rash on my penis head

[Maxamillion]

First off, i'm in my early 20s and I am uncircumcised. A while ago, maybe about a year ago I had the problem of my foreskin closing up and losing its elasticity and underneath I had this rash that was pink with red bumps, . I went to my doctor and he said it was a fungal infection and that it was common for uncircumcised men to get them, he then prescribed Clotrimazole cream and within a few days it was gone. Well recently I've noticed that the bumps only come back whenever i masturbate, most particularly in the shower, sometimes i masturbate while using a condom and nothing happens. Whenever the bumps return i use the Clotrimazole cream and within a day or two the bumps go away. I am a bit concerned because I do not want to have this problem anymore because they itch and thats how i know i have the bumps back, any suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough, but depending on the symotoms, it looks like balanitis. A dermatologist will be able to evaluate it better after physical examination and maybe KOH examination or fungal culture of the skin scrapings.

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

[Maxamillion]

Hi, thanks for the advice.

are you sure that its blantis? how is it that the antifungal cream alleviates the problem. How can i get rid of it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm without examination but the symptoms that you are having can be due to balanitis of the penis. It is an inflammation of the glans penis.

Oral course of antibiotics is needed. In addition, please don’t use any cosmetics on the penis instead use some topical antimicrobials like Bacitracin or Lotrimin. Also corticosteroids and topical immunosuppressants can be used but they are available under prescription. Also retract the foreskin daily and soak in warm water to clean penis and foreskin. In case the symptoms persist then please consult a urologist/dermatologist for evaluation and antimicrobials and steroids prescription.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.