HELPPPPPP !!

okay my skin problems all started when i was a kid. i contracted the skin disease , scabies from a roommate of mine. After treatment (benzyl benzoate) and my subsequent recovery from the disease, i was left with a lot of small scar tissue and black spots on the spots where i had the open sores from the disease. I also had lesions on the glans (glands) of my penis. for years i lived with this embarassing condition because i didnt think there was anything that could be done. I started doing some research and came across ur website. So i want to ask , what options are available for me to get rid of the post scabetic lesions on my glans (glands).I heard that laser surgery might do the trick ,but i am kind of scared of the whole process. I know you are not able to examine me , to see what am talking about, but i think u should know what am talking about . I also want to know how i can get rid of the specks of scar tissue and dark spots which are predominantly on my legs. Finally , i also seem to have developed a case of folliculitis on my penis , cus i have a whole bunch of little raised spots along it.They have been there for a while and i have tried myosporin antibacteria ointment on it to no avail . Thank u .

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Scabies spots can last a while, especially on the penis, but they do not last forever unless you rub or scratch them.  Also, it is possible that many of the spots you have on your legs represent folliculitis (blocked follicles) and have nothing to do with scabies, past or present.

I therefore advise you as follows: Do not under any circumstances rub, pick, or scratch any of the lesions and spots you have for a period of three months.  Mot even once!  At that point see a dermatologist, who can tell you at that point what they are and what, if anything, can or should be done.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[doubtingthomas]

I'm sorry, i think you misunderstood me.

well i had the disease a while back , about 8 years ago , and unfortunately, i did, scratch at the sores, needless to say theres a lot of scarring left (i'm african american,i scar easily) . What i really want to know is, is there a way i can get rid of the black spots  and the minor scarring on my legs, if there is, how much would such a treatment cost? i also want to know if there's also a way i can get rid of the lesions on the glans (glands) of my penis , left behind by the disease. Also i would appreciate it if u could tell me how much that would cost.
And finally i have developed what seems to be folliculitis on my penis . what do u usually prescribe for ur patients and what is the cost of treatment.

Thank you

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If you have pigmentation that has been there for 8 years, it's unlikely that any treatment will make much difference.  There are skin bleaches which might be worth a try, such as TriLuma (your doctor can prescribe them.)  Procedures like laser should be avoided.

Dr. Rockoff

[doubtingthomas]

its me again.

i was worried about the texture of my penis's skin and was thinking about applying retinol to it (afirm3X) to smoothen it out . its all wrinkled up and i hate its appearance. i just wanted to know if there are any serious side effects that i have to consider if i apply retinol to this delicate area.

thanks again

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Penises are supposed to be wrinkled.  Retinoids won't do anything good, and may well irritate you.  Why are you looking at your penis so hard?

Dr. Rockoff