reddness on penis

I have a red spot on the head of my penis.  It has been reoccuring for about 3 weeks.  It doesnt ever go completly away but it will get real mild in color after 2-3 days.  It gets real red in color when i masturbate.  There is no soreness or itching.  Can you give me an idea of what this might be.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be contact dermatitis,rash due to friction rub with clothes, dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic),excessive sweating causing sweat dermatitis or balanitis(due to an underlying infection (bacterial and fungal as well as other organisms) .Even genital warts and herpes cannot be ruled out as it is spread through direct skin-to-skin contact during oral, genital, or anal sex with an infected partner.Genital warts can start as red rash on the penis.

You may try calamine lotion on the rash.You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics.You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash. If the rash is itchy,you  can take some antihistaminic like benadryl or Claritin.

If the rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Genital warts have to be ruled out.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.