I have recurring red, cracked, and peeling skin on the head of my penis. I'm scared...

[NSFW] Here are two pictures of the affected area of my glans (glands) for reference: http://imgur.com/a/9kY6W#0PrTG
I've been looking around the rules and I didn't see anything to prevent me from posting these. Please tell me if this isn't allowed and I will take them down immediately.

I have been really worried for a while now about my penis. For months (years?) this has been a recurring problem. Once in a while the skin around the head of my penis will start to crack and peel, leaving raw and sensitive skin underneath. Then a while later it will be back to normal again with generally smooth and unbroken skin.

I also feel like this might also be affecting the sensitivity of my glans (glands). When my girlfriend plays around with me, I barely feel anything she does near the tip, and I know most guys love it. It kind of makes me feel bad when I have to tell her I don't feel what she's doing!

I've gotten tested for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and HIV / AIDS, and (thankfully) all are negative. But I want to know what this is and why it's happening! Any advice you folks have to give would be amazing.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like penis eczema to me. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist. Symptoms can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.