Rash on Penis

[DJJ]

I am a sexually active 31 year old male.  I have had sex with two woman multiple times over the past three months.  One of these encounters was unprotected.  Over a month ago I noticed a small red rash at the base of my penis right about the pubic hair line.  I was alarmed and went to a local STD clinic in Boston.  The nurse told me that if did not look like Herpes because it was a just a rash and there were no blisters.  She tested me for a variety of  STDs which were all negative.  (She did not perform a blood test for Herpes because she did not believe it to be warranted).  She told me to come back if the rash blistered and sent me on my way.

Over the past month the rash has stayed but did not blister.  Last Monday  (It

[Glans Troubled]

Six months ago I was diagnosed as having "non-specific balanitis."

I have had this condition for almost seven years; and I am 34 years old. (I saw a dermatologist regularly over this period, (every few months), but it was not until I sought a second opinion, that I got this aforementioned diagnosis).

The aetiology of this condition was a trauma from the application of a cortico-steroid that was prescribed for atopic dermatitis on my arms and neck; that cleared from my arms and neck almost immediately after application.

The structural damage to the glans penis is that the spongy tissue is no longer smooth, as it used to be, but is now cracked: including linear parallel ridges over a triangular region on top of the glans, (from my perspective, looking down), including a circular region around the urethra. As well, the glans is red and inflamed over the region where the linear parallel ridges are and around the urethra, (identically where I applied the aforementioned corto-steriod: Can this be a coincidence?).

I have not engaged in any form of sexual relations since this condition manifested itself. Needless to say, this is a source of considerable grief.

I have been using Protopic 0.03% (8 weeks), Protopic 0.1% (2 weeks), and 1% hydrocortisone mixed with aquaphor, glycerin, and water (6 months); and have seen little improvement.

QUESTION:

Is there reason to be optimistic about recovery? What is the best that can be expected? And, any suggestions for additional, or other, treatment?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Neither rash sounds like herpes.  I agree with the approach of the doctor you saw in the STD clinic.

Gold Bond powder is innocuous.  Your new rash sounds like folliculitis, probably from sweat.  The dull ache probably comes from worrying about it.

If either symptom persists or intesnifies, by all means check them out.  Meantime, for the next 7 days or so, I'd wear loose clothing and chill.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff