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Penile Psoriasis/Urethritis/Prostate Swelling
Dr. Doctor,
I am a male in my mid-20's, circumcised at birth. As a child (not knowing about skin care) I masterbated heavily, multiple times a day, often until and including when my penis was red, raw and sore. I was repeatedly exposed, up to and including my early college years to lotions and agents that caused allergic, acute reactions to my penis. The skin would become red and raw, dry up and I would peel it off. As a result, I have developed patches of irregular, not-raised, unpainful dark grey skin on my penis as well as swelling and red, sensitive skin, which my dermatologist assured me wasn't cancerous and assessed as psoriasis (which occurs nowhere else on my body and only affects me from the circumcision line to the head). Also, I my GP diagnosed me with Urethritis (clean-catch and urethral swab negative) and the Nurse Practicioner noted that my prostate was swollen. When she massaged my prostate i felt extreme pain through the shaft of my penis. Also, when I sit too long, or ride my motorcycle too long I feel extreme pain. I also have constant dysuria and occaisional purulent discharge from the penis.
My dermatologist prescribed Protopic, but since it was not covered by insurance, he prescribed Desonide 0.05%.
Before this I used Hydracortisone 1% OTC and it worked wonders at first, but the psoriasis came back worse than before. The Desonide hasn't worked at all, and only made the psoriasis show up worse. So I am afraid to use more steriods. I am currently showering with hypoallergenic body wash and applying vasoline only, and have stopped using the desonide.
Sorry for the length of this post, but I want to make sure I cover all my bases. My main question is: Is it possible for a circumcised man to cause himself to get Penile Cancer or cause perm. damage by repeated allergic reactions/manipulations of the penis and penile skin?
Also, is there any medication (antibiotics) that I should recommend to my GP for Urethritis/Prostatitis?
I am a male in my mid-20's, circumcised at birth. As a child (not knowing about skin care) I masterbated heavily, multiple times a day, often until and including when my penis was red, raw and sore. I was repeatedly exposed, up to and including my early college years to lotions and agents that caused allergic, acute reactions to my penis. The skin would become red and raw, dry up and I would peel it off. As a result, I have developed patches of irregular, not-raised, unpainful dark grey skin on my penis as well as swelling and red, sensitive skin, which my dermatologist assured me wasn't cancerous and assessed as psoriasis (which occurs nowhere else on my body and only affects me from the circumcision line to the head). Also, I my GP diagnosed me with Urethritis (clean-catch and urethral swab negative) and the Nurse Practicioner noted that my prostate was swollen. When she massaged my prostate i felt extreme pain through the shaft of my penis. Also, when I sit too long, or ride my motorcycle too long I feel extreme pain. I also have constant dysuria and occaisional purulent discharge from the penis.
My dermatologist prescribed Protopic, but since it was not covered by insurance, he prescribed Desonide 0.05%.
Before this I used Hydracortisone 1% OTC and it worked wonders at first, but the psoriasis came back worse than before. The Desonide hasn't worked at all, and only made the psoriasis show up worse. So I am afraid to use more steriods. I am currently showering with hypoallergenic body wash and applying vasoline only, and have stopped using the desonide.
Sorry for the length of this post, but I want to make sure I cover all my bases. My main question is: Is it possible for a circumcised man to cause himself to get Penile Cancer or cause perm. damage by repeated allergic reactions/manipulations of the penis and penile skin?
Also, is there any medication (antibiotics) that I should recommend to my GP for Urethritis/Prostatitis?
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1.) Is Penile Cancer rare enough that a Dermatologist would recognize it instantly, and be able to differentiate between this condition, and in situ condition, and a benign condition?
Yes, a dermatologist would.
2.) Would, as another expert posted on another forum, a Dermatologist be able to recognize such a condition long before it became dangerous, which would result in radical, surgical measure being necessary?
Yes, a dermatologist would.
3.) What, if anything, can I do to thicken and heal the skin? Is it possible to make my penis as good as new regardless of past trauma? Are there any treatments that can decrease the melanin in the dark "peel spots"?
None relevant or necessary.
You need help with your cancer-phobia, sir. Please get it.
Dr. Rockoff
Yes, a dermatologist would.
2.) Would, as another expert posted on another forum, a Dermatologist be able to recognize such a condition long before it became dangerous, which would result in radical, surgical measure being necessary?
Yes, a dermatologist would.
3.) What, if anything, can I do to thicken and heal the skin? Is it possible to make my penis as good as new regardless of past trauma? Are there any treatments that can decrease the melanin in the dark "peel spots"?
None relevant or necessary.
You need help with your cancer-phobia, sir. Please get it.
Dr. Rockoff
Yes the doctors did mention the possibility of rosacea. They gave me a mild antibiotic which actually made a huge difference. But they claim there is no infection. The psych derm clinic is a special practice that the University has. They connect the psychological component with the skin problem. Then decide how to proceed. If the skin problem is caused by a psychological problem, all the medication in the world isn't going to help. I would find a dermatologist that is associated with a university and ask about it.
Yea this problem has definently been affecting my mental stability, to the point where I developed anxiety/depression problems resulting in the need to take Celexa (Anti-D) and Ativan. What is a Psych Dermatologist? And how do you find one? I think, if you haven't already, you should consider Rosacea. My father has it on his face, and it is caused by chronic stress, and it is effected by varying stress levels. it presents as a flat, reddish section of skin w/o itching or irritation. Regardless, I'd leave the steroids alone and use something like Eucerin Calming Creme for your skin, or cocunut oil. Also, if it flares up take a single does of an OTC Antihistimine such as Loratadine. Consider warm salt baths, which will undoubtedly help. If the problem is only psychological, hopefully a professional will be able to help you cope with the underlying issues associated with the condition. Most likely, you may need a small, predetermined dose of anti-depressents to increase seratonin, which will result in a general sense of well-being which will obviously reduce stress and cause you to focus more on the positives of life rather than your condition. It will certainly remove any misery the condition is causing you.
Of course I'm not a doctor, nor am I attempting to masquerade as one, be sure to discuss any and all of these options with your physicians.
Of course I'm not a doctor, nor am I attempting to masquerade as one, be sure to discuss any and all of these options with your physicians.
No I still have the problem. The doctors say it's caused by stress. The problem started after six months of anxiety and stress. Then it got progressively worse as did the skin problem. I never developed a rash or anything that the doctors could see. I noticed different shades of red that changed with the feeling. When I tried to use desonide it turned very red. They gave me a script for fluconazole which made a rash break out across my stomach and down both legs.
A couple of the doctors said it was eczema without any rash or itchiness. I have an appointment with a psych derm doctor. Hoping that the stinging feeling will go away, when the stress goes away. It's been over a year now and is severely affecting my life.
I read an article on protopic and elidel. They caused cancer in some patients but they were taking large doses internally.
I think the quality of life is important, you need to weigh the discomfort with the remote possibility of potential problems. Psoriasis is also directly related to stress. If this is affecting your mental stability, perhaps you should get help also. I know I need help, This skin problem is making me miserable.
A couple of the doctors said it was eczema without any rash or itchiness. I have an appointment with a psych derm doctor. Hoping that the stinging feeling will go away, when the stress goes away. It's been over a year now and is severely affecting my life.
I read an article on protopic and elidel. They caused cancer in some patients but they were taking large doses internally.
I think the quality of life is important, you need to weigh the discomfort with the remote possibility of potential problems. Psoriasis is also directly related to stress. If this is affecting your mental stability, perhaps you should get help also. I know I need help, This skin problem is making me miserable.
yeah same here willy, but I didn't react anywhere else in my genital area body. The Desonide didn't irritate the skin I don't think, it's just like it "woke up" the psoriasis. Hydracortisone worked great but it came back the second I stopped using it. Also, Protopic and Elidel have an undetermined risk of skin cancer and lymphoma associated with them, so watch out. I think steroids might do more harm than good...Did you eventually get your problem under control? If so, how?
Desonide made my problem worse also. The skin on my scrotum became hot and turned red. The creases of my leg turned black. The skin continued to be this way until I stopped using steroids. The Dermatologists worked with me and when I applied a different steroid the same thing happened. The steroid cream had no effect anywhere else on my body.
I agree with all of your points, yet the only thing troubling to me is that if you research online (which I wish I hadn't done) I read that:
1.) Patients often see delays in medical treatment due to the fact that Drs./Dermatologists' belief that circumcised men cannot get penile cancer. While it is extraordinarily rare, there are b/w 8-10 causes in medical literature of circumcised men (both Jew and Gentile) getting Penile Cancer, with most cases presenting with an incidence of penile trauma.
2,) I also read (again, wish I hadn't) that it is almost impossible for dermatologists to recognize the difference between the cells of Penile Cancer and Psoriasis. I find it hard to believe that a Medical Doctor, and a skin expert at that, would have any trouble distinguishing the two conditions.
An answer, by you, to the following questions would completely pacify what has become a devestating psychological issue to me.
1.) Is Penile Cancer rare enough that a Dermatologist would recognize it instantly, and be able to differentiate between this condition, and in situ condition, and a benign condition?
2.) Would, as another expert posted on another forum, a Dermatologist be able to recognize such a condition long before it became dangerous, which would result in radical, surgical measure being necessary?
3.) What, if anything, can I do to thicken and heal the skin? Is it possible to make my penis as good as new regardless of past trauma? Are there any treatments that can decrease the melanin in the dark "peel spots"?
I look forward to your respone...
1.) Patients often see delays in medical treatment due to the fact that Drs./Dermatologists' belief that circumcised men cannot get penile cancer. While it is extraordinarily rare, there are b/w 8-10 causes in medical literature of circumcised men (both Jew and Gentile) getting Penile Cancer, with most cases presenting with an incidence of penile trauma.
2,) I also read (again, wish I hadn't) that it is almost impossible for dermatologists to recognize the difference between the cells of Penile Cancer and Psoriasis. I find it hard to believe that a Medical Doctor, and a skin expert at that, would have any trouble distinguishing the two conditions.
An answer, by you, to the following questions would completely pacify what has become a devestating psychological issue to me.
1.) Is Penile Cancer rare enough that a Dermatologist would recognize it instantly, and be able to differentiate between this condition, and in situ condition, and a benign condition?
2.) Would, as another expert posted on another forum, a Dermatologist be able to recognize such a condition long before it became dangerous, which would result in radical, surgical measure being necessary?
3.) What, if anything, can I do to thicken and heal the skin? Is it possible to make my penis as good as new regardless of past trauma? Are there any treatments that can decrease the melanin in the dark "peel spots"?
I look forward to your respone...
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
1. Is it possible for a circumcised man to cause himself to get Penile Cancer or cause perm. damage by repeated allergic reactions/manipulations of the penis and penile skin?
No. I don't know why you're even concerned about penile cancer, because your symptoms sound nothing like it, and besides, you're circumcised.
2. Also, is there any medication (antibiotics) that I should recommend to my GP for Urethritis/Prostatitis?
You'll need to ask a urologist that question.
You have no reason to fear steroids. Mild ones like desonide can't thin the skin. On the other hand you say that desonide makes what you have worse, which I don't understand at all.
You need clarification of your diagnosis, which you can only get in person. You also need to get past your concerns 1) that you may have penile cancer and 2) that you permanently damaged your skin by masturbating or applying topical agents. Neither makes much sense. If you need counseling in addition to medical diagnosis, you should seek it out.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
No. I don't know why you're even concerned about penile cancer, because your symptoms sound nothing like it, and besides, you're circumcised.
2. Also, is there any medication (antibiotics) that I should recommend to my GP for Urethritis/Prostatitis?
You'll need to ask a urologist that question.
You have no reason to fear steroids. Mild ones like desonide can't thin the skin. On the other hand you say that desonide makes what you have worse, which I don't understand at all.
You need clarification of your diagnosis, which you can only get in person. You also need to get past your concerns 1) that you may have penile cancer and 2) that you permanently damaged your skin by masturbating or applying topical agents. Neither makes much sense. If you need counseling in addition to medical diagnosis, you should seek it out.
Take care.
Dr. Rockoff
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