Allergic to Spermicide

Hi I'm a 27 year old healthy male (Me and my girlfriend have been tested, and all tests came back negative ). Just lately I found out that I seem to be allergic to the Spermicide on the outside of condoms. Me and my girlfriend have been having sex for years mostly with a condom, sometimes without one, without any allergic reaction at all. But lately when we have sex, we would start by using the condom, then she would take it off, lol, and we would continue. Then within a day or two, a whole bunch of small red spots would just appear overnight and start spreading all over my penis head and shaft (they do not itch or burn). I know I'm not allergic to latex, because when we normally have sex with the condom on all night, I never get any allergic reaction ever for the past couple of years, But its the spermicide thats on the outside of the condom I'm guessing that I'm allergic too. I have been using Hydrocortizone creme, but it normally takes about a week to completely clear up. Can someone please let me know if this is common?, and is Hydrocortizone the right treatment? and what kind of condoms would you recommend me to use. Would really really appreciate your feedback.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to an allergic reaction to the spermicide. You can take an antihistaminic like Benadryl or Zyretc for the itching and apply calamine lotion. Prior to application of calamine lotion, you can wash the area with a mild moisturizer like Cetaphil. Also do not use any spermicide but use plain latex condoms.

If the symptoms are severe then topical and oral steroids are needed for which please consult a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[pppfree]

Thanks alot Dr. Kaur, I really appreciate your response, the Hydrocortizone cleared it all up in 3 days. I will definately avoid spermicidal condoms as of now.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Thanks for your feedback. I am glad that the symptoms have resolved. Take care.