cysts and dryness on penis

[Bumps5000]

Im not sure if I've always had these bumps on my penis, but lately they've become more noticeable. They dont itch/burn, and they are not acne (i've never been able to pop one).  They occur in 2 distinct patches on the shaft close to the head on the underside. They are also located all around the base.  There are other smaller bumps but not as large or in the same concentration as the patches mentioned above.  Now I've read enough about this to realize that these bumps may be cysts.  I can't imagine however that there is nothing that can be done about them. Furthermore, I can't recall when they arrived.  Was there something that caused them.



I also have noticed that 2 more pointy bumps (the above bumps are rather flat) on the area right below the head (I havent taken sex ed/biology in a long time so Im not quite sure what this area is called). These 2 bumps are a recent addition (less than a year).  Again, they do not cause any discomfort, but they are not going away.  There is another similar bump on this part of my penis but on the underside.

The third penis problem that I have is dryness(especially of tmayhe area below the head). I use a lot of cornstarch so I do not chafe at work.  This I believe is drying me out too mcuh.  Is there a cream I should use to help stay moisturized?  My scrotum also has similar looking bumps as my shaft, but they are hair follicles . Some are rather large and white, almost as if they are able to be popped.  I feel that the cornstarch is somehow agitating the hair follicles and making them larger (im not sure if thats possible).   Can powders like gold bond, baby powder, etc be harmful if used too much?



I think I also may have gotten a yeast infection from my girlfriend a while ago.  The underside of my shaft became irritated and there was some general discomfort.  Will any antifungal cream work? Is there ever a case when an antifungal cream can be harmful?  The irritation has somewhat gone away but now I think I have a small case of jock itch.  Is jock itch in the same family as a yeast infection?  Can they be treated in the same way?



Well, I have some space left....



I also have what looks like acne on the back of my arms and some dryness.  Is it better to treat this with acne medication or maybe lotion?



Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You are describing the small cysts on penis and scrotum that many men have.  They look like you can pop them but you can't, so don't.  I don't know what the new bumps are, but they sound as though they're in the same family of bumps and therefore are best ignored.



Most yeast infections are not transmitted.  You can certianly try an over-the-counter antifungal/antiyeast cream like clotrimazole--no harm in using that or one of the others.  But hydrocortisoen and moisturizing (Lubriderm, Keri) are probably better for chafing.



Corn starch is OK, and doesn't worsen cysts, but regular powders are nicer to use (ZeaSorb, Caldesene).



Bumps on the arms are usually hereditary.  Moisturize and exfoliate with a loofah if you want.



Best.



Dr. Rockoff

[Bumps5000]

Is there anything that I can do prevent the growth of more cysts? And there are no options to get rid of them?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You cannot prevent cysts from coming.  Surgery to remove them would almost certainly scar and make the area look worse.



Dr. Rockoff