Red patch on the tip of penis

[wickedy]

I am a 23 year old male. Over the past month I have noticed a red patch (now about 8mm across) appear on the tip of my penis. I believe it first appeared a few days after i masterbated and I assumed it to be a simple skin irritation. It has gradually increased in size but has not given me any pain, soreness or discomfort. To look at, it would look similar to a blister, but has no real depth, does not seem to contain any fluid or extrude above the surface of the surrounding skin/tissue. The area is as smooth as surroundig skin.
I have noticed that the area looks redder some days and others, other days it appears to have faded back to normal. Today, the area appeared slightly paler than the normal colour of the tip of my penis, but the perimeter of the infcetion(?) was still red. Touch seems to irritate it so I have recently refrained from touch, except to wash, masterbate or have sex. I last had sex eight months ago with a long term partner who had no infections or disease that she new of. I am uncircumcised and, apart from mild dry skin on my hand, have no history of skin problems.
Any information would be greatly appreciated as, as I'm sure you can appreciate, this has been weighing on my mind quite a bit recently. Many Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

It sounds like irritation.  I suggest you apply 1% hydrocortisone cream (over the counter) twice a day plus a bland moisturizer like vaseline.  If it doesn't clear up in a week, show a doctor.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff