itchy skin and rash?

[jastad]

I have developed a rash on my penis approx 6-7 weeks ago. it is located on my shaft on the right side and has an almost tickling feeling in the area.  Some times it is barely noticable but other times extremely red.  the skin  almost feels lilke dry when it rubs against my scrotum and goves a small uncomfortable feeling.  I was traveling in asia and received oral sex from a SW and had sex with a condom.  I came back and started developing this rash and a pain that almsot seemed internal where the rash is, I went to my doctor who said it was fungal and prescirbed ketzancole and applied it for two weeks with no results.  He then prescirbed cortisone for two weeks and again no results.  I was tested for std's 10 days after I got back.  I came back april 16 and was tested on april 25.  All tests came back negative.  I went to a urologist two weeks ago who precribed 2 weeks of cipro along with applying lotramin ultra.  I still have had no relief.  The rash can look almost look shiny at times.  My first thought was it was herpes but there was no blistering.  I have also experienced intermittent pelvic pains and what feels like swollen lymph nodes in the thigh area.  I was tested again for herpes on may 24  as the rash has gotten more irritating and test resutls came back negative. The skin looks shiny and there looks to be striations in the skin when stretched. Also I experienced what seemed lilke really dry skin in the buttocks and inner thigh area.  I have also been itchy all over, my eyes, arms, but no visible sign of anything. I went to see a dermatologist who said it could be just irritation, and not to worry but he did say the hair folicules were little raised in the area.  I have been feeling really fatigued lately and dizzy.  
  
what could this rash be?  The urologist told me it wasnt herpes from lookinng at it and said it was ok to have sex with my girlfriend, we have had sex and she has not complained of any discomfort.

would cipro clear somethign like this up, Im really getting nervous that this rash will not go away.  


can rashes on the penis take months to go away?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Yes you should wash it with fresh water and if you want you can use a mild soap like Cetaphil or Dove. It can be due to dermatitis or eczema and you can use the treatment options mentioned above after consulting your doctor.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[jastad]

thank you for responding.  

It is just weird that it has develpoed only in the gential area and anus area, dermatlogist said it looked fine. is this something that will go away with time. somedays it is not so bothersome.  I was in thailand and when i came back from there that is when it started happening.  I did receive unprotected oral sex over there and since being back all std resutls were negative.  My thoughts make me feel like it could be some sort of bacteria.  I have a follow up appointment with urologist next week, it just seems weird that i was getting pelvic pains while these symptoms came on and extreme frequent urination. I will try the cortisone cream again.  it is extremely uncomfortable and just dont understand.  i have read alot about this and all these crazy cases on here have me thinking it is so many things.

So when i wash the area i shoudlnt use soap just water?
it started as one littel uncomfortable spot and has spread, does that sound like excema or dermatitus?

thank you for your help

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms firstly it does not look like a fungal infection or herpes sores. It can be due to dermatitis or eczema skin. Wash the areas with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites and wear cotton clothes. 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, whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. But they are available under prescription and should be taken only after consulting a dermatologist.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.