Scytera Coal Tar Foam 2%

Dear Dr.

Upon suffering much penile skin trauma as a result of masterbation (masturbation) and sexual contact, I was diagnosed with Penile Psoriasis approx. a year ago, and have tried a multitude of treatments, incuding Desonide, Protopic, and Pramosone, EpiCeram, with little result. The only treatment to really work was OTC Hydrocortisone 1%, but the psoriasis would return as soon as I stopped using the cream. Recently, my dermatologist perscried Scytera Coal Tar Foam 2%.

My questions are:

What is your opinion about the use of this product on the penis?

How should the product be used? (How long can the product be used w/o taking a break, is it ok for long term use)

Is it ok that the product burns upon application?

Any help you may provide would be appreciated.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I really don't know what you mean by saying you used all these creams "with little result."  These prescription creams are much more potent than the 1% hydrocortisone cream you say helped.  In any case, psoriasis always comes back after you stop whatever you were using--you'll just need to accept that.  I suspect that you are over-interpreting mild redness as continued psoriasis, thus prodding your dermatologist to recommend one cream after the other.  My advice is to use absolutely nothing medicated for one month.  You have nothing to lose--psoriasis isn't contagious or otherwise harmful.  Then, if there is anything you see that you consider abnormal, show it to your dermatologist.  But remember--absolutely no rubbing or self-examination.

Thanks.

Dr. Rockoff

[rukisco]

A related discussion, Coal Tar for Psoriasis was started.