I have an itchy and red rash on the head of my penis

[jaws69]

Hi I'm 22 y/o. Ok on a Tuesday I had unprotected sex with my ex. she claims to not have an infection. By Wednesday I masturbated about 4 times that night. I was wearing really tight spandex underwear because I run a lot. I did not shower that day. Before I went to sleep I took off the spandex underwear, and about 20 minutes after I took em off I started getting an itch on the head of my penis.. Thursday came a long and I masturbated once more around 11 am. When I took a shower and I was cleaning my penis, I saw these red spots on the head of  my penis. It was itchy and I had like red bumps. It's now Sunday and I still have that itchy rash. It doesn't hurt or anything. it just itches. And the bumps are smooth.  I am really worried. Do you think it might be an STD or just an irritation?


This discussion is related to itchy penis rash.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be folliculitis,contact dermatitis,rash due to friction rub with clothes, dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic),excessive sweating causing sweat dermatitis or balanitis(due to an underlying infection (bacterial and fungal as well as other organisms) .Even genital warts cannot be ruled out as it is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner.

You may try calamine lotion on the rash.You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics.You can also use calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash. If the bumps are itchy,you  can take some antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.

If the lumps persist then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Genital warts have to be ruled out.

Hope it helps .Take care and pls do keep us posted in case you have any additional queries.Kind regards.

[jaws69]

hey, i finally went to get an std test. I'm suppose to get me results in two weeks. If they call me, then there is something wrong if they don't then I'm OK. As for the rash, I started using 1% hydrocortisone for about 3 days and the rash and itch went away. The doctor also checked my penis out and said it was OK. Just to keep it dry after I shower, and to clean it after I have sex.  Thanks a lot for your comment by the way.