Strange skin sensations, scaring me

Hi Doc, you are a great help to many.  Thanks for your support.  For about 8 weeks I have been experiencing a sensation on my arms (mainly left elbow area), shoulders, and occassionally my right arm.  It feels like mild sunburn.  There is no rash or discoloration.  Occassionally, it itches, but not acutely.  I have been treated for anxiety with lexapro and lorazepam for this period, and am taking meds for diabetes type 2 (metformin, lisinopril, tricor).  I had a possible HIV exposure about one year ago, tested negative in May (well outside of window period)...so I don't think that is an issue.  But, I am concerned, because I have never experienced this before.  

In addition, yesterday I discovered a small circular purplish spot (about .10 of an inch) on my penis shaft, topside, near the base.  It is flat, not painful (unless I rub it hard, and then it is like raw skin), and a surprise.  My doctor has no clue.  He feels sure it is not a lesion that is due to STD, but cannot say what it is.  I have an appointment with a dermatologist, but it is a few weeks away, so I needed some insight now.  

Thanks for any help you can give.

Any ideas about my skin and that spot.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The sensation doesn't sound like any disease I know ab out, which makes anxiety most likely in my view.  Get some over-the-counter itch lotion (like something with menthol--ask the druggist) and forget about it.

As for the penis spot, it's probably an unimportant minor variation on color or mild irritation.  Leave it alone till you see the dermatologist, so as not to confuse the issue.  Then forget about it.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff