in infants will have a certain impact on the child's physical health and normal development. Therefore, if you find that your child has scrotal swelling in daily life, you must go to the hospital for examination in time, consult a relevant doctor, understand the child's specific situation, and then carry out active and effective treatment.