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Chafe/Discoloration/Sensitive Penis Glans - No Recover

Ugh...Ok, last month, or about 6 weeks ago, I developed a red irritation on the understand of my glans, just underneath the head of my penis.  I had sex with my girlfriend, unprotected as we normally do, and it got even more red and irritated.  I noticed she was a bit dry the few times we had sex, which I believe let do this.  During this time, my penis head seemed to "crinkle" a bit and "dry" up, but there was no itch or irritation otherwise.  BTW, we have both been test, swabbed, and blood, and neither of us have any STIs.  We stopped having sex and after the irritation of the glans then got very rad and a week later I saw my dermatologist.

The dermatologist said it was nothing more than irritation, but that he had not seen anything like it before, which was somewhat mildly alarming.  Regardless, he told me to use some 1% hydrocortisone ointment for about a week, which I did.  However, I had already been using it for a week prior, so I used that, liberally, for about 2 weeks and then stopped.  

I noticed the redness was gone, but my glans had turned a ligher, more pinkish color, where it is normally darker.  BTW, I am circumcised.  ALSO, the skin was a lot shinier and seemed "thinner".  I read that overuse of corticosteroid creams can have this affect on penis skin, which absorbs at a rate of 30%.  So I sort of freaked a bit that the cream/ointment had damaged my glans even further.  

I posted on here, and most everyone told me not to worry.  So I've tried that.

Now, I masturbated a few times last week and the skin, while not read, appears still be sensitive and irritated.  I masturbated, I rubbed against my underwear, but only the base.  I thought to put some Calmoseptine on it, as I read it can help with irritated skin burn.  HOWEVER, after two days of using that, the glans turned even MORE white and discolored and more sensitive.  I can almost see blood vessels.  

When this started about six weeks ago, I had a dried up look on the head of the penis only.  So I'm now wondering if I have penile psoriasis from irritation, or if I have a major friction burn from over masturbation rubbing against clothing and it is taking a really long time to heal due also do the the creams and  such.

I have decided NO masturbation for the next 4-6 weeks and no sex as well.  Thankfully, my girlfriend understands and we have enjoy each other physically in other ways, but it is very hard to abstain.  

My question is, does this sound like penile psoriasis or just a major friction burn that is taking a long time to heal?

I have had friction burn from rough sex or my girlfriend being too rough with masturbation before, but a little Neosporin healed it within a few days.  This is lasting a LONG time, so I am worried it is a much bigger problem.

Thanks in advance for the help with your own experiences.  
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Avatar universal
I think I have a similar issue and have tried lots of things but so far it’s not helping and the doctors say everything is normal but I know it was never like this. In my case the end of the foreskin is more red and sensitive than before.
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1 Comments
Chafing is a real issue but solvable.  They make products you can use including a little gold bond powder to help.  Changing the type of underwear you use. That kind of thing. But also, you've had it looked at and they never mentioned anything like hygiene?  I only mention that because this can create some issues. Are you circumcised?
Avatar universal
I feel like mine is permanent as I used the cream for 5 days and I have now been using the vitamin e oil as you suggested for about a month and my skin is still thin. I guess I just have to accept this and move on :(. Thanks for the help though @AreplytoAmos
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Avatar universal
I know this is super late but I remember reading this post way back when I had the same exact issues. It's been a while but I just remembered how terrible this was to go through and wanted to post a solution for everyone else that comes to this post looking for help.
The only thing I ever did, including all the things you mentioned (that burned it or thinned the skin), that worked was using vitamin E skin oil.

The brand I bought was Colonial Dames Vitamin E Skin Oil. I used it as a sort of medication as well as a lubricant and it honestly saved me from going crazy. I really hope that everyone struggling with this issue sees this post, tries it, and has the same success I did.
Good luck
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12 Comments
Hey how many months/days did you use the Vitamin e Oil for before seeing results?????
A month or two? Can't remember exactly because its been a while but definitely took some time.
Thanks so much for replying, you've given me a lot of hope in a tough time.  I am starting to see results am in one month of vitamin e oil use twice everyday after showering. Im curious to know where you were affected and how long you used the steroid cream for??? I am still anxious my damage is permanent but am hoping like you I am healed from the oil! Thanks again
I was affected on the underside and sides of my penis. I can't remember anymore it's been so long but don't worry about it being permanent. It won't be permanent- your body will heal itself-it's just how it functions. The vitamin E oil will just help it happen faster. Also, I would look into buying more expensive oils with vitamin C or concentrated vitamin E oil. Stickier but more effective than the Colonial Dames which is mostly grapeseed oil (never occurred to me back then). But you should really go to a dermatologist so they can give you peace of mind.
AReplytoAmos,

How long ago did your condition start? I have been following this and similar threads on skin thinning on the glans to hopefully glean some help for my condition, which is a bit different. I suffered from a burn from ACV on the glans about 8 months ago which cause a slight deterioration in the skin in a small patch, which is just slightly below the rest of the surrounding skin but not as deep as, say, an acne scar. I have tried a 5% Helichrysum/Rose Hip Seed oil blend for 5 months, but haven't noticed much progress.

Is my situation similar to yours and others on this thread which have suffered from steroid induced atrophy. Is my condition permanent or will the body heal itself eventually? I don't care if it takes a couple of years, I just NEED this to heal. It is killing my confidence!!!

Thanks so much for any help you can offer.
You have to go to a dermatologist. I'm not a doctor I'm sorry
I went to a very reputable dermatologist and he said there was nothing he could do. But I'm not going to give up. I am suppose to see him again in 2 weeks.
I feel like mine is permanent as I used the cream for 5 days and I have now been using the vitamin e oil as you suggested for about a month and my skin is still thin. I guess I just have to accept this and move on :(. Thanks for the help though @AreplytoAmos
The skin will be thin and getting that repaired will take years.  The immediate relief is the with the itching and other issues. Just keep applying
Oh okay, so you're saying yours actually took years to recover but the vitamin e oil provided some more instant repair?
So have you now fully recovered now that its been a few years since you posted your reply? Sorry for all the questions and I would be so grateful if you replied! Have a great day :)
Yes fully healed :)
Just takes time for your skin.
Avatar universal
Hydrocortisone could cause the lightening and thinning effect. If you use a moisturizing penis health creme along with it, you can improve the tone and texture of your skin, as well as promoting healing.
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Avatar universal
OK, thanks Maatson.  I purchased something called MooGoo, a product here in Australia that is all natural for moisturizing.  I just hope this damage is reversible.  

I am so mad that my dermatologist did not tell me to stop the hydrocortisone after a week of use and told me I could use it on my penis for up to a month.

All one has to do is look online to see that this has caused many problems for others in the past.  
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Avatar universal
moisturizer should be good enough.
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Thanks...So should I stop putting powder or moisturizer on it?  

I've read several threads where doctor's say to "get on with your life" and such, but this is clearly an issue that isn't easily dismissed.  I've had friction burn before, and this is much, much more.  There is no itch or burn or major redness, so it doesn't look like balanitis.  

I think it's just been a combination of things, but my penis is definitely NOT back to normal and clearly I just need to stop looking at it and leave it alone.  I guess it could take months.  

What I'm hearing is that although I used a 1% hydrocortisone cream for 2 weeks, that is not enough for permanent damage, but it is possible this cased the current change (or damage) to my penis.  

Today it was sore just rubbing against my underwear as I walked, so again, I had to put Gold Bond Powder on it to keep it from chaffing.  It's just exhausting having to deal with this everyday and then it is also having an effect on my sex life with my partner.  

I'll give it a few weeks and possibly consult my another, NEW dermatologist.  The other dermatologist told me to use the 1% hydrocortisone for up to a MONTH: I think that's dangerous seeing that just 2 weeks have caused this.  
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Avatar universal
Though there is some absorbtion done from the penile skin (much more than other areas) as to permanent damage for short term application (As in your case) is unlikely.There is remodelling in our own body and does take care,but in time.Also there are not many or perhaps any medication that reverses atrophy other than withdrawing medication, as I know of.
It will not be a bad idea to consult your derm once more, perhaps only to put your mind to rest.
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Avatar universal
Thanks Maatson.  So at this point, what should I do?  Should I stop putting anything on it at all?  I'm currently just using moisturizer.  

It has been 21 days since I stopped the hydrocortisone--which I firmly believe has caused the skin to lose color and tighten and making it more sensitive to friction--and nothing has changed.

There is no sign of any healing, progress, or the shaft turning back to its former, darker tone, etc.

At what point should I say, "OK, it's been ___ weeks, and nothing has changed, so maybe it's time to go back to the dermatologist." ???

I've read that it SHOULD heal on it's own from two doctors, but the "SHOULD" part and the fact that there has been no perceived change or healing in 21 days is bothersome.  

I'm trying not to be anxious about it, but there are lots of threads out there where guys have had this issue and some doctors seem to simply dismiss it as nothing.  

Many thanks for your suggestions.  
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Avatar universal
Monilial yeasts are common flora of the vagina in many women, and though commoner in uncircumsized yet could occur evenin the circumsized. Super- added to this excessive cleansing can leave behind an irritant dermatitis.
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Avatar universal
Hi Maatson,

I'm circumcised, so not sure, but if so, I'll need to go back to the dermatologist, who initially dismissed it as nothing more than an irritation.  The fact that the shaft has changed colors and is more sensitive and shinier, does not make this a normal "you just have to ride it out" situation.  

From the pictures I looked at online, it does not appear to be a severe case of balanoposthitis, but it looks possible.  I am irritated that the dermatologist was so aloof about his initial diagnosis.

I think I may need to go see a different dermatologist.  

Thanks for chiming in.  
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Avatar universal
May just be a balanoposthitis (Monilial). Most unlikely to be Psoriasis with history and features.
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Avatar universal
No one?
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Avatar universal
Anyone?
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Avatar universal
...One more thing, it is NOT the Glans, but the SHAFT where I am having this issue.  Sorry!!
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Avatar universal
...BTW, I forgot to add that I am currently wearing only cotton underwear and using Gold Bond Powder morning and night and sometimes aloe very gel help the skin heal.
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