Penis discolouration

[Canuck_Male]

Dear Dr. Rockoff,

I am a 26-year-old male, who is sexually active and approximately one month ago was diagnosed by my GP, as well as yourself, as having scrotal eczema.  I was prescribed an ointment, which had Vaseline like consistency; unfortunately I don’t recall the medical ingredients. Everything seemed to clear up and I was ready to move on with my life.  Unfortunately it returned, but now I have also experienced a bit of an itch on the bottom-tip of my penis.  I recently tested negative for HIV, Chlamydia, and Hepatitis (not tested for anything else).  I haven’t had any flu symptoms, blisters, any other common sign of an STD, and have been in otherwise good physical health.

The return of the eczema and the itch has caused me concern because it followed recent intercourse with my partner.  However, I have been with this partner, sexually, for over three months and prior to this experienced nothing except mild irritation that I had attributed to friction.  One noteworthy point is that she becomes incredibly moist and may have had a yeast infection recently!

My symptoms are: a return of my eczema, which was diagnosed by four doctors and as such, I feel confident that is all it is.  In addition, I have a slight itch that feels as though it is on the bottom-tip (surface) of my penis.  The area that is itchy also appears to be slightly discoloured almost like a mild bruise.  I wash regularly with Dove bar soap and have noticed a somewhat bad odour, but again not much more than what is usually considered common.

Please give me some insight on how to treat, prevent, and understand what this is.

Thank you once again, this website is a wonderful educational service.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

By its nature, eczema recurs.  Friction and moisture may promote this.  Therefore, the sequence you describe is neither surprising nor concerning.  You merely use the prescribed ointment at the sign of any scaling or itching and stop when the symptoms remit.  If they don't remit in 3-4 days, you should show a doctor, but if they go away and come back at some later point, just treat again and don't think about the matter too much.  Four doctors plus me should suffice.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Canuck_Male]

Thank you,

However, the skin that makes up my scrotum is very different than the muscle tissue on the head of my penis.  Are most eczema medications interchangeable on the two surfaces?  If you are uncomfortable saying so given that you are unsure of the ointment that I am using, would at least mention whether or not 0.5% hydrocortisone can be place on the head of my penis?

Once again, best wishes and have a great weekend!

[Canuck_Male]

Sorry one last point, the penis discoloration in itself is nothing too serious then if it goes away?  It was not there the first time I had eczema and that is why I ask.

Take Care

[ChicagoKen]

Question:

I have 3 red bumps between my anus and scrotum... I am wondering if this is something to be concerned about. The first two red bumps don't itch, and I wouldn't notice them, except if I touch them they are uncomfortable and rubbing them is a bit painful. Then, on my scrotum, I have one postule -- it looks like a pimple, but its been there for a while. I scratced/squeezed it off and it came back. Thats it... should I be concerned for an STD? I haven't had anal sex, but other men have performed oral sex on my and so I don't know how serious this is.

Thanks,

[Canuck_Male]

Yesterday I finally had the chance to visit my GP with regards to the itch and rash on my penis head.  He concluded from the appearance that it was likely a yeast infection and took a swab.  Although the results of the swabing test will not be available for a few days, he did prescribe an anti-fungal cream (Viaderm-KC).  This morning all signs of the rash are gone... amazing!  The eczema on my scrotum should clear up soon also, just to let you know the ointment that he prescribed earlier for the eczema was "Elocom Ointment 0.1%".

Thank you, my cyber-doctor-friend!

Best Wishes