red spots (larger,smaller) on penis head

Hello,

About a month ago, I developed two red spots on the head of my penis. I noticed that these had developed in the morning. The night before I had masturbated, so I figured they developed due to friction or something. Unfortunately, the spots did not go away, and actually got bigger for some reason. However, they have never itched, burned, or caused me any discomfort at all. If I couldn't see them, I wouldn't know they were there.

Coincidentally, earlier in the week, I had gotten full STD/HIV tests. These tests came back negative. At this point, I thought maybe this was psoriasis or something. I had to travel for a week, during which I did have protected sex with my girlfriend. At some point, two more smaller spots formed lower than the first two.

Here is a picture of what's happening: http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/636/img1318y.jpg

After I came back I went to my doctor. He looked at the spots and said they did not resemble herpes or warts. He said it's possible to be psoriasis, but it's possible it's an infection too. He wanted to put me on antibiotics, but I thought that was a little extreme as a first step.

Instead, I am now putting an ointment called Mupirocin on the spots 3 times a day. However, after 5 days, the spots have not changed at all. They are not worse or better.

Lastly, when I press on the spots, the redness goes away for a second. I'm not sure if that means anything.

What do you think this could be? How can I treat this?

Thanks!

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Thank you for your informative post in support of your questions. After reading it all and looking at one picture you provided, those discrete erythematous, slightly flaky and partially shiny lesions on glans (glands) are indicating possibility of one of several differential diagnoses: Lichen planus, Psoriasis, Licen nitidus, Lichen sclerosus, etc.

Your physician has several options: to observe a bit longer (wait for further, less discrete, clinical manifestations or even spontaneous resolution in order to make diagnosis); to take skin cultures (excluding fungal and bacterial infection)and biopsy; or to initiate treatment with topical corticosteroids.


Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic