is it a std or irritation

[felicia20]

my best friend is a guy. he called me and told me about a rash that he has on his penis. he says it wont go away and its been there for about 4 months now. he says that he hasnt slept with anyone for over a year but it just came in febuary. aparently it the skin on his thingy is really dry but doesnt itch....any ideas. he sounded a little desperate and could find nothing online that matched that description. is it an std or just irritation??? please help i hate hearing him sound so depressed and worried.


This discussion is related to Scared to death about red rash followed by dry cracked skin on penis.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Although it is tough confirming a diagnosis without examination,but the possibility of eczema is high in your friend’s case. Eczema is a form of chronic dermatitis (rash).Allergic reaction is one of the important causes of eczema.Ask your friend to wash the areas several times with fresh water.He can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin.He can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort) but the mainstay of management is liberal use of moisturizers after washing with luke warm water. Soap should be used minimally. Moisturizers should be reapplied liberally during the day. Adding a humidifier to the central heating system of your home or using a humidifier also helps.

If still the symptoms persist then possibility of psoriasis,balanitis xerotica or ichthyosis (fish scale-like skin) is there.Pls consult a dermatologist for clinical examination in that case as treatment is specific for each one and without clinical examination,it is difficult to make a diagnosis.

I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how your friend is doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.