Dry Skin

I am in my mid 20's and I have a question about skin dryness and chafing on the shaft of my penis.  I first had this problem last winter (I live in New England) but it went away in the summer time (if I wanted to, I could masturbate quite often, without any kind of lubricant, and have absolutely no side effects).  Now that it is becoming cool again, the dryness and chafing has begun (usually on the underside of the penis).  Also, when not erect, it is sometimes a little itchy, usually closer to the base where it is surrounded by hair, but not that bad.  Last winter, I didn't have a girlfriend so I don't know how this would react with intercourse and the like.  I have several questions that I would like you to answer.
1.  Should I see a doctor about this?
2.  Are there any products (i.e. skin lotion) that would be helpful (or other stuff I could do like not using soap which I am going to try now)?
3.  The Summer before this began, I was on a 5 month course of Accutane.  This caused dry skin on other parts of my body during treatment (especially lips and face).  Could this be a side effect?
4.  About 15 years ago I remember finding a tube of medication that said something about "Penis Shaft Irritation" that probably belonged to my Father.  Obviously I don't want to ask him about it.  Is there something that could be hereditary?
5.  Or anything else that you could tell me about this condition would be helpful.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Kramer:

"Dryness" in patches on the penis is usually a localized form of eczema.  I suggest you test out this possibility by applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone 1%.  If that makes the apparent dryness go away in a day or two, that should be all you have to do whenever the condition recurs.

Other than that, no lotions are much better than others--cheap is good.

Accutane should have nothing to do with this.

If nonprescription hydrocortisone doesn't do the job, I'd call the dermatologist who prescribed the Accutane about seeing you or perhaps prescribing a somewhat stronger form of hydrocortisone.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff