Tender inflammation on the penis

[dsionach]

After masturbating four days ago I noticed an inflammation and tenderness running from just lower left of the urethral opening, and halfway along the corona on the left of the glans. Within hours it had gone done, but is still tender and slightly swollen and a paler pink than the rest of the glans (I am white and I have a small foreskin that just covers the corona). It does not hurt when I urinate, but is uncomfortable (particularly near the urethral opening) when it rubs against clothing. I have refrained from masturbating and sex, used E-45 cream on the affected area, am wearing tighter underwear so that the penis doesn't move around too much and pants that are loose and soft, and I am ensuring the area remains very clean, but it is still not quite right. I've looked through all the common problems with a penis and none seem to match my symptoms. It is certainly not an STI because I've only had one sexual partner over the past decade and for most of this period I have always used a condom.

Perhaps there are other clues as to what is wrong with me. I've got two slightly darker pigmentations on the glans which disappear with an erection, sometimes the corona is a darker shade of purple-blue than usual and in one place I damaged the foreskin a couple of years ago while having sex with my wife and it healed to the penis just below the glans so is unable to retract as far as it used to. All these things have not bothered me in the past, but now I am concerned they could be symptoms of something serious.

Another thing is that I have a callous on my index finger caused by friction while sword fighting and this bit of my finger comes into contact with the inflamed part of the penis when I am masturbating - perhaps this is the cause.

I am very anxious about this and will have to wait another nine days before I see my GP, who specialises in dermatology. Could you advise me on what I could do in the mean time in terms of helping this condition and the likely causes?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

This just sounds like the effects of irritation.  It's quite likely that the callus on your finger contributes to this.  I suggest that you now worry, that you lubricate the skin and minimize friction, and keep your appointment with the doctor so you can be properly diagnosed and reassured.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[dsionach]

My GP said that the swelling had appeared to go down and was caused by irritation, but didn't prescribe anything since he said that the area normally heals quite well anyway. He also said the adhesion of the foreskin to the skin just underneath the glans was there for life and would not cause a problem. I am now careful to use lubricant and use E45 whenever I feel there is an irritation. There is still a little bit of puffiness, but now I know it is nothing important and that it has got better, I'm no longer bothered by it.

[jon619]

i have 2 little spots on my penis where it is lighter color, almost like a loss of pigmentation. can someone tell me what this is.