Please help.

[swatelite]

A week ago I noticed one red bump the size of a pencil tip on the foreskin (this skin collapses and expands, so I’m not sure if it’s my “shaft” but it is definitely the area of my penis where I am circumcised). Right before I noticed it, I had masturbated, and I had also accidentally spilled 70% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol on my penis. I figured what ever it was would go away.

Slowly, the bump seems to have become smaller, but it is still red, and still there. At one point over the last week it looked at one point like there was a white head that i could scratch off. When I stretch the skin, it stretches with the skin. Right now, it is red, painless, and not itchy. It is a slightly raised bump, but it seems like it is going down. I pick at it, and it gets irritated, and redder (not sure if it beelds). But I’m very worried cause it’s been there for a week now. I have used generic pharmacy brand bacitracin ointment for about 5 days now, and it seems to be helping.

Is this a clogged pore, or a reaction to the 70% Isopropyl rubbing alcohol I accidentally spilled?  I thought that maybe putting some of the alcohol on my penis again would help get rid of it, but today, suddenly, I have noticed another irritation (it’s not a bump yet) about a centimeter away from the original bump.The past few days, I have also put hydrogen peroxide and the alcohol on the area to maybe help disinfect the area. I believe there should be no reason it’s an STD because I have been safe. I have used condoms. The condom covered this area of my penis.

Any ideas of what this could be would be great.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Doesn't sound like an STD; more likely a pimple or infected sebaceous cyst.  I doubt any relation to peroxide or alcohol.

Standard advice applies:  if the problem persists, worsens, or recurs, see a health care provider.  But don't lose sleep over STD worries.

Good luck-- HHH, MD

[swatelite]

Also, when i poured the hydrogen peroxide or the alcohol on it, nothing stang. Is it plausible that my penis could be having a reaction to that rubbing alcohol, the soap I use in the shower, or the friction my pants or masturbation has caused? I have been masturbating while this bump has been here, which I suppose may have irritated it even more. But I’m no doctor. Any help on your part would be a huge benefit to the situation.

[swatelite]

Dr.,

What do you feel I should do now? The hydrocortizone seems to be working, but it is still not totally gone. Should I continue with that?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

I doubt the hydrocortisone is doing anything; it's probably clearing up on its own.  Hydrocortisone is a very weak steroid; it has no effect except on quite mild and very superficial inflammation of the skin and is unlikely to have any effect on a bump of the size and type you describe.  On the other hand, it probably isn't doing any harm.  But I would stop and see what happens.

Regards--  HHH, MD