Blotchy red rash/irritated skin on penile head (lasted for over 3 moths now)?

really interesting report, thanks for taking the time to write it! i will definitely be looking into this further!

I have been doing something similar with Chaga oil (olive oil base) and it keeps it at bay. My dermatologist said that is because it is a psoriasis-type inflammation and psoriasis loves oil. However, that was never good enough for me as it would mean life long treatment and no cure. From what I have read, the longer the inflammation lasts, the more likely that it will turn cancerous later on.

I have not applied the hydrocortisone/ antifungal ointment (my dermatologist prescribed Ala-Quinn, which is a similar dual purpose ointment) in conjunction with the oil treatment, so that is an interesting concept. I also have noticed water does make it sligtly flare up every night after the shower which was apparent until you mentioned it.

in addition, the peeling condition also sounds similar to a Mohs procedure (where the inflamed tissue is removed, layer by layer). I have not found a doctor willing to perform that procedure without a confirmed case of skin cancer by biopsy (which I am not ready to do either).

I think you are on to something and I'm going to try what you suggest; I suspect it may be the cure for me as well. Thanks for the info nonetheless and I'll report back after a few weeks if there is success .

water with medicine actually does make sense my job i was wearing tight undereear and not properly cleaning i dont drink near enough water thats very interesting that you

I am thrilled that you found something that has worked! As much as I truly want this to be the cure, it doesn't make much sense to me. It is my understanding that a fungus would thrive in a moist area that is kept wet with oil. Did the STD doctor tell you to just use the oil? I know you used Daktakort too, but I'm unclear which doctor's orders that was. Please help me understand this treatment.

Thank you so much for sharing this information. I'm going to try it but I want to be clear on the instructions since I've already tried antifungals a couple of times.

Hi,

the fungus will not thrive with oil, mostly the opposite; I did now a quick search and in fact many oils have and anti-fungal effect.

HOWEVER, the function of the organic Almond oil wasn't to fight the fungus but the dryness that comes with too much water on a sensible skin/gland.

The doctor in the STD center knew i was already using daktacort, and she suggested to go on as planned, but she added the Almond oil ( or coconut oil if you want) to fight the dryness after the shower.

She explained that after fungus or any other situation, the skin can end up irritated and highly sensible (balanitis), and the showers/water or anything irritating will keep the gland flaring up.

You need to keep cleaning yourself with water obviously, but then dry it with a towel and apply the Almond oil to help the gland to not get irritated during the day. That is what the oil do best, since it even have extra properties that help skin to heal.

Remember that you can apply Almond oil as often as you want, and for as long as you want (STD doctor dixit!), it have not side effects.

When i was using daktacort, it was already once a day, so it was easy to apply daktacort before going to sleep, but use Almond oil after the morning shower and again during the day.

hope this helps.

Very helpful. Thank you so much. If this works, I will be in your debt!

Thanks Andy for the update and glad to hear that things are working out for you. Just a quick question - does the anti-fungal cream cause skin thinning? I am using a brand Daktarin cream here in Australia which contains just anti-fungal ingrediants such as miconazole nitrate and does not contain hydrocortisone which is used for anti-inflmmatory activity and has steriod which i know causes skin thinning for longer duration of use.

daktarin and daktacort are very similar, just that the daktarin does not contain cortisone as the name shows. We have both creams here in Sweden too. one cream needs prescription, the other don't.

i only used daktacort, so i can not know which part made my gland peeling; the miconazole, the nitrate, or the cortisone.

How's the progress andy?

I have gluten intolerance but not full-blown Celiacs...

i have been suffering from all these symptoms for 3 year. Redness on the glans... an irritated feeling just walking around as my boxers make contact w glans.

These symptoms all started following protected oral sex w a stranger. i had 2 small warts develop on either side of my pee whole on the gland. Dermatologist burned them off (cauterized?).

Dermatologist did a "sandpaper" & "swab test" & sent the kits to a lab. Lab came back from HPV 33 in urethra (swab) & HPV 82 on glans. Negative tests all other stds (except a positive for HSV 1).

I was put on 5-FU (topical chemotherapy) for 2-3 weeks by dermatologist. Later found out from urologist that it should only be applied every other day, maybe even taking a week off after 1 week.

From this treatment, my penis began to look like something from a horror movie. Fleshy, slightly bloody, & it hurt like nothing in my life. Slightly touching it w boxers was seering pain. I had to take 2-3 weeks off work wearing a robe. It was crazy, i worried that my penis might look like this forever.

After all this, it returned to normal after about 3 weeks. The redness crept back in as well. Still get irritation walking around w it rubbing on my boxers. i went to a new urologist at a prestigious hospital & he claims the tests i had done are not legitimate. i don't believe him... he was covering up for his lack of awareness & inability to deal w me, he would not even acknowledge that there was any redness.

I'm happy to answer any specific questions... my next move is to have my dermatologist refer me to infectious disease/STD specialists in the area who mainly see AIDs patients & people w odd sexual diseases. Maybe they'll be able to answer some questions??

i also might look into Active Hexose Correlated Compound. i have already tried taking B-Complex (methylcobalin) w Folic acid supplements & Vitamin E. Together they're supposed to emhance immunity. Never really noticed any results other than the B Complex really amped me up.

Going to seriously look into AHCC tho. Really surprised that so many commenters are treating these symptoms w antifungals & other meds... to me at least, from everything ive been thru, this screams HPV... & the health industry just hasnt caught on to HPV symptoms in men. i hope anyone else can tell me im wrong &/or suggest something else.

I too am at about 3 years.

• My penis is irritated a lot of the time, this subsided from the initial bout but it is still there.
• My penis is dry unless I moisturize
• My Glans has a red, just slightly raised look to it
• My Glans has more tiny bumps on it
• I dont have any constant urinary troubles but every once and awhile a pee or ejaculation can leave my urethra or meatus feeling a bit stingy.

I have been watching this thread for awhile but this is the first time I have posted. I agree with your HPV theory 100%. The reason I am fully behind this is I have explored every other avenue with various different doctors and my gf of 7 years also has confrimed strains of HPV which have been causing cellular changes in her cervix and needing treatments etc.

There are studies on the subclinical or "different" manifestation of the HPV virus in males. Many of these studies link chronic Balanitits and Balanoposthitis to this. There are people like you who have gotten relief from topical chemos like Imiquimod and FU-5 but they can be harsh and often symptoms return. ( possibly because treatment stopped from side effects)

Obviously, the doctors tell me there is nothing to worry about and that my theories are outlandish. I am fortunate to have insurance through work so I just keep rotating through derms and urologists until one can help.

I think even if it was HPV the key would be to boost immune system, stress less and live well. The body can fight the HPV virus better than current medicine can and for that reason it's important you give it a fighting chance. I have been worrying about this so much that I have stopped eating well and exercising. Stress can also have huge physical symptoms so we need to find a (healthy) way to manage that also. - This is easier said than done when you know something is happening and nobody agrees. That is what has prompted me to make an account and post, and I encourage anyone reading who hasn't to do the same.

So Patrick_Bateman.... what are next steps for you? I am thinking of trying to get Veregen (sinecatechins) it has no real side effects but FDA approved natural treatment for HPV.

I have posted extensively here about my confirmed HPV infection (through biopsy, confirmed as low-risk Condyloma acuminatum in my skin folds, not on my penis) and how I believe it links to this irritation. My wife as has confirmed an HPV infection through Papsmear (found to be low-risk HPV, not one of the 4 most serious strains).

While some of us here seem to have success with antifungals, many do not and I believe I may know why. It isn't a fungal infection in our case, it is inverse psoriasis as a result of HPV. I say this because I have been battling inverse psoriasis right around the same time I got the HPV infection confirmed. I also have confirmed that it is psoriasis on my glans due to treating it with oil (psoriasis loves oil). Oil also helps my other inverse psoriasis areas of my groin ( those areas have been confirmed as inverse psoriasis by my board certified dermatologist)

My go to has been Chaga oil in an Olive oil base (chaga is a medicinal mushroom that has shown as being effective against HPV in some clinical trials) but many oils will also be effective. The problem is I have to use it daily but when I do my glans are almost completely back to normal (no redness or irritation).

I have had (2) out of (3) Gardasil shots and tried every antifungal, corticosteroid and OTC medication for HPV known to man and nothing works better than less stress, good diet and regular application of oil.

I will monitor it and keep treating it as HPV-induced inverse psoriasis. When and if it turns worse, I'll get another biopsy of that specific area and likely get it treated by MOHs procedure. Otherwise, I've moved on with life and accepted my diagnosis (which has considerably reduced my anxiety and stress).

If your condition hasn't cleared up after antifungal treatment I suggest you do the same research on the inverse psoriasis and HPV connection. Here is one link of many: http://vir123.com/hpv-and-psoriasis/. Perhaps you should also consider the Gardasil shot if you can get it.

I have posted extensively here about my confirmed HPV infection (through biopsy, confirmed as low-risk Condyloma acuminatum in my skin folds, not on my penis) and how I believe it links to this irritation. My wife as has confirmed an HPV infection through Papsmear (found to be low-risk HPV, not one of the 4 most serious strains).

While some of us here seem to have success with antifungals, many do not and I believe I may know why. It isn't a fungal infection in our case, it is inverse psoriasis as a result of HPV. I say this because I have been battling inverse psoriasis right around the same time I got the HPV infection confirmed. I also have confirmed that it is psoriasis on my glans due to treating it with oil (psoriasis loves oil). Oil also helps my other inverse psoriasis areas of my groin ( those areas have been confirmed as inverse psoriasis by my board certified dermatologist)

My go to has been Chaga oil in an Olive oil base (chaga is a medicinal mushroom that has shown as being effective against HPV in some clinical trials) but many oils will also be effective. The problem is I have to use it daily but when I do my glans are almost completely back to normal (no redness or irritation).

I have had (2) out of (3) Gardasil shots and tried every antifungal, corticosteroid and OTC medication for HPV known to man and nothing works better than less stress, good diet and regular application of oil.

I will monitor it and keep treating it as HPV-induced inverse psoriasis. When and if it turns worse, I'll get another biopsy of that specific area and likely get it treated by MOHs procedure. Otherwise, I've moved on with life and accepted my diagnosis (which has considerably reduced my anxiety and stress).

If your condition hasn't cleared up after antifungal treatment I suggest you do the same research on the inverse psoriasis and HPV connection. Perhaps you should also consider the Gardasil shot if you can get it.

Another quick note, I have also had every STD test (HSV 1 & 2, HIV, Syphilis, HEP A, B, and C, etc), all were negative. I have had extensive Immune system testing (major and subclass Immunoglobulins, titers, proliferation tests, CD4, etc) after a case of the shingles and all came back well above normal. My case was even referred to the CDC due to the shingles being deseminated without immune suppression. My Immunologist confirmed an overactive immune system and believes HPV could be the underlying problem.

This is an insightful post. i am suffering from dry skin on the glans in conjuction w the redness.

Is there a particular brand of chaga oil that you would recommend? i have only recently backed off using soap & showering excessively... the shower & water is actually serving to make it worse. Oil just might be the answer for all of our symptomatic relief... as it sounds as if its working for you.

This has been a very insightful post, thank you for sharing.

I have the redness on the glans as well, and it seems to look a lot worse right after ejaculating. I have tried a few anti-fungal creams/steroids, and they helped with balanitis, but the redness persists. I do not have any warts/bumps in the area, and no scaling or obvious dry skin peeling. It can feel a bit irritated throughout the day.

Going to try almond oil for now and see what it does.

Concerning the HPV theory, is it worth getting the biopsy done (if I had sores/warts, I would in a heartbeat)? The idea of taking a punch of skin out of my penis scares me deeply, especially since there is no solid treatment for HPV anyways. Thoughts?

...I also developed shingles in 2013/2014 & got over it. doctor reflected on how odd it was that i was young, but i had just changed jobs & had several other life stressors at the time.) it affected a large patch on my back. i do not remember what medication i was taking.

If it is an overactive immune system... then the redness could potentially be the result of a daily fight between white blood cells & HPV .

thats a big IF, im just trying to conceptualize whatever this is.

Do not get a biopsy without a doctor suggesting or suspecting you need one. I have the same issue as everyone here and I know it can make you feel desperate sometimes. But I will not let myself think I have HPV until a doctor says I do. I've been to probably a dozen different specialists by now and it's never come up as a possibility. I think it's wise to trust the professionals on this one rather than regret an inconclusive biopsy for something that is barely treatable anyway.

That was my thoughts as well. My dermatologist wanted to do a biopsy from day 1 (which was a yellow flag to me right off the bat), but he was thinking something like lichen sclerosis or a similar hard-to-treat skin condition.

I also have CPPS and have been seeing a pelvic physical therapist for a few months now. It has been helping with my other issues, but not this (tangent, I know)

Not sure if that is actually a tangent. CPPS can be directly linked to your symptoms. Burning in urethra, redness and even visible bumps can be a side effect. I was diagnosed with it as well but than another doctor told me a didn't have it. Either way, I started pelvic floor stretches and have done them multiple times a day for a couple months and I definitely get relief from doing them.

i can say now i have cleared up my symptoms 80% in 1 week....i went back to the doctor and this one actually did his job. i was diagnosed with Epididymitis which is an infection in the testicle, but i think the problem was that i had Balantis caused by a fungal infection on my shaft..It was bright red and shiny and sticky to the touch..I Have reduced the cream usage because Antifungals can and will dry your skin out so if you over use it this can cause other problems...

The fungal infection got so bad i had digestive problems (cramps, bloating, diarhea) Now it does have some irrirtation but thats jus because i believe i have another seperate issue as my penis also curves to the left side. To prevent dryness USE ALO VERA...Keep in mind that the longer your condition lasts the more damage it is, so while you treat the symptoms, you also have to treat the skin. So an important balance has to be kept. i used the cream heavy Twice a day for the first few days then reduced to once a day and then after showers at night put lotion on it as hot water opens skin pores which is why it would appear worst after showers. i will update over the next month until my symptoms fully heal or dont and come back but i hope this helps.

Fantastic to hear this. Thanks for the update and good luck.

FYI, I can wash with regular antibacterial soap (Dial White, non-drying) daily and it doesn't worsen my glans at all. In fact, keeping the area clean and devoid of smegma is important as bacteria overgrowth and smegma under foreskin over a long period has been linked to penile cancer.

As long as I dry the area thoroughly after the shower (which lends to the water irritation theory mentioned by others) and then immediately apply the oil I'm good. I apply it once at night after my shower, once in the morning before heading out and once in the afternoon (I keep a small amount with me).

I'll keep this routine up until there is better medical science and treatment for HPV, psoriasis or both

I do not recommend a biopsy unless a medical doctor (specifically a dermatologist) recommends it. My dermatologist does not and I see her every six months for skin checks since I have "Irish" skin (her term, not mine).

That's what works for me, perhaps it will work for some of you. Best of luck and I'll update when and if my situation changes.

I've had several CBC panels over the past few years and my WBC, RBC and platelet counts are always normal (not high or low).

I do think and agree HPV puts our immune system on high alert and it therefore will attack all sorts of other viral and bacterial issues it finds as a result (Zoster being already in my body from Childhood Chicken Pox).

My shingles battle coincided with a Vitamin D deficiency that I rectified. It was found to be at 15 ng/ mL and I got it up to 45 ng/mL with diet and supplementation over about two months. I believe correcting that deficiency licked my immune system back into high gear and the immune testing kinda confirmed that in my mind.

What cream are we referring to? Thanks in advance! Good news!

dr gave me NYSTATIN CREAM USP

I should specify. Saw 10 different urologists/NPs and none had a clue. Finally, found one that tried me on hyosciamine daily and valium suppositories as needed. hyo did nothing for me, but the valium seemed to help a little. This convinced her that my problem was more skeletal muscle than smooth muscle - likely ruling out IC. From there, I have been seeing a pelvic floor PT who is convicned (as am I) that I have pelvic floor dysfunction, likely intertwined with my hip and bad knee, leading to issues neat the tailbone, etc. All muscle and nerve squishing-related stuff. Is this CPPS, likely, but I hate labels since most "prostatitis"-related diagnoses are b.s.

You say that redness on the glans could be a result of this? Can you give me any links/articles/stories for this? I like to research and read, and seeing it in print helps me wrap my mind around it.