About 6 months ago I developed a dull rash on the tip of my penis. I had previous bouts with Balanitis (I am circumsized) and went to my GP - he prescribed anti-fungal medication. After 4 weeks it was no better and no worse. Of course this is a sensitve area and I began to comb the web for "Rash on Penis" and it mentioned Herpes - I read through the information and began to get a lot of anxiety reading phrases such as "many people have it for years without knowing" It can be easily be mistaken for a rash, you could have it for years, 90% of the people don't know they have it etc - most people do not get classic blister symptoms. I never had a blister. You know the drill.
I went back and asked my GP and he did confirm some of the stuff I read on the internet - mild skin rash, can be latent for decades etc. I had some promiscuity in past years, but have been with same partner a long time. GP says "does not look like herpes" Next step was Dermatology - Diagnosis was Psoriasis - I did notice some scaling after he pointed it out, but the tip is just a dull undefined rash. Treated with the following - Elidel, then Pramosone 2.5%, Dovonex .005%, Locoid .1%. In that sequence after multiple visits to Dermatologist. Rash never quite disappeared - it did lighten up with the Locoid, but you can't use this for long periods of time. Doctor says trust me - nothing wrong. I should mention that for the last six months, especially in the beginning my anxiety and stress levels were off the chart, which is what may have triggered the psoriasis, or herpes, I read stress is a factor. I should also mention that along with the rash on the tip - I also have a very shinny rash, no scales just below the cap of the penis, this is especially red and noticable when erect. Questions
1. I know Herpes symtoms come and go - could this be prolonged symptoms? 2. Does stress bring on Psoriasis? 3. Why do you think none of the meds are clearing the psoriasis (if that is what it is)4. In 6 months not one blister anywhere - If this was Herpes would this be unusual? I read most people never get visible signs. 5. The scale seemed to go away with the meds, but the red is still there - how long should it take for the red to go away - I read it can be pesky, but this is rediculous. 6. Could it not be going away because I continue to stress? 7. Why is this psoriais coming on all of a sudden - I am almost 50 and never saw this before? 8. Finally - they say that psoriasis can be brought on by injury, but also by any viral infection as well.
I know its long and I tried to give you a comprehensive look at the situation. I anxiusly await your response.
Thanks