Loss of Pigment

Aproximately eight years ago I was in a relationship.  I purchased some "love gel" from a local shop.  There was no mention or warning on the bottle not to use this gel in the genital area so we did.  I used a condom for intercourse after.  That night, my genital area became inflamed.  I went to the dermatologist and he said all I could do was wait it out.  I did and it healed but now the majority of the pigment on my penis is gone.  There are some places where the pigment has come back, but it is not spotted.  I have restrained from having a social life due to this.  Is there any thing that will help regain pigment?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Of course, I have no idea what the contents were of the "love gel."  I know of only one medication which can take away pigment altogether.  Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone is sometimes (rarely) used to treat people with vitiligo, who have lost most of their pigment and look better with all the pigment removed than with spots.  Since this ingredient requires a prescription, I have to wonder whether the cream caused the problem, or whether you have vitiligo of the penis, a common location for this condition.

Either way, you've waited far longer than necessary to get this situation straightened out.  I advise you to see a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.  If indeed your pigment is gone, you have two choices: 1) get rid of the rest of the pigment in the area so you're not spotted (treatments to add pigment are much harder to use and rarely successful); 2) get whatever counseling help you need to get on with your life despite the discoloration.  

There are many people with untreatable variations in skin color, genital and otherwise.  If the condition isn't catchy--almost certainly it isn't--you have to develop the confidence to establish a relationship in which your partner understands that the issue is, literally, just skin-deep.

Good luck.

Dr. Rockoff

[dragon]

My advice to add to the doctor is,make sue you're well, by seeing a doctor, and then be honest with your new person in your life.If she's a woman of worth, she'll understand.