dry skin?

First off I would like to thank you for a very informative forum. I have learned a lot from it. But now onto my problem.

I have/had very dry skin between the head of my penis and the shaft of my penis (the area that would have been covered by my foreskin if I had not be circumcised). The dry skin started in January (I live in the NorthEast - very cold and dry) and just in that area. I am 27 and it never happened before. I applied some lotion to it and it went away. However, after having sex the area became very sensitive, red, and small cuts appeared. Hydrocotortizone and rest was applied and again it went away within a day or so. I went to my doctor who told me it was probably eczema as the cortizone seems to do the trick everytime. Sex, however, always irritated the area after it seemed "ok". Before sexual intercourse I now apply some KY to that area to avoid irritating the somewhat dry skin which seems to work well.

The question is, will this dry skin/redness/cortizone cycle ever end or is it just the way it is? Also, could it be something else besides eczema? Thanks again.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Hello - thanks for asking your question.

Without seeing the lesion myself, it is impossible to give a definitive diagnosis.  You may also want to consider asking this question in the dermatology forum.  

Eczema is always a possibility.  You may also want to consider other forms of dermatitis.  If you use a condom, latex dermatitis is known to cause irritation in people who are susceptible.

Irritant contact dermatitis should also be considered.  Again, steroid creams and lubricants would help this.  This is likely why the KY gel to the area helps.

Steroid creams would help in the acute phase.  Because the area is sensitive, you may want to inquire about a medication called Elidel (by prescription) which can help in refractory cases of eczema.  

To answer your question, to treat this successfully, you have to determine the cause.  A dermatology consult would help - a biopsy would give a definitive answer.  If it is caused by dermatitis or eczema, protecting the area with a lubricant during intercourse (as you are doing), seems reasonable.  

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.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.