uhhhh

[tswan7]

im a teenage male, healthy and everything, but recently i got a small itchy rash on my penis.  I am a virgin and because of that my first and only conclusion is that it is poison oak.  I used to be allergic to poison oak but recently have been going on a lot of hikes through poison oak and haven't had any rashes or reactions at all.  Just a little before i had noticed the itchiness i had changed before surfing using a towel that may had been in contact with poison oak.  I dont see why i would only get it on my penis area though.  I'm not sure if i should trust my assumption but like a said, no one has ever touched my shaft but me!  whats with that?!  can you pick up rashes from toilet seats or anything?? i think i've heard that.  i have been putting poison oak oil removing stuff on it and if stops the itching....... any feedback would be cool.  never used this site before, never had a need to, so ill see if you guys can help me out i guess.  thanks

[ccmonson]

I'm extremely allergic to the poison family of plants, but have noticed that the appearance of the rash is very unpredictable.  I can get it immediately or several weeks later.  Furthermore, the palms of my hands never get the rash.  I'm not sure why this is, but you're probably the same.  Since you touch your penis frequently, as does every man, I think, it's extremely possible you touched a poison plant and then your penis, transferring the oil.  Whenever I get poison ivy, I almost always get it on my penis as well as other parts.

[Rowena Santos, MD]

Hi,

This could also be an irritation, infection, dermatitis or eczema. The possibility of a poison oak can also be considered.   If this is an irritation, it can be brought about by any change in soap or detergent. . Eczema, on the other hand,  appears as diffuse red plaques with a poorly defined edge and finely scaled surface. It frequently causes severe irritation. It can be caused by infection or local reaction to skin injury from chemicals or radiation. I t is recommended that you have this evaluated further for proper management. Direct clinical examination is important to determine the diagnosis.Try also to avoid scratching to prevent secondary infection.

Take care and keep us posted.