Penis inflammation

I would consider my problem a skin imflammation.  I know it is not an STD because this started in my teens before I was sexually active.  I have a redish shiny patch on the shaft of my penis and up to the rim og the head.  I always gets a chapped skin look to it and the skin flakes or "peels" off.  I have tried herpe treatment and to no avail.  It does not necessarily hurt, but it does go throu "flare ups".  It can bleed slightly if the flaky skin pieces are picked off too soon.  What can this be?  Some type of infection? I have used anti-biotic prescriptions, i.e. Diprophen and Lottrisone which have helped, but it never goes away.  Is this a chronic condition? Hereditary? a disease?  What conditions can you think of?  It (the inflammation) tends to get worse after sex of self sex, and it tends to be on the left side more than the right.  Please help.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Most likely it's eczema, a very common rash on the penis (and elsewhere.)  It's aggravated by friction but not caused by it.  It's usually hereditary, but is most certainly not sexually-transmitted, in you or anyone else.

I'd treat it by applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone twice daily when it's active and stopping when it's no longer bothersome.  The condition comes and goes.  Don't rub or pick at it if you can help it.

A visit to a skin doctor for confirmation of the diagnosis and treatment suggestions would be a good idea.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff