Rash below the belt

Ok, so I've had this for sometime now. Ever since I had sex with this girl a long time ago I have a reddish pink rash on my penis. It only turns red when it gets irritated by sexual activity. It is located not on the head of the penis but right below it surrounding the whole head with just blotches in separated places. It doesn't hurt or burn. Should I be concerned of this? and is it harmful to my partner? Just the other day vaginal bleeding had occurred but I've been convinced it was from just being rough. Could I be wrong?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without external examination it is very difficult to confirm a diagnosis,but the various possibilities for your symptoms are folliculitis,sweat dermatitis, contact dermatitis,genital warts or balanitis(due to an underlying infection (bacterial and fungal as well as other organisms).

You may try calamine lotion on the rash.You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics.You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash. If the bumps are itchy,you  can take some antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.

If the lumps persist then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.

Hope it helps.take care and pls do keep me posted.