Hello,
Topical steroids are a good choice for chafing skin but they may worsen the condition if it is a fungal infection. Hence get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings done to rule out any fungal infection first.
Moreover topical steroids have many side effects like skin thinning, redness, telangiectasia etc and hence they should preferably be used only after a dermatologist’s guidance. You can start with a mild steroid after consulting your primary care physician but if there is any worsening of condition or redness increases then the dose needs to be tapered off.
I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and regards.
Thanks for your help. Do you think an over the counter hydrocortizone cream for 7 days would be a good idea? To see a Derm I will need to wait weeks for an appointment. Just wondering if it it would be a safe and possibly effective topical treatment for the - what I believe to be - skin chafing.
I'm also taking 2 weeks of Levaquin for a diagnosed chronic prostaititis.
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
I can understand your concern for the red rash on the penis glans and from the symptoms and photograph which you have posted, it can be due to chafing skin or due to balanitis skin.
Chafing is a continuous rubbing of the skin that causes redness or soreness. Chafing occurs when the skin becomes irritated by the friction caused by rubbing – either against other skin or against a foreign material. On the other hand, balanitis means inflammation of the end of the penis. The presenting features are redness, irritation and soreness of the glans. It can range from a small patch of redness confined to part of the skin surface of the glans, to the whole glans becoming red, swollen and painful.
The recent bout of yeast infection that you had may be responsible for causing balanitis of the glans.
To confirm the diagnosis, I suggest you to get it checked from a dermatologist and get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings done. If needed the dermatologist may do a skin biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Till this is done, wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin.Also wear cotton undergarments and do not indulge in masturbation or intercourse till there is complete healing. If it is due to recurrence of yeast infection then you may need topical as well as oral antifungals under your dermatologist’s guidance. If chafing is confirmed then mild steroids and oral anti inflammatory drugs may be needed.
Hope that this information helps and hope that you get better soon.
Wishing you good health.