rash

doc,
i have seen 2 different physicians for a rash on my penis. they both have told me that it is psoriasis. this has been since june. i have been using aclovate 0.05 and it does take it away only to return when i stop using it for a few days. the dr. has told me that it is not an std. what concerns me is everything i read about psoriasis mentions that it can come from a weak immune system involving t cells. this concerns me because that is also indicative of hiv. i have had the same girlfriend for over 1 year and we do not use condoms. she has no symtoms (symptoms). should i be concerned about hiv or do you think this is psoriasis and if so what other recommendation do you have. i just want this to go away forever.
thanks doc.
concerned,jd

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Don't worry, jd--what you describe certainly sounds like psoriasis and nothing more.  Psoriasis, like most skin problems, comes and goes as it pleases.  You can suppress it, but it comes back when it wants to.  It is NOT and STD.  The business about weak immunity is pure speculation, and in any case has nothing to do with HIV.  When you see the redness, treat it; otherwise, ignore it.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff