folliculitis

About six months ago I got some bumps on my penis.  and a insane itch.  but it is actually more like a sting  so I went to the Dr. he said that i have folliculitis.  wich i dont boubt.  I think that it is.  he gave me some stuff for the itching that did not work at all.  the itching went away on its own.  but the bumps have not.  the bumps dont really have any color, or do they hurt,they are just there annoying me.  But they are spreading some.  The doctor also gave me some pills to take for 7 days that didnt do anything.  The itching comes and goes sometimes it lasts for a few days sometimes a week but then it is gone for 2 months.  but the bumps stay.  Now I have gone to about 5 differant doctors about my problem, including dermatologists.  The doctors all say the same thing that, there is an irratation of the hair folicils and to keep it dry.  use a differant soap.  so I do. so I use Ivory soap now, that still dosnt work.  
     I really have no idea why this is happening but I want to get it under control.  I cannot think of anything that has happend to me that would make this problem begin.  I know that it is not a STD I have been checked, so that is out of the quetion.
        I have done a little research on this and I know that folliculitis starts because of a bacteria, of some kind.  so what do I do to get rid of these bumps.  I cant handle this anylonger.
       so if you could please help me with any suggestions.  or thoughts of what I should tells my doctor. I would really appriciate it

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I agree that you have folliculitis.  I am pretty sure that the itch is either from irritation or from worry about what you have.  There doesn't have to be a reason for something like this to begin--it just does.  There may be bacteria within the follicles, but it's not a true infection and it isn't catchy and you mostly can't get rid of the bacteria so it's not worth trying.

You say, "I can't handle this any longer."  Why?  Except for the appearance, which you may well just have to live with, what other problems is this causing you?

After 5 doctor visits, it may be time just to accept things as they are.  Treatments are likely only to make the matter more visible and therefore worse.  It may go away in time.  

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff