Penis Discoloration/Itchiness/Flakey

[daz2021]

Hi there, approx 2 months ago I noticed irritation on the glans and underneath the foreskin of the penis, it became itchy however not painful.  I also noticed a dramatic increase in smegma which prompted me to wash 3-4 times a day in these areas.  Things didnt improve and noticed slight indentations/small cuts just below the glans when the foreskin was pulled back, which looked more red and swollen than normal.  This made me think a possible fungal infection so started using an antifungal cream on the problem areas, however things didnt improve and then started to notice a very dark almost grey/black discoloration on the glans starting at the bottom and spreading around the outsides of the glans.

This of course worried me and quickly went to the doctor, who then went on to say the cut was due to me catching it on something (on what, i do not know), and that everyone's penis is a different color and it was nothing to worry about, said to wash with soap and water everyday and carry on applying the anti-fungal cream.  No samples or anything was taken which left me feeling rather angry considering it was looking as though my penis was dying.

Anyway, I carried on for a week to see no improvements, so by this time started to look on the internet to see if i could find my symptoms (including this forum).  I concluded it could possibly be Balantis, Excema or a male form of Thrush, however neither of these highlight any type of grey discoloration of the glans.  I noticed that while i wasnt applying any cream after washing the area, it would become very dry within a few hours and become very scaly/flaky, and i do not know if this is flaky skin or somekind of discharge(?).  After gently washing the area of irritation below the glans and patting dry, running a towel across the skin would sometimes result in more white flaky material, which could either be flaky skin or somekind of discharge coating.

I have not had any penetrative sex, so im quite certain it is not a STD unless it can be passed orally, however the last time this happened was over 5 months ago so Im 95% sure this is not the cause of the problem.

Ive recently noticed that where the discoloration is on the glans, it is not covered by the foreskin, that when it is pulled back you can see a more natural pinkish color from where the foreskin lies, but the open unprotected area is where its much darker.  Ive used 2 types of skin irritation creams on the discoloured area but to no avail

Ive considered going to a GUM clinic for a consultation but would appreciate some sortve idea to what it might be first.  At the moment im reluctant to going back to my family GP as he doesnt seem to have a clue in these areas.

Id be very greatful to any feedback/diagnosis,

Thanks in advance,
Darren

[imaokay]

A related discussion, Penis Discoloration/Itchiness/Flakey was started.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Thrush is yeast.  It does not sound like yeast.

As for balanitis (same as eczema), one of the creams was antifungal, so that wouldn't help.  Even if the others were anti-inflammatory, the irritation (or discoloration following irritation) would likely persist for some time, especially if the area is rubbed or examined closely.

Time to stop worrying, I think.  As I said, get another opinion of you think you need it.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[daz2021]

So does it remotely sound like balantis, excema or thrush.  Because again, I'm reluctant to accept it being something simple like a skin irritation when 3 different creams havent shown any improvement.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Actually, I think your GP was quite right.  Irritation can and often does leave increased color in the skin.  Fungus and yeast usually affect the thighs, not the shaft, so that's unlikely.  You are examining the area too closely--doing so just increases your anxiety, and may intensify irritation and color change.  I advise you to leave the area entirely alone other than applying a bland moisturizer like petroleum jelly, and to arrange an appointment with an STD specialist, just so you can get the kind of opinion which will reassure you that you can ignore the problem.  If you do, the chances are that the pigmentation will fade slowly over time on its own.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff