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Urology (Expert Forum)
Consistently Irritated/Painful Foreskin
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Consistently Irritated/Painful Foreskin
by Raskolnikov05, Jun 18, 2006 12:00AM
About 4 months ago, I noticed a patch of skin on my foreskin, directly above a vein - was very irritated. Friction against my underwear would be very uncomfortable. But nothing is/was visible.
A couple weeks after that, I went in to see a Urologist. He examined me with a magnifying glass, checked me for HPV and could see nothing to be concerned about. He told me not to worry about it, and it would go away.
Unfortunately, after a month it had NOT gone away. I went to my regular doctor because the Urologist was on extended leave. My doc couldn't see anything either, but gave me creams for bacterial infection and then fungal infection. Neither worked. So he sent me back to another Urologist, and suggested a possible biopsy.
This next urologist treated it even more flippantly than the first. He examind the area, noted the skin was dry but otherwise healthy. He refused to take a biopsy because the skin looked fine - he said he might as well biopsy my elbow. He said it was probably general dryness and friction irritation that I should treat with aloe lotion. He thought I should consider circumcision too. But otherwise told me not to worry, and it's not something I could pass on.
I have been using aloe lotion, but the "solution" doesn't make me happy. I still have the irritation after 4 months, and often pain - especially when I went on a hike the other day. If it was simple irritation - then why all of a sudden now when I'm 28 years old? I've had a foreskin my entire life?
My worst fear is that I may have something contagious, and I'm leery of starting a new relationship because of it. I've tested negative for STD's, and I'm considered low risk because I've never had vaginal intercourse. I've only had foreplay. My biggest concern is whether this could be HPV - but both Urologists and my doctor shrugged that off.
Do you have any idea what ELSE this could be? Are there any other tests I should ask for to set my mind at ease? I'm seriously considering circumcision, though I don't want it - because I'm constantly stressed out and depressed by this mysterious irritation.
Any suggestions on what this could be, or any tests I could take - would be GREATLY appreciated. The stress has been ruining my life. Thanks.
A couple weeks after that, I went in to see a Urologist. He examined me with a magnifying glass, checked me for HPV and could see nothing to be concerned about. He told me not to worry about it, and it would go away.
Unfortunately, after a month it had NOT gone away. I went to my regular doctor because the Urologist was on extended leave. My doc couldn't see anything either, but gave me creams for bacterial infection and then fungal infection. Neither worked. So he sent me back to another Urologist, and suggested a possible biopsy.
This next urologist treated it even more flippantly than the first. He examind the area, noted the skin was dry but otherwise healthy. He refused to take a biopsy because the skin looked fine - he said he might as well biopsy my elbow. He said it was probably general dryness and friction irritation that I should treat with aloe lotion. He thought I should consider circumcision too. But otherwise told me not to worry, and it's not something I could pass on.
I have been using aloe lotion, but the "solution" doesn't make me happy. I still have the irritation after 4 months, and often pain - especially when I went on a hike the other day. If it was simple irritation - then why all of a sudden now when I'm 28 years old? I've had a foreskin my entire life?
My worst fear is that I may have something contagious, and I'm leery of starting a new relationship because of it. I've tested negative for STD's, and I'm considered low risk because I've never had vaginal intercourse. I've only had foreplay. My biggest concern is whether this could be HPV - but both Urologists and my doctor shrugged that off.
Do you have any idea what ELSE this could be? Are there any other tests I should ask for to set my mind at ease? I'm seriously considering circumcision, though I don't want it - because I'm constantly stressed out and depressed by this mysterious irritation.
Any suggestions on what this could be, or any tests I could take - would be GREATLY appreciated. The stress has been ruining my life. Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 19, 2006 12:00AM
, Jun 19, 2006 12:00AM
It is difficult to say without evaluation.
Fungal infection, STD, or dermatitis are all possible. The most definitive test would be a biopsy of the lesion. Swabbing the lesion for various viruses and infections can also be considered.
Otherwise, I would consider having a dermatologist look at the lesion, or undergo a biopsy.
Going to a major academic medical center for further evaluation can be considered if the diagnosis is non-revealing.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Fungal infection, STD, or dermatitis are all possible. The most definitive test would be a biopsy of the lesion. Swabbing the lesion for various viruses and infections can also be considered.
Otherwise, I would consider having a dermatologist look at the lesion, or undergo a biopsy.
Going to a major academic medical center for further evaluation can be considered if the diagnosis is non-revealing.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
Member Comments
by Edward518, Feb 23, 2009 04:29PM
A related discussion, Continuouse sore foreskin was started.
