Redness on Scrotum and penis

Hello,

For about 5 weeks I have had a redness on my penis head and my scrotum. No swelling, no burning, but is tender when my underwear brushes against it but not when direct pressure is applied. No sores. I have been tested for STD's and all have come back negative from my primary care giver. Doctor stated to try over the counter anti fungal cream. This seemed to help with the tenderness and reduced some of the redness but did not go away altogether. I tried that for 2 weeks and the tendernes and redness came back. Now I am on a perscribed  anti fungal which I apply twice a day but the redness still continues and I only have one day left of the treatment. Usually what happens when I stop the topological applications several days go by and the redness and tenderness increases. Do you have any suggestions?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Yes, I suggest that you stop the antifungal cream, because it does not sound as though you have any sort of fungus.  I further suggest that you see a skin doctor who can diagnose you properly.  In my experience, redness alone does not signify much of anything and is best dealt with by being ignored.  The tenderness most likely reflects your anxiety over possibly having something.  Eczema and fungus cause scaling and itching, not tenderness.  As I said, see a skin doctor.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff