Rash

Dr. Rockoff

As they say, "a picture is worth a thousand words". In the photo linked here: http://www.dermis.net/doia/image.asp?zugr=d&lang=e&cd=16&nr=44&diagnr=607130 as someone posted below, what treatments would you prescribe? Is there a test you could run first to diagnose the problem?

I ask as I have what appears to be the same thing, although the "edges" are not as sharply defined. But the red spots have been there for three years and their shape/pattern has not changed. There is some variation in the degree of redness and sensitivity and how much it bothers me. I've tried many tubes of hydrocortisone and something called "Dermatop" without any benefit.

Many thanks in advance.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The condition in the picture is an uncommon form of irritation of the skin of the penis.  A skin biopsy can confirm it.  Treatment is circumcision.  If cortisone creams like the ones you used didn't help, you moght at least try clotrimazole 1% (OTC), an anti-yeast cream.  More likely, this won't help.  I'd see a dermatologist and/or a urologist and get it evaluated.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Red in USA]

Thanks. I have been to a couple of doctors, but no tests have ever been done. Simply try this or that. One question - how long do you need to apply the ointments before deciding whether they are working or not? Two weeks? four weeks?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Two weeks should do it.

Dr. Rockoff