psoriasis?

Some history...

I have had a recurring red rash on the head and shaft of my penis for a few years  now.  

I first noticed it in Jan. 2005.  

I went to an immediate care clinic for this rash several times and was told it was balanitis two different times.  It then returned and was all spread out all over my penis.  I went to get tested for STD's and came back completely clean.  

I most recently saw a dermatologist last winter and he said it was psoriasis.  He gave me Protopic.  that seems to do the trick, but never completely removes the rash.  if i dont use it for a few days, it comes back.  i also apply cortaid 1% quite frequently and that does the trick too, but as soon as I stop, it comes back.

should i go back to him and get more protopic?  is this bad for me?  what about cancer?  

will it ever go away?  or will i have to always apply hydrocortisone and other creams to my junk just to keep the skin (almost) clear?

Here are some pics I took 5 minutes ago.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e335/stevejackson/Picture2.png
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e335/stevejackson/Picture3.png
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e335/stevejackson/Picture1.png

The only thing I want is to look down at my hog and see clear and clean skin.  

Thank you.  

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Steve

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Nice pictures!

Yes, psoriasis looks correct.  This is not an STD.  You may have to live with a shadow of pinkness.  Psoriasis comes and goes, but you can pretty much always make it go away fast on the penis with a mild cream.  Protopic is OK, but why not use good old-fashoned hydrocortisone?  Even the 1% variety you can get over-the-counter should do the trick, and if not, your dermatologist can give you something just a bit stronger, but still perfectly safe, by prescription.

Yes, you have to live with this, but don't make something so trivial into a big deal when you don't need to.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[stevejackson]

Thank you...

People just get kinda freaked out by redness on the junk, you know?

This has been a thorn in my side for a while and I finally am coming to grips with it.  

Thank you for your help.

John