balanitis treatment

Some history...

I have had a red rash on the head and shaft of my penis for a year now.  

I first noticed it in Jan. 2005.  

Initially, I did not go to a doctor, as I was travelling out of the country for an extended period until the start of summer 2005.  

Symptoms have rarely varied.  They include a red rash, sometimes warm to the touch, no itch, no pain, occasional it dries out and redness fades (but never totally goes away).  

In July and August, I tried to treat with 1% hydrocortisone ointment and also tried neosporin antibacterial ointment.  It resulted in a dulling of the redness, but with increased shinyness.  I stopped gobbing that stuff onto my penis after 2-3 weeks in fear of doing harm.  

I FINALLY went to an immediate care clinic for this rash three weeks ago and the physician told me after only a very quick glance that it was balanitis without a doubt.  He said to apply 1 or 2 percent clotrimazole daily and it would "go away very soon."


So to my question that is of immediate concern...

After 2 weeks of 2percent clotrimazole and 1 week of 1 percent clotrimazole, it is still there.  The last week, I applied 1 percent hydrocortisone as well.  

And the rash remains...still red, still painless, and still terribly annoying...

Could it be possible that it is infected?  What needs to be done to clear this up.  

I would go back to the immediate care clinic, but I really don't want to pay them to tell me to just keep with the anti-fungal cream.  I need a solution that will work.  

Or should I go to a specialist?  Which kind is most appropriate?  

I appreciate your time and consideration in helping me out here.  

The only thing I want is to look down at my hog and see clear and clean skin.  

Thank you.  

Steve.  

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I believe you have psoriasis.  This is quite easy to treat on the penis.  See a dermatologist, who can prescribe a steroid cream mild enough for the penis but strong enough to do the job.   The condition will recur from time to time, but you can always make it go right away if you have the right cream.  Psoriasis is not contagious.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[stevejackson]

thanks much for the quick response...

much appreciation...

[boqn4o]

A related discussion, Psoriasis? was started.