allergic reaction on penis and testicles won't heal

[mrbeezy]

6 months ago I was using a terciseptic cleanser my dermatologist recommended for acne on my chest. It was a rather harsh cleanser. Unfortunately, I was in a rush one day and did not rinse it off properly, before washing my body. I must have had some on my hands as I had a rather severe allergic reaction on my testicles and penis. I used an over the counter hydrocortisone cream for 7 days and it seemed to help with the symptoms a bit. I noticed a caution on the bottle, which stated use for a maximum of 7 days and if symptoms persist see a doctor. Because the symptoms persisted I went and saw my GP. I told him what happened and he agreed that I had an allergic reaction to the terciseptic cleanser. He then recommended that I continue with the hydrocortisone cream and prescribed me a stronger one than the over the counter drug.  

I tried this for 7 days, but the redness and symptoms did not go away. I went back to my doctor. Unfortunately, at the time, I was under a deadline. I had just got a position overseas and this was to be my last visit to my doctor. He gave me the cure all medicine for any skin irritation. It had an anti-fungal, antibiotic, and hydrocortisone cream. Fearing I would be allergic to it I asked him about it. You see I am allergic to penicillin, erythromycin, and tetracyclin. He said I wouldn?t be allergic to it. So I started treatment and it, like the previous hydrocortisone creams, calmed the burning for a time, but when the burning came back it seemed worse. Again I tried this for 7 days, and the symptoms increased, so I stopped. I was then in another city in Canada for a few days before heading off here to Japan. I saw another GP. He told me I didn't need the anti-fungal, or antibiotic. It probably was an allergic reaction to antibiotics that continued the rash. He recommended I take another hydrocortizone cream when the burning symptoms occurred, which were seeming to happen more and more now. Another 7 days passed on the new cream, with little significance for a drop in overall symptoms. I feared I was being overmedicated, that sustained use of hydrocortisone caused a secondary rash. I forced myself off medication. Eventually the burning subsided to a manageable level. Some redness and skin irritation remained.

If I masturbated the rash spread; irritation increased. I tried to abstain. A few months went by with me doing nothing, and the irritation remained.

In Japan I saw a new dermatologist. She prescribed some vaseline type thing. The pharmacy gave me the wrong medication. I had another reaction. The dermatologist ensured I got the proper medication.  The new reaction came down. She told me to stop taking medication and that I could have sex again.  I masturbated, and again the rash and irritation increased.

I'm at my wits end. I haven't tried drying it to force the skin to peel. Or should I return to the dermatologist for more treatments?  Is there a nonallergenic method to cure this and strengthen the skin?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Like many of the people who've been writing me lately, you had a rwaction which irritated your sensitive penile skin, and the succession of other medications has succeeded in perpetuating the sensitivity.

Reactions, no matter how severe initially, cannot permanently damage the skin, penile or otherwise.

My advice is as follows:

1.  Use 1% hydrocortisone cream three times daily for 1 week only and stop.
2.  Apply Vaseline or Aquaphor ointment (both OTC) after each application of the hydrocrtiosne, and afer the first week, use them alone twice a day.
3. Ignore all redness.
4.  Avoid excessive irritation, but you don't need to avoid sex altogether.

The redness will subside in time, weeks to months, and you'll be good as new.

If you're still having a problem in 4 months, or if the rash spreads (neither is likely), see a doctor then.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff