Irritated Meatus, Red Skin. Case of Bacteria?

[curious661]

I'm 34 and, generally, a very healthy man. I've had an irritation on the very tip of my penis for almost a year now. Here are all the symptoms and the facts about me in a list form:

Symptoms:
1) Constant irritation of Meatus (sometimes it's just a very slight discomfort but, at other times, it gets worse and looks swollen and dark red as if after some trauma).
2) Slight burning sensation on the tip 2-3 minutes after urinating (can it be due to acidity of urine?).
3) Very slight dripping after urinating.
4) I noticed that the meatus appears moist (almost always) from what looks like pre-ejaculation fluid. It seems to be extra moist and irritated on very full bladder (right before urinating).
6) The foreskin is always a little reddish (observed when pulled back) with no apparent reason (during the last year, I've been rarely masturbating or having sex).
7) Once every 2-3 months, I notice some red spots (or bumps with red spots around them) around my meatus (and sometimes on the foreskin) which usually precede by mildly uncomfortable burning sensation in the area.  However, any such clearly observable symptoms, usually disappear rather quickly, which makes it hard to show them to the doctor.
8) Generally, no itching or pain.

Other facts:
Soon after my symptoms started (11 months ago or so):
1) I tested for most common STDs (a 10-panel STD test) and all came back negative.
2) I've seen my primary doctor, who prescribed me an anti fungal cream of 2 different types.  None of the creams helped. One made it worse.
3) I've seen a dermatologist.  He advised me to keep my penis dry and prescribed nothing.  (I mentioned above that the tip of my penis appears to be constantly moist, but I don't know how to make it dry).
4) I've seen a urologist. He acknowledged small irritation of the meatus (as if from trauma) but didn't think it was anything serious and prescribed no treatment. He examined the prostate and the glands (which were normal) and tested the urine for bacteria that causes urethritis (which showed no bacteria).

All doctors suspected either a case of anxiety or an allergic reaction and basically dismissed me.  But I've had no anxiety for a long time now and tried different non-allergic soaps, but it didn't fix the problem (In fact, I have never had any allergies in my life). If this is all related to my penis being moist for some reason, then what can I safely do to help keep it dry?  I'm pretty sure that it's not an STD, but can this be a case of some other bacteria?  I'm planning to make another trip to my primary.  Is there any specific tests that I should ask for?

I'm married and I want to make sure that my wife won't get anything from me that might affect the pregnancy.  Thanks very much for your help.  This problem might seem insignificant, but it is a huge deal for me.

[Celib245]

I have the exact same symptoms... someone have the answer what it is? Herpes?

[pptjv]

Ever figured out what it was? I'm suffering from the same...
Red and swollen meatus lips...

[Neel2121]

Did you find the answer?  I am having it as well.

[Lovinmaid]

Ever figure it out?

[curious661]

Thanks very much for your response.  I really appreciate you taking the time.

I can almost certainly exclude the yeast infection at this point.  That was the first suggestion by my primary doctor and I tried 3 different types of anti-fungal medicines.  Also, I saw a dermatologist who said that it didn't look like yeast infection.

However, per your suggestion, I looked up the symptoms of the Balanitis from Wikipedia.  The picture of the penis provided looks very much like what I have (small erosions on the glans).  Here's the link:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanitis

Here's the excerpt from Wikipedia:
"Symptoms usually begin to appear after 3 days and can include:
*Small red erosions on the glans
*Redness of the foreskin
*Redness of the penis
*Other rashes on the head of the penis
*Foul smelling discharge
*Painful foreskin and penis"

Except for the last 2 symptoms, I think that the description is pretty accurate for my condition.  

One other important condition that I forgot to include the first time is that my penis (esp. the glans) gets very red during masturbation.

Can you please help me with the following specific questions:
1) can this be transferred to my wife and can this be dangerous for pregnancy?
2) What kind of antibiotics should I ask my primary for?
3) If I use Bacitracin or Lotrimin, how long I should be using it and how?
4) I heard that soaking my penis in warm water with baking soda helps with irritation.  Is this true?

[Neel2121]

What is the problem?  
Did you find the solution?  Please share it to me.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
These symptoms can be due to balanitis or yeast infection. Oral course of antibiotics is needed.In addition,pls don’t use any cosmetics on the penis, instead use some topical antimicrobials like Bacitracin or Lotrimin. Also corticosteroids and topical immunosuppressants can be used but they are available under prescription. Also retract the foreskin daily and soak in warm water to clean penis and foreskin. In case the symptoms persist then consult a urologist/dermatologist for evaluation and antimicrobials and steroids prescription.

Your wife may also be having yeast infection which can be transmitted during sex and this may be making intercourse painful for her. Get her vaginal swabs for fungal infection and she may also need a course of antifungals and topical antifungal pessaries.

[NS2016]

Hello madam,

I am also going through same situation like some erosion inside the meatus lips and it is wet all the time due to dripping of urine some drops.i dont have any pain while urination but extremely anxious about this. I am away in other country and can not test for std/ urology. Please help me