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Dermatology (Expert Forum)
Glans problems -- persistent redness, irritation -- help!
Answered by
Alan Rockoff, MD - dermatology, Child Skin Problems
The Rockoff Dermatology Center
Brookline - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Dermatology issues, such as: skin rashes, acne, birthmarks, skin infections, rosacea, and general skin care.
Glans problems -- persistent redness, irritation -- help!
by WSM7011, May 21, 2002 12:00AM
Dr. Rockoff:
I have written to this forum once before, complaining of balanitis. It has been a month since this condition appeared, and so far, treatments have had no effect. Here is the progression:
A month ago, I developed a redness on my glans which appeared to be general redness with some evidence of tiny red spots, particularly near the front of the glans area. I made an assumption that it was fungal in nature, and (perhaps foolishly) applied Micatin to the area for one week.
It had no effect. I went to see my doctor, and he first prescribed Kenacomb cream, which I applied twice daily for one week, showing no change. I went back to my GP, and he gave me another topical cream called Elocom, a corticosteroid, which he instructed me to apply once a day, while continuing to apply the kenacomb once a day. I have been doing that for just over one week, with no discernible change. FYI, I am circumcised.
If I am not responding to either the antifungal/antibiotic (kenacomb) nor the corticosteroid (elocom), what options are left to pursue? I'm becoming quite frustrated. The balanitis I exhibit is mild, and the irritation is minimal (no itching, infrequent irritation from the chafing of clothing, etc), what on earth could it be? Should I consider something nefarious, like warts, or syphilis?
I have been tested for STDs like chylamidia, gonorrhea, and herpes, which are negative. I did have a bout with molluscum, which ended over a month ago, at about the same time that this balanitis issue surfaced. Can they be related?
My main concern, I suppose, is how unresponsive the condition has been to the two most common courses of treatment. It's very frustrating, and I'm beginning to think I'll be stuck with this forever. If there's any kind of rational conclusion to draw from the lack of response to these two treatments, I'd appreciate your opinion. Many thanks.
I have written to this forum once before, complaining of balanitis. It has been a month since this condition appeared, and so far, treatments have had no effect. Here is the progression:
A month ago, I developed a redness on my glans which appeared to be general redness with some evidence of tiny red spots, particularly near the front of the glans area. I made an assumption that it was fungal in nature, and (perhaps foolishly) applied Micatin to the area for one week.
It had no effect. I went to see my doctor, and he first prescribed Kenacomb cream, which I applied twice daily for one week, showing no change. I went back to my GP, and he gave me another topical cream called Elocom, a corticosteroid, which he instructed me to apply once a day, while continuing to apply the kenacomb once a day. I have been doing that for just over one week, with no discernible change. FYI, I am circumcised.
If I am not responding to either the antifungal/antibiotic (kenacomb) nor the corticosteroid (elocom), what options are left to pursue? I'm becoming quite frustrated. The balanitis I exhibit is mild, and the irritation is minimal (no itching, infrequent irritation from the chafing of clothing, etc), what on earth could it be? Should I consider something nefarious, like warts, or syphilis?
I have been tested for STDs like chylamidia, gonorrhea, and herpes, which are negative. I did have a bout with molluscum, which ended over a month ago, at about the same time that this balanitis issue surfaced. Can they be related?
My main concern, I suppose, is how unresponsive the condition has been to the two most common courses of treatment. It's very frustrating, and I'm beginning to think I'll be stuck with this forever. If there's any kind of rational conclusion to draw from the lack of response to these two treatments, I'd appreciate your opinion. Many thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Alan Rockoff, MD, May 22, 2002 12:00AM
, May 22, 2002 12:00AM
Balanitis, or irritation of penile skin, often acts just the way you describe. It does not sound anything like fungus, warts, or an STD.
At this point I think you would be best off not using cortisone or any other active medication. Penile skin is sensitive, so it can stay red for a long time after the condition is essentially gone. Cortisone may actually perpetuate that.
So I would just keep the skin lubricated (Lubriderm, Vaseline), and pay no attention to the bumpiness and redness, each of which may be accentuated by sex, friction, or bathing, but that's just an optical effect without significance.
It may take a couple of nonths, but the skin will return to normal.
If it still doesn't loom right then, see your doctor again. But time should do the trick.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
At this point I think you would be best off not using cortisone or any other active medication. Penile skin is sensitive, so it can stay red for a long time after the condition is essentially gone. Cortisone may actually perpetuate that.
So I would just keep the skin lubricated (Lubriderm, Vaseline), and pay no attention to the bumpiness and redness, each of which may be accentuated by sex, friction, or bathing, but that's just an optical effect without significance.
It may take a couple of nonths, but the skin will return to normal.
If it still doesn't loom right then, see your doctor again. But time should do the trick.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
PS. An Addendum to that question is one fact I forgot to mention; the skin on the glans where the redness is occurring is not its normal smooth texture, but appears to be quite rough. Hope that offers some more insight. Many thanks.
Good luck. I hope you make better progress than I have.