Penis problems

[iBoyL]

Every now and then, the skin at the opening of my penis turns red, and dry.  Sometimes, there is a discharge from around the glans underneath the foreskin, that looks quite similar to smegma but more yellow than white, and it can smell too.  When this problem does flare up (every 3 or 4 months at worst), my penis can feel "itchy", just as if touching it would help this sensation, like when you have chicken pocks and want to scratch them.  I have never had unprotected sex, so therefore I know it's not an STD.  It doesn't hurt to urinate or engage in sexual intercourse either, but i'm just pretty confused because I have never had unprotected sex before, and just seem to have this random problem.  

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be intertrigo. An intertrigo is an inflammation (rash) of the body folds.It most commonly occurs due to bacterial, viral or fungal infection. An intertrigo usually appears red and raw-looking, and may also itch, ooze, and be sore.

Please keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Avoid any kind of cosmetics. Topical zinc oxide cream like Sudocrem, Desitin are very helpful(apply with a paper towel and not directly with hands).Application of mild steroid cream like dermacort also helps. For the itching please take some over the counter antihistaminic like Benadryl or Claritin. In case the symptoms persist then antifungals may be needed. Please consult a dermatologist in that case. I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing. Kind regards.