White penis problem

[Ben216]

Hi, I'm 20 and I have a huge problem with my penis. It all started a while ago when I had this small, pencil eraser size rash on the side of my penis head. At first I thought it was eczema, so I started putting moisturizer all-over my penis to make it go away. A week later, overnight, I noticed that some sort of crust formed itself around my foreskin next to the rash, it looked like dry skin peeling off. A week after, both the rash and the crusty skin healed, I was so happy. My joy ended as soon as I got a boner, when I saw that wherever the dry crusty skin was, now the skin there was white. And there was also a red ring of skin at the very tip of the opening of my penis, that seems to grow with time. I went to see a doctor believing that I have vitiligo, and he just laughed at me when I mentioned it to him. Then I went to a dermatologist, It was the same deal, both of them thought that there was nothing wrong except that my foreskin was too long. Then I understood why they thought nothing was wrong, its because its only visible when I have a boner, when its small it looks fine, and they thought that I was crazy or just joking around. I've done some research on vitiligo, but no case was similar to mine. It usually starts small and spreads, mine was kind of instant. Now all I got left to do is to take a picture of myself nude with erection and show that to them. Does anyone know what I have?

[Ben216]

Hey, thanks alot guy, you know you might be right, its all probably in my head.   But I highly doubt its psoriasis, because it does not itch or look anything like it. But Im being optimistic, im not giving up, and i hope that one day it will go back to normal.

[justanotherguy908]

ask your derm about the possibility of psoriasis, cause it sounds like you may have it elsewhere.  do you have any spots on your scalp as well?  have you tried treating any of the other spots on your body with a mild steriod cream like hydrocortizone?  don't use it down there without consent of your doctor first...steroids on thin skin may cause more problems down the road, so suggestions of it's use varies between people.  but maybe try treating the other areas on your body with the corticosteroid cream first and see how they react.  and don't be surprised that even after yout treat them and the flaky skin goes away that the area may still stay pink and look a little different.  it will eventually (weeks-months) get better.  

also, can you think of any big changes in diet, laundry detergent, or habits since the beginning of your symptoms?

as far as vision problems, just make note that any problems with areas like that can potentially cause more emotional problems than they are responsible for...i mean you will naturally over-stress things down there.  i had bad vision for a while due to too much stress, anxiety, and caffeine.  it's crazy the tricks your mind can play on you.  i have dealt with a lot with this type of issue and researched a lot and can give you more infomation or share some more personal info if you feel the need.  just post back up here and let me know.  best wishes

[Ben216]

Thanks Vanessa you have helped me a lot.

I just wanted to add that I also have been having visual difficulties, like my eyes are sometimes sensitive to light and wind, and I get floaters sometimes. I don't know if any of my conditions are related, but after doing some research, I found that I could be having a yeast infection or candida.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

Do not pick on these small patches .With a history of halo nevus these small white patches may be depigmented areas. It is a good sign that you have not noted any changes in these patches since they appeared.

The penile skin condition does not sound like vitiligo. The crusting and the scaling are not primary manifestations of vitiligo. I still suggest an initial consult with a dermatologist or urologist so you will be assessed early on. You may need topical medications for this.

[Ben216]

Thank you very much, I think thats what I have.

I did have a halo nevus when I was 17 and it ate my mole completely. When I was examining my body a few months ago, I noticed that I had these two white spots on my chest, about 2mm in diameter, with a faint pink dot in the middle. I also have two tiny pin-***** sized red dots on my body. I suspect that the pink dots in the middle of the white spot could have been one of those red dots.To this date, they have not grown from the first time I saw them. The hair from my halo nevus is white, but a hair growing out of my tiny white patch is normal.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

It could have been a case of dermatitis or a fungal infection.The whitish area now may be due to some mild scarring or irritation left by the infection. A primary differential in your case will be a balanitis. “Balanitis is a common condition among genitourinary medicine clinic attendees, the cause often remaining undiagnosed. Many cases are caused by infection, with candida being the most frequently diagnosed.”

Source: http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/balanitis/edwards1/

This may not be something urgent. Vitiligo presents as a stark white patch with a well defined border. This does not seem to be your case. Just continue to observe the penile skin condition. Also, maintain good genital hygiene.

Here is a url to guide you:

http://www.stdservices.on.net/std/balanitis/facts.htm

Are there any similar whitish discoloration in other parts of the body?