Contact dermatitis?

Hello,

About three weeks ago, I did the laundry with a friend of mine at a laundrymat and used her laundry detergent (no name brand liquid).  For years I've used Tide Powder.  

Two days later, I noticed what felt like a callus on the front of my penis. I can't explain it any other way.. It was just a hard circle about the size of a quarter on the side that directly comes in contact with my underwear.  

So, I figured it was a reaction to the laundry detergent.  I rewashed all my clothes and went along my way, thinking it would clear up.  

About a week after the outbreak, the callus softened (not entirely.. just a little) and a yellow crust formed over the affected area.  In the shower, it became very soft and washed away, leaving a very sensitive red patch underneath.  That red patch then turned back into the soft callus after about half a day.  

It's been three weeks now and this thing has not healed.  Everything will be fine until I get an errection in which it the affected area will "tear".  The tears become flaky and then washes off in the shower, leaving a red patch.  It doesn't bleed, but it is sensitive.  And then.. sure enough.. yellow crust... flakes away... sensitive area... callus...  yellow crust.. flakes away... sensitive area... repeat...

I've recently started using a hydrocortizone cream daily, and it helped make the sensitive part LOOK better, but again, once I get an errection, it cracks and the whole process starts over again.  

I've been looking at herpes pictures on the Internet because I was concerned, but it just doesn't look the same as what I have.  There are no little 'bumps' or anything like that.. But I'm no doctor, so I don't know.  

I have not enganged in sexual contact for quite some time (years), so I'm confident it's not an STD, but again, I'm no doctor to say what it is or isn't.  

Could you please give me your opinion?  Thanks.

James

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sure.  To start with, it isn't herpes, and it isn't related to the detergent.

I'm really not sure what would make a callus or thickened area appear on the penis, but my suggestion would be to use a heavy moiturizer (vaseline, Eucerin) frequently, say several times a day, and avoid friction, masturbation, or other trauma for 2 weeks.  Also, don't examine the area to see if the lump is still there.

If that doesn't take care of the problem in 2-3 weeks, which I doubt, then I suggest consulting a skin doctor for evaluation and perhaps treatment with something prescription-strength.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff