Penile Rash/Balanitis Not Responding to Treatment
Posted , 170 users are following.
This all began when it started to burn while I urinated. I went to the doctors because I thought it was a UTI, but the test came back negative. Got tested for STD's, the tests also came back negative.
Ok no big deal, I thought. Maybe this will go away on its own. I then started developing a rash on the tip of the penis and along the base that burned post urination and during ejaculation.
I did some research online and thought it was probably a yeast infection. Bought some Canesten and tried applying it twice a day for a week. I also took the pill (Fluconazole). This resulted in no change in the symptoms.
Went back to the doc, who then prescribed Fucidin H cream (Hydrocortisone 1% Fusidic Acid 2%). I rubbed it on twice a day for a week, no change.
Went to a Urologist who did an examination (but no further tests) and told me I could get circumcised, but apart from that offered no further solutions. Told me it could be prostatitis.
I then went to a Dermatologist, who looked at it and prescribed me Loprox anti-fungal cream with hydrocortisone (1%) told me to use it twice daily on the area for one month. I then switched to just Loprox because it appeared as though hydrocortisone was making the irritation worse. The Dermatologist told me to go see the urologist again if symptons don't improve.
I'm still applying Loprox two weeks into treatment, and the changes are minimal if any. The rash goes down at the tip and expands at the base, almost triangular in shape. There are small scales (or maybe cracks) in the skin, and the area is red, almost as if inflamed. I have no discharge from the penis. Any kind of friction (i.e. masturbation) makes the redness and burning much, much worse. I have been abstaining from that for now and only washing the area with warm water. I have thrown out all my heavily scented soaps.
I am in the process of attempting to get an appointment with another urologist in order to get a second opinion. Topical creams don't seem to be doing much, but I am going to keep putting Loprox on it for now. I feel like the Docs have been kind of brushing me off/don't want or don't know how to deal with balanitis. Nothing I am really doing is working, so I'm wondering if anyone else has any solutions.
The following links I will attach contain some photos of the condition I'm experiencing:
Moderator comment:I have deleted the links to the images as they went to a site unsuitable for inclusion in the forums. Users can upload images directly to this site by using the image icon at the top of reply boxes.
9 likes, 368 replies
jack05468
Posted
bumping this discussion up again to see if someone has any insight...
Wee_Dugie jack05468
Posted
Jack, are you still due to see a Urologist in February? Whatever the case - may I suggest you start a new forum post and specify what it is that has helped since you started dealing with this issue? It is difficult to follow just what has gone of for you with all the different replies ........
jack05468 Wee_Dugie
Posted
Hey Wee_Dugie, I'm still due to see a urologist in Feb. I plan on asking for a cystoscopy/penile biopsy. I can't really say anything has helped in terms of the treatments that I've tried but if there's significant progress in my condition I'll create a new thread.
chath93323 jack05468
Posted
Hey jack05468 any update on your condition after seeing the urologist in Feb?
jack05468 chath93323
Posted
Hey chath,
The urologist didn't know what it was because the redness and irritation is not really visible when the penis is flaccid. It was very hard for him to see. I did show him some photos and he then diagnosed it as inflammation and told me I could take an anti-inflammatory. He did not want to perform a because he was worried that it may irritate the urethra even further and make the condition worse. I've been at a loss because this has been going on for 7 months now with no end or cure in sight. The burning seems to have lessened a bit but it is still there at times. Physically, my penis still looks awful and it always looks and feels worse after masturbation. I am trying some natural treatments and hoping they work, but it doesn't look like much is helping thus far. So far, I have seen two urologists, a dermatologist, and my GP several times to no avail. I am going to keep trying different things and maybe get in with another dermatologist and keep this thread updated as I move along. Like I said, it seems to be burning a bit less now but it is still red and irritated with occasional burning and considerable swelling post masturbation.
Have you gotten any relief from your symptoms thus far?
faustino53707 jack05468
Posted
I have similar symptoms. All bacterial STDs and urine cultures negative. My HSV-1 (Herpes 1) came positive but I've had cold sores in the mouth in the past. I'm starting to think if it could be viral (i.e.: genital HSV-1)? It's hard to confirm other than taking Acyclovir or Valtrex so I'm debating to do that. Thoughts? Have had any IgG tests for HSV 1 or 2?
jack05468 faustino53707
Posted
Hey Faustino,
I too get occasional cold sores on the mouth, so my herpes test also came back positive. Haven't had any specific tests for HSV 1 or 2 but I know that I already have it in my system. Overall I have been experiencing symptoms for almost a year now so it makes me doubt that diagnoses, but on my next clinic visit I will definitely bring it up. How are you holding up?
chath93323 jack05468
Edited
i have the same problem as well. Done possible tests for stis and came back negative. it occurred 7 days after i had sex protected, but the condom broke therefore had myself checked for the stis. I started to use canestan clotrimazole antifungal cream today. Hope it goes away. Below is a picture before i stared using the cream. If anybody has any idea what this could be please help. I am constantly thinking about this and is affecting my work and lifestyle. Would be really grateful as to if someone could suggest what this could be and a possible solution for it.
chath93323
Posted
also it doesnt hurt when touched or when peeing.
Wee_Dugie chath93323
Posted
You need to follow the instructions on how to use the clotrimazole, then report back after 8 or 10 days or so.
While these symptoms are common, there can be a number of causes for similar or exact same issues - impact and ability to recover can also vary from person to person. Often you need to try various treatments, of which the clotrimazole would be the one to try first. Follow what the Medical Professionals have told you as they should know your all-round personal circumstances better than simply explaining them on here in a few words ......
JennyTan chath93323
Edited
Guys (jack and chath) that picture looks eeerily familiar wo what my fellow expeienced and i posted today 2021 .. the persisttent nauture suggest infection and apart from my post (which you can read) .. anyone considered a form of HPV that is rare ? He mentioned that. ..
alex95837 jack05468
Edited
any updates? I have very similar symptoms, and the fact that nothing seems to provide any relief is tiresome.
jack05468 alex95837
Posted
Hey Alex,
I'm still experiencing symptoms 7 months on, so nothing new to report. I'm trying some natural supplements and creams, but so far no significant improvements. The head of my penis is still red and irritated, and it is always worse after I masturbate with discomfort during ejaculation. I've gone to see specialists and they don't seem to have any answers for me, so I'm going to keep trying until I find something that works, and I'll post it here when I do for other men who are suffering to see. Have you found any relief so far, what have you tried?
alex95837 jack05468
Posted
Hi mate sorry for the late reply.
My symptoms seem to be restricted to the skin on the head of my penis, and I don't feel that I have experienced any burning sensation when peeing out of the ordinary. However I have had discomfort in the urethra, nothing majorly painful just slight tingling. This all began after unprotected intercourse. My symptoms now are just redness under the foreskin, which worsens a lot after masturbation or washing. I have tried clotrimazole, canestan, hydrocortisone acetate, eumovate and numerous moisturisers. Almost all have only seemed to make the redness and irritation worse. However the Eumovate did seem to help slightly for a few days before plateuing and ultimately the condition returned to as it was prior to the treatment.
Over the last few days I have been keeping the skin under the foreskin completely dry (no washing under the foreskin with water, wiping all drips after peeing) and the redness seems to have subsided slightly. However I understand this is no long term solution due to general hygiene issues. My next treatment attempt will probably be with coconut oil in the hopes that this helps to moisturise the skin, but I am honestly pretty stuck on what to do. The anxiety and self-esteem issues that come with disorders such as those we are both faced with is difficult to deal with at times, but I'm just tryna stay positive and keep myself busy. How are you getting along mate?
prakash24975 alex95837
Posted
did coconut oil help you mate ??
alex95837 prakash24975
Posted
personally no, it only exaggerated the redness. Does help with moisturisation though.
jack05468 alex95837
Edited
Hey Alex,
Quick update on this: it's been a year and I'm still experiencing symptoms. The stinging/burning sensation while urinating has subsided somewhat but the redness and irritation on the skin of the penis gland is still there. There is also occasional discomfort and swelling post masturbation and urination. Currently trying some natural treatments but nothing has cured it so far. Masturbation seems to worsen the situation overall as well. I'll keep posting here once in a while until I find something that works. To everyone out there going through something like this, know that you're not alone.
af19 jack05468
Posted
I am going through something similar where nothing works. Masturbation also makes the skin on my penis super red and inflamed. But worse, I am getting small cuts on my penis that is expanding further and further down making my entire penis extra sensitive. On top of that, I have premature ejaculation 5-10 seconds long. It is a living hell.