Blotchy red rash/irritated skin on penile head (lasted for over 3 moths now)?
Posted , 410 users are following.
Part of the skin on the head of my penis has become slightly red and is causing some pain/irritation.
It first appeared the day after I used a condom so I think I must have had a reaction to the latex or some other substance in the condom.
The tip of the penis became super sensitive and noticeably hurt whenever it touched my underwear.
The skin was and still is noticeably red close to and directly around the meatus. This redness gets worse and bigger after I've come out the shower or masturbated.
An hour or so after ejaculation, I get a slight burn/irritation at the very end of the urethra when I urinate and this can last for a few days before subsiding. This has put me off from masturbating as much now.
This has lasted for about 3 months now with no signs of improvement.
I saw a doctor and was prescribed timodine/hydrocortisone cream and this didn't have much effect and am slightly worried it may just make things worse so have stopped using it for now.
It almost seems as if the redness comes from within the skin rather than on the surface.
I don't think its balanitis as I haven't had that for over 12 years when I was a kid and that was with the usual smegma discharge etc, whereas this is just redness.
I've attached images to show how it looks straight after showering, which is when the redness is at its worst and the contrast between the normal skin colour and the redness can be clearly seen.
16 likes, 1576 replies
lucas81208 Jason1327
Posted
johnadams Jason1327
Posted
g90640 Jason1327
Posted
Hey Jason1327- any update on this? Been having the same issues on and off for over 10 years now. Done all the tests, even a biopsy, with dermatitis being the result. I can't help but think it's more than that because like you said, it feels internal as well. I also have pain but in my right side, and it acts up when I have caffeine and alcohol. All liver panels are normal. All other panels as well. I have taken doxycycline and it could've possibly been around the same time this started. Can't be too sure since its been so long. Really hoping to find some answers on this forum.
yash22421 g90640
Posted
was the biopsy painful
@g90640
andrew92374 Jason1327
Posted
jon5211984 andrew92374
Posted
How's your progress? How were your test results?
chris85268 Jason1327
Posted
Has anyone come up with a solution that worked for them? I've tried everything from Coconut oil to tea tree and steroid anti-fungal creams. Mine was a result of sex with condoms and a few days later i was red, irritated and sore...was tested multiple times for every STDs with no positives for anything. I have very small pimple like bumps in addition to the small coin sized red area. Even had those biopsied and it was found to be skin tags according to the dermatologist. I am at a total loss. Any level of stimulation and my penis is sore and really red for a few days much more so than it used to ever be...
Scaredandafraid Jason1327
Posted
chris4285081 Jason1327
Edited
Hey everyone. I have read every post... And, I'm in the same situation. I've literally scoured the internet for close to a year and this is the closest I've come to my own situation.
I'm 30 and generally in good health. This situation has had a severe impact on my mental well being to say the least - largely because I still don't have a definite diagnosis. Even after several general practitioner and specialist doctor visits, tests and a biopsy.
So... Let me give you the rundown on my symptoms:
I have had this issue for just under a year now (11months) without any improvement.
Note that I'm uncircumcised. My symptoms include a permanent triangular 'almost' coin sized red patch on the top of the glands. This patch becomes very unsightly and visible when erect OR after the slightest stimulation OR contact with water/liquids. This seems to be an overactive inflammatory response and sometimes the redness then extends to the whole of the glands and even the foreskin. In addition, the texture in the reddish area has become rough or cobblestone like (before all this started, the whole of my glans had the same smooth texture). What grinds me the most is the constant management to keep the 'degree of redness' / inflammation in check. If I don't rinse the glans and apply a moisturiser after masturbation / sex or going for a run I have a flareup. I used to be able to have sex and only wash the morning after, if I do this now, I wake up to what looks like a red tomato. I don't have any pain or itching, but I do have a slight tingle at the tip of my urethra every now and again.
A not so quick timeline on how things started and progressed:
I had unprotected sex with a girl (a good friend) in Nov 2016. I should have used protection, but that ship has sailed, so I'm not going into that. A few weeks later (Dec 2016) I started to experience a slight burning when urinating, which developed into full blown green/yellow discharge two weeks later. I immediately went to my GP who did a full STD panel and prescribed doxycycline. ALL TESTS CAME BACK NEGATIVE which still baffles me - the doc declared it to be a nothing but Nongonococcal urethritis, which apparently is a "non-specific" UTI. The antibiotics did it's thing and I thought I was fully healed. However, I would come to hear the word "non-specific" a lot in the coming months...
In Jan 2017, I started noticing what I would describe as 'slight skin changes' on top of the glans. The 'coin sized' red patch started to become visible and I could notice minor changes in the texture in that area. I gave it a week or two and eventually decided to get it checked out by my GP. He didn't even look at it and prescribed clotrimazole, thinking it's a yeast infection. When that didn't work he tried a low strength (think 0.5%) hydrocortisone. After that, all kinds of anti-fungals and anti-bacterial creams. All of it just made the red patch worse and at that point I was worried about cortisone damage / thinning of the skin OR some undiscovered lingering infection OR cancer. So I did what any sensible human would and made an appointment with a Dermatologist and Urologist.
March 2017, the Derm magnified the trouble area with some fancy camera and declared it "Balanitis" manifesting as an "eczema type non-specific dermatitis" and recommended I leave the area alone and only clean with water (i.e. stop constantly checking it) and change all soaps, underwear etc (I did). He then prescribed a stronger cortizone ( I asked about thinning but he seemed to think it not a problem at these dosages) and told me to comeback in a month if it did't clear up. The Urologist thought nothing of the red patch and skin changes, stating it's "within normal ranges" but did an ultrasound, full urethra swab panel, prostate examination and PSA blood test + another full STD panel. ALL TESTS CAME BACK NEGATIVE / NORMAL.
> At this point I'm thinking I'm obviously over reacting and should just ignore the problem until it goes away. But alas, this was wishful thinking. I also, rather embarrassingly, discussed it with the girl I had sex with, but she said she was "all clear" and had no issues.
In May 2017, with no improvement, I went back to the Derm and he prescribed Elidel cream, as thinning was now becoming a concern and the cortisone creams were not working. He told be to come back in a month for a follow up and a possible biopsy. In April, with no improvement, I decide to do the biopsy for no reason other than to alleviate my anxiety on the 'cancer' issue (though the chance of penile cancer is virtually non-existent under the age of 40). Thinking back, this was perhaps a STUPID move as I now have a permanent small mark on my glans, but I was too anxiety ridden to care at that point - I just wanted to find the root cause. The BIOPSY RESULT: A "NON-SPECIFIC INFLAMMATION" and "some signs of early superficial dermal sclerosis". That last part worried me, but the Derm seemed to think nothing of it. From here, he basically said that "unfortunately, there is no cure for non-specific dermatitis" and that I should just continue using the Elidel and moisturisers as needed and follow up with him in a year. About a month in, I phoned him and mentioned the Elidel makes things worse - he recommended to only continue with moisturisers like E45.
> Thus, my 'official diagnosis' is just the umbrella term "non-specific balanitis" (which is truly useless).
I decided "doing nothing" was unacceptable, so I started working on my diet, exercising more and trying to stay positive. Since about April 2017, I have completely cut out sugar, caffeine and bread. I also only drink water, with an occasional whiskey and water if I'm out with friends. I have increased my exercising to an hour and a half a day, 4 or 5 times a week.
It's October 2017, and NOTHING HAS IMPROVED, and at times I do feel like it's getting worse (the rate of inflammatory flare ups). The mental part is the hardest, because I wake up everything morning taking a p**s staring at my penis glans and it's like my whole being screams that there is something wrong here?! "It should't look like that!? WTF?!" My sexual performance has also taken a knock in confidence as result of the appearance, general anxiety, and paranoia. But I feel like doctors will just start pulling out the hypochondriac card if I try and push them for more answers or a real diagnosis... Although I am considering getting a second opinion.
MY LATEST THEORY, based on all the reading from sites and medical journals - as well as all my negatives on STD tests and the result of the biopsy - is that it might be HPV related. But not the 'wart kind' (i.e. HPV 6 &11). There are "silent" HPV strains: like HPV 16 & 18 that lead to changes in skin cells and eventually develop into pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions. So I'm thinking the skin changes and hypersensitivity might be connected to HPV. Although, I can't find any sources (academic or otherwise) which links early visibly noticeable symptoms to non-wart HPV. Interestingly, there are some sources linking a long history of chronic or non-specific balanitis to pre-cancerous or cancerous lesions on the penis (as well as patients with a history of using Elidel cream). Researchers estimate that it takes 10 to 30 years from the original HPV infection before a "pre-cancerous or cancerous" lesion occurs. However, 90% of all HPV infections naturally go away in under 2 years (even with skin related symptoms like warts already present). Note, there is also no reliable way to test for HPV in men. I'm considering getting into contact with medical researchers in the field of HPV related oncology and see what happens...
MY CONCLUSION: I truly hope my symptoms go away within the 2 year window. If not, I'll consider getting yearly checkups for signs of penile cancer.
Other than that, it would seem that I can't really do much else except live with it. So I'll just keep on fighting the good fight! I do miss my old healthy and smooth penis glans so much though.
If someone ever does get this thing sorted! Be sure to let us know?! Thanks.
(I'll add some pictures for those out there struggling with the same thing)
alex79308 chris4285081
Posted
Hi Chris,
I've got the EXACT same problem as you, photos are identical, I have to wash my penis constantly and dry it to avoid flare ups and I've been struggling with this for the best part of a year now. I've been to the gp twice, first time I was told everything looked normal and second time I was told it was mild balinitis and prescribed thrush cream which I had already tried before and did nothing. I've spent countless hours searching the web for a solution or at least a diagnosis and have found nothing, you are one of the only people I've found with what I have.
I've actually come to the same conclusion as you with the hpv skin changing and it scares me to death as I'm only 20 and don't want to have a penectomy at any point in my life
before I discovered this thread I was looking at pre cancerous lesions and most of them didn't look like what I have, however the odd photo did resemble it more than anything else I could find which did worry me. I have not had anywhere near as many tests done as you but I am 100% sure it is the exact same thing, so I am too in the dark.
However, one thing you may find of interest is that this came about at the same time I was treated for urethritis/discharge just like you had, and the antibiotics did clear that up however left this problem behind/it came soon after. I don't quite remember in which order. I also read about another guy who had this problem and the same thing happened to him I believe, which perhaps means it's something to do with the primary infection.
It's really affected me sexually and mentally, not to mention having to nip off constantly to wash and dry it. Now things are much worse I have the hpv idea in my mind and it's made me extremely anxious. I will be taking my findings to the doctor as soon as possible to try and reach a solution. There is nothing I want more than to sort this out!
chris4285081 alex79308
Posted
Hi Alex,
I'm sorry you are in the same situation. It is very stressful.. So let me at least try to alleviate some of your fears:
Firstly, remember that 90% of HPV infections clear within 2 yrs. (90% is a good number)
Secondly, even then penile cancer is extremely rare - less than 1 in 100000 (that is a good number too)
Thirdly, pre-cancerous and cancerous lesions of the penis are actually quite easily treated with just a cream called imiquimod or a 'skin shaving' type excision etc. Thus penectomies are extremely extremely extremely rare. (that's a also good)
Fourth, it can take 10 to 30 years to develop - that's a lot of time to get regular check ups and keep an eye on things.
Finally, it is truly A LOT more likely that we are both just struggling with an unknown dermatitis. A LOT of people have eczema/dermatitis... We were just the unlucky ones who got it on our dicks.
That being said, I always caution on the safe side, and I would still recommend you also go see a Dermatologist (instead of a GP) and take it from there. Sometimes people do win the unfortunate lottery - BUT that does not mean you should worry yourself to death, as stress and worry will likely put you in the grave a lot sooner! We should both try to systematically work the problem and hopefully we will find a solution.
I forgot to mention in my earlier post:
I also had several blood sugar tests as non-specific balanitis can be caused by diabetes - everything checked out normal.
The primary infection is an interesting starting point. I think I might have picked up the initial infection either from the girl I mentioned or from a fleshlight-type sex toy? It would be interesting for me to know what you suspect was the initial cause of your primary infection?
Also, please do post back on here if you do go see a Dermatologist? Or if you have anything to share.
Thanks!
alex79308 chris4285081
Edited
You're right those are good numbers, but I still would like to get this fixed if it is some sort of pre cancerous lesion as I'd rather not leave it down to chance! I think I will take my findings to a dermatologist it seems like my last hope as whatever this is, is getting slowly worse as time goes on.
And yeah I suspect the original infection was chlamydia as the doctor sort of took a stab in the dark and prescribed me antibiotics for it purely based on my symptoms and it just did the job so I was happy at the time, however like I said this skin irritation soon followed. I had short unprotected sex with a female friend and the primary infection came soon after that, I then found out months later she had chlamydia so I'm guessing it stemmed from that day. But this irritation I have now is far worse and I would rather have chlamydia 10 times than be stuck with this!
One thing I find interesting, is that when it flares up not only do the sort of papules go red but I also get balinitis looking symptoms which led me to believe up until now it was thrush (I'm aware it's not that now). This is only when it flares up.
Please do keep me updated and I will do the same as there is a bigger chance of a solution being found by 2 of us rather than 1.
Cheers!
PW7478 chris4285081
Posted
Hello Chris and everyone else,
Am very curious if the Derm ruled out Penile Psoriasis with the biopsy?
Based on your excellent photographs and description, I am experiencing the same thing you are, and have been for just under 6 months. Only difference is that I am circumcised. Other than that, I have the same redness in essentially the same, more-or-less triangular area. Likewise, it seems to flare up - sometimes more, sometimes less - following sex, masturbation, a hot shower, etc., just like yours and most of the posters on here, including the OP. And lastly, like you, I have no pain or itch.
My online research, which, like yours, has been extensive, has led me to believe the problem might be Penile Psoriasis - not necessarily the "classic" presentation, but Penile Psoriasis just the same. To me, nothing else, including any STDs, comes close. Regarding any and all known variants of penile cancer, or penile pre-cancers, what we have bears no resemblance. The only thing that comes even remotely close is Bowen's Disease of the Glans Penis, also known as Penile Intraepithelial Neoplasia, or the more advanced variant, Erythroplasia of Queyrat. Even the so-called "pre-cancer" variants of these would be much more clinically obvious by the time it grew to the size shown in your photos. Your biopsy should have ruled those out, as well.
Again, the best I can come up with right now is Penile Psoriasis. One other possible theory in both our cases is some kind of contact dermatitis - possibly related to a laundry product (detergent, softener, etc.), but right now, I think that is remote. Really curious if that was brought up with your Derm, and if you were checked for it. I'm sure you came across it in your research.
How about anyone else? Has Penile Psoriasis been considered - or ruled out via biopsy?
Eagerly awaiting your replies!
m64087 chris4285081
Edited
Yes Chris!
As crappy as it is to read your story, I have the very same issues and have come to the very same conclusion as you after three months. I also think it's a strain of HPV.
The next part is how to deal with it positively. I have a girlfriend and want to continue enjoying sex with her, but this is making it real tough (mainly because of the associated post pain).
Weirdly, some days it'll be fine, other times it'll be terrible for a week. And 10 weeks in my whole glans skin shed off over the period of two days like a snake or something.
So need to figure out diet, natural creams/applications, any additional supplements, etc, that may help. I, too, really want this f-er to go away. It's been such a mental strain.
Stand together chaps!
brent96678 chris4285081
Edited
milesray chris4285081
Edited
I have independently come to same same HPV conclusion. Have been to 10+ doctors and have great insurance and no results.
If some stains of HPV cause warts in a few weeks why not a strain the causes low level chronic inflammation?
There is some promising research about the use of HIV drugs to clear HPV.
https://www.poz.com/article/hiv-hpv-lopinavir-20382-7870
The study is about applying lopimune directly to the cervix in women with excellent results clearing hpv completely with no adverse effects to the healthy cells.
So tempted to just give it a try!
callum71612 milesray
Posted
Best of luck guys~! will report back
jon5211984 alex79308
Edited
How's your condition these days? I'm dealing with the same thing. . Docs continue to insist it's dermatitis, just doesn't make sense to me I've had dermatitis from other things like bandaid adhesive etc and it GOES AWAY!
I've recently discovered the concept that this could be caused by Mycoplasma Genitalium/ Ureaplasma.... has anyone else considered it? Looked into it? Been tested for it?
jay70478 chris4285081
Edited
Chris, did your full STD panel include testing for herpes? Often the "full panel" does not include herpes unless you're experiencing very obvious symptoms like blistering and pain. But like HPV, in most cases herpes is actually silent or so mild the symptoms are dismissed as something else. Curious to know if herpes was ruled out.
brianx14x chris4285081
Posted
Anyone in this subthread have any update/improvement? Please update if possible have symptoms mirroring these and identical visually.
william76426 chris4285081
Posted
dude! i have been wondering the same thing about hpv. i have seen a urologist, my regular doctor, a derm, a few virtual visits. tried everyting and nothing has really helped. i am going to refrain from masturbation for a bit and use aquaphor (which is what the derm suggested). this all started when i was dealing with a lot of stress and uro told me i have non bacterial prostatitis. the symptoms of that have gone away for the most part but still dealing with the glans redness . i hope we can all figure this out. its mentally exhausting.
andy9080 william76426
Posted
Any news? updates?
tom40344 milesray
Posted
Any update on lopimune ?
y24222 chris4285081
Posted
Exact same issue as you and was thinking somehow related to HPV or HSV. On a bacterial cream, no progress as of yet.
matt30067 chris4285081
Posted
chris,
any updates please?