What could this be?

Looks like balanitis. Had something similar. If possible, see a dermatologist

thanks, would this resemble as any form of an STD?

Could be fungal infection, but its hard to say. And just in case you do not know, fungal infection is considered as balanitis/balanoposthitis.

No, this does not look like any form of STD to me, however STD symptoms differ from person to person and most STDs have no symptoms at all.

I'd recommend checking it with your dermatologist for possible cause and treatment.

Mike, what you have is severely dried skin - this could have been made worse if you did pick up a yeast pr bacterial infection during recent sex. This is caused by an accumulative effect of using soap and shower gels and suchlike to clean your penis with. When it becomes as your skin is now applying anything to the skin will make the situation worse - so you need to steer clear of Lubes such as baby Oil or Skin Cream, that is for sure. I will post my full Hygiene Protocol to consider the other broader issues that you at least need to be aware of - read through it carefully, if you have further issues I detail towards the end the Medical Specialist you should contact. If you have any questions simply get bask to me - it would also be good if you could update your Forum Post here in 2 or 3 months to let me know how you are getting on and if you went to see a specialist what they have recommended to you ........

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Penile Hygiene Regime to Combat Specific Problems

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The best approach is not to use ANY SOAP on the Glans / Head of your penis - wash with water only EVERY time you have urinated, after sexual arousal, and ejaculation. If you are not circumcised, protect the Glans of your penis every time you take a shower by drawing the foreskin as far forward as you can, then wash everywhere else, thoroughly rinse off all the gels / shampoo and suchlike, then expose your glans wash it with the water only using the inside of your hand, then each time you have washed it you must make sure to 100% pat dry immediately afterwards with a clean towel.

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After you have put this in place and you still have the situation going on you need to look at what else your penis is coming into contact with on a fairly regular basis.  The likely suspects are:-

• any chemical compounds such as skin cream / lotions, baby oil, oil based lubes, chemicals inside condoms (e.g. easy-on and spermicides) you need to exclude these one by one to discover the culprit, the easiest approach is to exclude everything to start with, then once things are on the mend, introduce each individual item to discover what has caused this in the first place.
• if non of these make any difference you need to look to things such as washing powder in which you wash your clothes, and underwear in, in particular.  The simple alternative to washing powder is Liquid Soap Flakes, most sizeable supermarkets stock this in their own brand names - and you use this in your washing machine instead of powders or ANY fabric conditioner type additives.

  If all this produces no resolution to what you have, or your condition dramatically worsens, seek medical advice from your regular Doctor - but please note, many do not fully understand the differences between the potential skin conditions you may potentially have.  Therefore, the better course of action may be to see a Dermatologist, or alternatively, go to a Specialist Sexual Health Service and ask to see the duty Urologist.