damage from steroid cream

My husband has had psoriasis since his early teens. He developed lesions on his penis and scrotum in his early twenties. He was prescribed a steroid cream (ultravate) to treat and was told by his dermatolagist that this was safe to use on his genitals for extended period of time. After use for several months, he noticed diminished sensation in the head of his penis, testicular shrinkage, problems releasing all of his urine, and a less erect penis. He discontinued the use of the cream, but continued to have the same symptoms. He asked his Dr. about the symptoms and was told that he must be imagining things.  This happened 6 years ago and there has been no change in the symptoms. If anything they are worse, especially penis head sensation and problems urinating. None of the doctors he has seen seem to think there is a problem. My husband insists that the cream changed his penis and testicals.


Have you ever heard of symptoms like this? Is there any kind of treatment that will get him back to normal? How should we proceed with treatment?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Ultravate is a strong steroid cream.  When used on sensitive skin like the genitals, it can cause skin thinning and appearance of blood vessels.

However, skin thinning is temporary.  Your husband's other symptoms--diminished sensation, "testicular shrinkage", and problems with erection have no relationship with steroid use (which I assume has long-since stopped.)  I advise your husband to consult a urologist, particularly one who specializes in matters of sexual dysfunction.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[maxell]

I experienced some of the exact same symtoms (symptoms) as your husband.  I used steroid creams on my penis and scrotum everyday for nine months.  Besides my skin thinning and becoming dry, I leaked urine after going to the bathroom.  I also have expereinced very weak erections and a lack of nightime erections.  I went to the doctors, however; they have no answer for me.  I know it was the steroids that did this to me.  Its ashame that these drugs are over-prescribed.

[maxell]

I forgot to mention that I have tried various remedies.  I can be emailed at francis_mchl***@****, if int.

[jjtatts]

A related discussion, can the damage caused by steroid creams be reversed , and how was started.