Penis - splotchy, red

[Tim1764]

Last November, I received unprotected oral sex. Shortly after, the appearance of the head of my penis changed permanently from smooth white to red. There appear to be ridged, grooved lines, and little red cauliflower bumps spread over the tip, particularly around the opening.  I also began to aquire the traditional symptoms of an STD at that time including stinging and painful urination. A doctor prescribed antibiotics (doxycycline) as well as testing urine and blood. There was no evidence of any infection or STD and the painful urination subsided. I still have occasional stinging in the penis tip during urination (slight discomfort) and soreness in the prostate area - leading me to believe that I may have chronic prostatitis as well.  I am 37 years of age - so it is not likely that I have an enlarged prostate.

My concern here is specifically with the skin problem however. After ejaculation. the tip as well as the entire shaft of my penis becomes bright red and hot. The tip becomes splotchy, red, and appears infected. Since infection has been ruled out - I am wondering if this is a dermatology problem - may be some type of
allergic reaction.  There is absolutely no external skin discomfort of any kind. I am trying to determine if this is related to the possible diagnosis of prostatitis, or if there is s separate skin-dermatology issue involved here.

Please help. Thank you.

[lo1234]

Hi there. I have a similar problem.

Around 4 months ago I noticed that the head of my penis is whiter than normal and the lower part is very red and moist. Initially, I didn't pay much attention because there was no pain. I masturbate a lot (haven't had sex in more than 6 months) so I thought it could be that.

Then I went to see my doctor - twice. First time he gave me a cream for fungal infections - it didn't work. Second time he gave me Eumovate cream - again no improvement.

I suffer from eczema but this is different. No itchiness. But over the last couple of weeks it hurts a bit every now and then.

Should I be worried?

[Tim1764]

No luck yet. I did have a follow-up visit with a urologist and confirmed no infection of any kind. The doctor did notice the redness on the penis tip and did not seem too concerned. I did try some cortizone bought over the counter and that only made the tip redder. My next step would be to visit a dermatologist but I have not done so yet as I hate the embarrasment of another doctor exam just to be told it's no big deal.  The thing that gets me is that the redness is permanent and does not go away. I have had no luck in finding any definite symptom match for what I have. My best guess would be very small, flat warts, but I would think that they would disappear over time. I am totally baffled as I am in good health otherwise. My only other thought is that it is somehow related to my age - and that penis skin somehow changes as you age - but I doubt it. This is making me self-conscious at the gym and with any physical relationships I may have.  

[WSM7011]

I am curious to know if this patient is still reading this thread, as I am havign a very similar experience. Did you find a diagnosis and treatment that satisfied you? Please respond. Thanks ...

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

What you describe does sound like a skin problem rather than an STD.  It sounds like the kind of sensitivity which can be counteratced by something mild and anti-inflammatory, like hydrocortisone 15 (over the counter.)  I would suggest you try that, while also making a dermatology appointment.  Your response to the cream will help the doctor establish the diagnosis.  But again, the symptoms do not suggest an STD, and certainly not a prostate-related condition.  I would also keep the penis head skin moisturized with vaseline or the equivalent.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff