contact dermatitis?

About a month ago I switched from soap to shaving cream as my method of shaving my scrotum. The next day I had broken out in a rash there and also in the area just under the glans (glands) of my penis. It was red, slightly swollen, bunchy, and not at all itchy. I went to the doctor and they gave me some cortisone cream. That didn't do anything so I used some clobetasol (temevate .05%) cream that I had lying around. After a couple days, the condition seemed improved so I discontinued use and started using a moisturizer to repair the skin. That went alright for a while, I applied the moisturizer daily to the dried out areas and they looked normal when moisturized. The area under the glans (glands) remained somewhat puffy looking for a while. Now, overnight, it's really puffy(not hard at all) and bunchy looking and my scrotum seems to have followed suit. I have not used shaving cream since that one initial exposure, nor have I changed any of my hygienic products.

In addition, the skin on the shaft of my penis seems to be bunching together like an accordian in the middle on a regular basis. It goes away, then comes back. The the area under the glans (glands) is noticeably swollen in comparison to it. Still no itching.

Is there anything I can do to get rid of this? Should I start up with the temevate cream again?

I am leaving the country for 6 months in a few weeks and cannot get an appointment with a dermatologist before then.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Please don't use Temovate down there--regular use is too strong for thin skin.  The skin of many people's penises "bunches like an accordion."  Maybe your penile skin is a little swollen from the shaving irritation.  (Must you shave your scrotum?)  I suggest mild cleansing and the use of non-medicated creams only.  Besides that, benign neglect.  Have a good trip.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff