Kenalog for Penis? / Duration of warts?

I have a mild case of Lichen Planus (both oral and genital). For several years it has not been a problem. Recently it surfaced again, on the tope 1/3 of the head of the penis, in the form of just a redder, and more-sensitive area. My Dr. prescribed just some LAC-HYDRIN lotion, but it persisted for a
couple of weeks. He then told me to use the Kenalog in Orabase for this genital-area. (His thinking was that it worked quite well on the Oral Lichen Planus that I had several years earlier).

QUESTION 1. Is KENALOG IN ORABASE is ever prescribed for
genitals?


The morning after using the Kenalog, I discovered a small (3/8 inch x 1/16)sliver of skin that was raised and a red-ish color, on the flap of the foreskin. I quickly went back to the same doctor (24 hours after noticing the lesion, the prior visit was 3 wks earlier). During the exam he rubbed this area aggressively with a cotton swab (until it bled) and said he suspected that it may be HPV, but that it was too small to tell. I stated that I had not ever noticed this before and questioned the coincidence of the Kenalog application. He thought I'd probably just missed it because it was so small. He told me to just leave it alone, continue with the LAC-HYDRIN for the Lichen Planus, and come back in one month to see what develops.

Within 48 hours of the doctor visit the affected area was much better, much less red, and smaller in size.
Within 72 hours it is now very difficult to even see.

QUESTION 2. Is this likely to be HPV if it has appeared and
nearly-disappeared in such a short period of time, 4 days total. (please bare in mind the coincidence of the application of Kenalog Orabase the night before first noticing the genital skin problem)


Thanks in advance for your opinion.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

1.  Orabase is just a gummier vehicle so the Kenalog can stick to the oral cavity tissue.  I don't see any problem with using it elsewhere.
2. The penile change you describe doesn't sound like herpes, especially since it resolved so fast.  Your doctor seems to be taking the right approach.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[AlfredENewman]

Dr. Rockoff,

You must be answering very hastily? I did not inquire about Herpes!
I asked if the symptoms may indicate HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Sorry, but the point is even stronger--HPV warts certainly don't go away in 4 days.  So my conclusion and recommendation stand.

Dr. Rockoff

[AlfredENewman]

Thanks!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You're welcome, Alfred!