redness on penis

Dear Doctor,

About 2 weeks ago I noticed a redness/rash/ inflamation (inflammation) on my penis.  The rash is on the head, on the rim and half way up the shaft.  It is only on the top of my peenis, and not on the underside or sides.  It seems dry, as the skin seems cracked.  Therre are no other symptoms.  I am involved with a married woman--exclusive, and had unprotected sex about 6 weeks ago.  Neither she nor her husband had any symptoms.  Could this be an STD?  What can be the cause and what teatment might I take. I tried anti-bacterial and anti itch cremes, but they seemed to make it worse. (?)  I am 56 years old and married.  (My wofe and I have not had sex in 2 years, so spreading this has not been an urgent concern.  Yhank you

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think you probably have eczema of the penis.  Try hydrocortisone 1% (over-the-counter) twice a day, avoid friction, and see a doctor for definitive diagnosis.  I don't think you have an STD.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff