Penis Rash

For the last 5 years i have had a rash that is slightly red on my penis and its located underneath the shaft. Slightly above the circumcism line. its a  rough patch with a few very tiny bumps. Its also causing a slightly raised border on the circumcism line. i get a slight itch on occasion. I have used prescribed fungal/Steroid creams and oitments over the years. I am currently using protopic and seeing no results. I have also tried not using anything for awhile and never seems to get better. I have been told its not warts and nothing serious but i want it to go away.

thank you

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms, various possibilities are there. These include folliculitis,contact dermatitis,rash due to friction rub with clothes, dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic),excessive sweating causing sweat dermatitis or balanitis(due to an underlying infection (bacterial and fungal as well as other organisms) .Even genital warts cannot be ruled out as it is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner.

You may try calamine lotion on the rash. You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove..You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash. If the bumps are itchy, you  can take some antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.

If the lumps persist then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist. Genital warts have to be ruled out.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.