Recurrent problem with foreskin. Eczema?, Irritation? or what?

[sprogthedog]

After endless internet searches that suggested everything from Yeast infection to HIV, I came across your excellent site, so I'm hoping I can put my $19 donation to good use.
It all started with a moment of indiscretion when I had brief sexual contact with another guy. All we ended up doing was rubbing each others genitals, you couldnt have even called it mutual masterbation. Neither of us ejaculated and as far as I am aware, there was no body fluids of any kind present. Anyway, I sort of panicked about catching HIV and left quickly. Since then I have been constantly stressing out about this, although everything I have read suggests I was at no risk at all. I am telling you this because I am a total hypocondriac and it had crossed my mind that my symptoms are self induced due to stress etc. Since that night, (approx 1 year ago), I have had problems with my foreskin. It first appeared after a bout of what I thought was thrush and I went completely overboard and applied anything and everything onto it in an attempt to get rid. Nothing worked until I decided to do nothing. It then disapeared in 2 to 3 days. Now, everytime i masterbate, my foreskin is extremely red and irritated, also tiny red spots on glans. Saw doctor who thought it was yeast (this diagnosis was BEFORE he looked). When he did examine, he couldnt find anything that would account for the problem and advised I used Hydrocortisone 1%. The last time I masterbated, same thing happened, so I applied the cream. Within an hour, the redness had completely gone. The moment I do it again however, it comes back. This has caused major problems with sex life as you could imagine. Still worried that I may have something but realise the stress of this could be the problem and I'm in a viscous circle. Any thoughts as to what it could be would be most appreciated. MY doctor freely admitted he had no explanation as to a diagnosis. I just cant understand why symptoms would come and go so quickly and why this has been going on for so long. You can proberbly tell by the length of this post as to the level of my anxiety over the matter. Thanyou in advance.

[NiceAndy23]

A related discussion, can Eczema cause sex problems? was started.

[djporter10]

A related discussion, irritation inside foreskin was started.

[jj2]

I forgot to mention.  I've found if I haven't 100% completely healed from a previous irritation and have a good erection,  simply by virtue of the erection causing the skin to stretch, it can reiritate the irritation and essentially 'set you back' a day or so in healing compeletely.  This is probably why it happens if you only use a vibrator.  

If you every figure out a solution, by all means post it!

[jj2]

I have pretty much the exact same issue.  I just posted a questions to it which means I probably won't get any new information than what was posted here.  You didn't mention how old you are.  I'm wondering if a man's penis just because more suseptible to irritation with age?  I'm 37 and have never had this problem except for the last year.  Happens when I have intercourse or masturbate.   What I can't figure out is why it is why there is no consistent pattern to the irritation if it is just a friction caused irritation.  I seems to always get the irritation in some places but then it also seems to very and sometimes it will look like a have a few small red circular patches like it's a rash of some sort.  If I'm careful about the friction it subsides in a day, but if not, it will actually form a scab the irritation is so bad.  My wife has no irritation.  Could she be a carrier for yeast infection starting a year ago?  Could she have a yeast infection for a year and not know it.  It seems the causes can be at least narrowed down by virtue of which types of creams work best and which don't or make it worse.  I've only used A+D ointment since it is recommended for chaffing and diaper rash which is what this reminds me of.  It reoccurs so regularly now though I'm at a loss like yourself.  I don't see how this could just suddenly start happening a year ago!

[sprogthedog]

Thanks for the reply. The red spots also seemed like yeast to me too when they first appeared about a year ago. I treated it with caniston cream but the foreskin just seemed to get more irritated. I stopped using the cream after some time and decided to just try and leave it alone. Thats when it cleared up. Yes I do still have my foreskin and it did occur to me that the masterbation maybe making it worse. I have used a vibrator and stimulated the shaft , rather than the usual way, but my foreskin still gets infalamed even if its not been rubbed upp and down as I would normally do. My doctor obviously didnt think it was yeast once he looked at it, as he told me to use hydrocortisone, and as Dr Rockoff says, hydrocortisone would make yeast worse. It does in fact make it look better. Will try and stop masterbating for a while and also stop inspecting myself too much. Hopefully it will clear up. Thanks for the comments.

[arbindo]

Hi Frankie, the red spots you mentioned sound like candida(yeast) but you havn't told us how you treated it earlier. Inadequate and inappropriate treatment will cause it to become recurrent. ?your partner could be a carrier. Hydrocortisone is anti-inflammatory in action and you may feel relieved for a while but symptoms will recur. Topical antifungals like the 'azoles' may be curative. I assume you still retain your foreskin. If you are too vigorous with your masturbation it is bound to traumatise the foreskin which may already be inflamed. suggest try alternative techniques(like a vibrator) while it is healing :)Do not keep washing with chemicals and harsh soaps. Hope this helps.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you have irritation, that's all.  Your doctor diagnosed "yeast," yet recommended hydrocortisone, which aggravates yeast, so I wouldn't take that diagnosis too seriously.  The fact that the hydrocortisone intermittently also points to irritation.  The cause?  Masturbation and frequent self-examination both seem more than plausible.  What to do?  Use hydrocortisone as needed, minimize friction, and avoid indiscretions.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff