sore on penis

For 6 weeks I have had a red/brownish sore spot about the size of a penny underneath my penis just below the glans (glands).  I'm circumsized.   There's irritation on my scrotum where my penis touches it and in the pubic hair around my penis especially where
the skin folds against my thighs.  Generally there's a burning sensation.  Also the skin in my arm pits feels dry and scratchy.  My Dermotologist first treated me for a yeast infection with nystatin and cortisone cream but this hasn't helped at all. Now he's suggested a skin barrier repair cream & I'm taking dicloxacillin 500 mg. to treat any possible skin bacteria.  But still no improvement.  Could you please give me your opionion.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Bob:

A single red/brown sore spot doesn't sound like a yeast or bacterial infection to me.  When you say, "sore spot," I'm not sure if there's a spot you can see, or if it just feels sore.  If the latter, your dermatologist's suggestion makes most sense.  If the former, hydrocortione, over-the-counter or prescription, may be best.

The skin doctor who saw you is in the best position to diagnose and treat.  If you have a particular concern (like herpes), you should bring it to the doctor's attention.  This is not because you are likely to have this (you aren't, for many reasons) but because the soreness may not mean much at all and be best ignored.

My best advice is not to think too much, but to see your doctor, or another if you like, and ask.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff