Penis Skin Problem

I have dry whitish skin on the head of my penis that peels off..
See in my profile picture.
I thinks it is psoriasis.
What is it?

[whynothim]

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[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This dry whitish skin can be psoriasis but if it is itchy then eczema needs to be ruled out. Psoriasis is a long-term (chronic) skin problem that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, resulting in thick, white, silvery, or red patches of skin. It is thought that psoriasis occurs when the immune system overreacts, causing inflammation and flaking of skin.

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.

[whynothim]

Hi,
Thanks for replying.
I have had this for 12 years. I suspected that it was psoriasis, but when I saw a urologist, he told me it was vitiligo (which I am 100% certain it is not), and when I described the symptoms, the dry flaking skin, he had no clue what it was. When he consulted another doctor regarding my case he said to him, "he is molting" in that area. Then I saw another doctor, a dermatologist, and he told me I am imagining things... But I believe he said that because he knew that it was psoriasis.

I realize that there is no cure, but there must me some medication that may bring temporary relief when applied topically, in the affected area. What course of action do you suggest I undertake?
I seem to have exhausted my options in the clinical department. If certified doctors cannot help me, then I do not know what to do next.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
There are many treatment options for psoriasis, chief ones being cognitive behavior therapy, creams containing coal tar, dithranol (anthralin), corticosteroids like desoximetasone, fluocinonide, vitamin D3 analogues and retinoids and phototherapy and photochemotherapy. Psoriasis that is resistant to topical treatment and phototherapy is treated by medications that are taken internally by pill or injection. The three main traditional systemic treatments are methotrexate, cyclosporine and retinoids.

So you can discuss these treatment options with your dermatologist.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[littledebbie105]

My Husband suffers from psoriasis and I just thought you might like to know that the tanning bed or UVB light therapy can and will help if it is psoriasis. We have a UVB light but you need a rx to get one and the cost is very great. Before we got the UVB he did use my tanning bed and had good results. Good luck and dont give up ok.