what is this?

About one year ago during a weekend golf outing I developed a burning rash in a specific area on the head of my penis. When I returned home it continued and after about ten baking soda baths later I went to the doctor. (It got to the point where it would scab over and/or blister)

The physician referred to it as sort of a male version of a yeast infection and prescribed nystatin and triamcinolone acetonide cream which worked after a few days and I thought I was cured.  About a month later it came back in the exact location as before and so I went back to the same doctor and he did a herpes biopsy which was negative.

To this day the cream works but if i discontinue use, it reappears in a few weeks.  There is no itching or real discomfort but this is ruining my life. Like I said it comes back in the exact same place, and my doctor (who I think just grauadated med school) hasn't a clue and he referred me to a dermatologist who I have yet to make an appointment.

PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I think your doctor, even if inexperienced, is correct that this is not herpes.  Lots of things come and go on the penis, such as irritation.  Please leave the area alone, so the dermatologist will be able to tell what you have when you go.  But this sounds like irritation to me, not an STD.

Please make sure the herpes test is available to the dermatologist.  (I assume you mean a culture, not a biopsy.)

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff