foreskin rash

I have little cuts on my foreskin that bleed, if i try to pull my skin back. I have had this for some years now and usually with treatment cream it gets better. This time however, it is not going away a when i need to wipe myself after urinating for example, it is painful, as the cuts open up when i try to pull my foreskin back. My foreskin will not pull back at all now, even with cream to stop the pain from the cuts. I need help please.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be contact dermatitis or eczema. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate symptoms a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid (e.g. clobetasol propionate, fluocinonide). Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.