Injury to Penis Skin

[rcca42]

Four months ago I injuried the skin on my circumcised penis just below the glans (head) after receiving an overly aggressive lap dance.  I was not wearing underwear at the time and my penis was raked across the metal zipper of my pants causing a serious abrasion and/or a small laceration to the skin.  

I tried treating the area over time with several over the counter topicals including alcohol, witch hazel, hydrocortisone, neosporin and gold bond triple antibiotic ointment with no improvement.  I also tried exposing the area to air as much as possible, as I notice that the skin frequently covers over the injuried area.  My Urologist examined the area and referred me to a dermatologist.  STD testing was negative.  Two dermatologists have examined the injury and seem baffled.  Prescription topicals of Fluticasone Propionate, Desonide and Sarna (tried at different times) have not helped.    

Four months after the injury, the pain sensation remains unchanged.  It can best be described as a burning sensation when directly touched.  If I rub my finger across the area from left to right it does not hurt, but it is extremely painful in the opposite direction, similar to a paper cut.  Thankfully, the pain is significantly reduced during an erection or when the skin is pulled tight.  This does not make sense to me since the injury occurred during an erection.

I have to cover the area daily with either vasoline or baby powder to keep my underwear from rubbing against the area which causes the above described pain.  Since this has not healed in 4 months, could I have permanently damaged the sensory nerves?    Thank-you for your time and expertise.

[konna]

A related discussion, injury on lower shaft of penis was started.

[mry73]

A related discussion, Skin rupture on soft skin below head(penis) was started.

[piel]

I am a 44-year-old disease-free gay male.  For the past few years, I have noticed scarring on the skin of the penis where the soft skin under the glans (head) meets the regular skin of the shaft.  This is on the right side.  The left side is scarless.  I also noticed that the soft skin under the glans on the same side seems as if it was burned.  I should mention that the scars are pretty noticeable (2 to 3 mm) when I am only in an erect state.  I am thinking of the causes but am not sure.  A few years back when I had a minor imperfection in the area in question, I used various lotions and products that might have left a burn and scars.  I have gone to a dermatologist who took my concern lightly and suggested I photograph the area for him to see.  Due to embarrassment, I did not.  As of late, I have been using Kelo-cote that I ordered which is specifically for burns and scarring but without any positive results.  Once again, the scars and the appearance of minor burnt skin between the glans (head) and the regular skin of the penis appear when I am aroused.  What can I do to rid the scars and the discolored skin and restore the skin I once had?  I am self-conscious and unhappy by it.  I await your response.  Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You could not have caused permanent damage from the incident you describe.  I have to think this is just residual sensitivity, perpetuated by all the attention you've been giving it and the application of potential irritants like alcohol and witch hazel.  My advice is to relax and do nothing.  The doctors may have been baffled, but they didn't think you had anything serious or sexual.  Just be gentle, use a bland moisturizer, and ignore it for a month.  I bet it will have subsided by then.  If not, you can get another opinion, only I really don't think you need one.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff