Persistent rash on penis

[tmm880]

In late December 2007 I started to get red spots on the shaft of my penis.  They are not clustered together, and they never seem to appear in the same place.  There were no blisters, no fluid filled lesions, or anything like that.  Went to my GP.  He looked things over and told me he did not know what it was, but could tell me what it wasn't.  He ruled out herpes and anything fungal or bacterial.  Since then, I have had several more episodes, some lasting as long as a month.  He prescribed a cortizone cream, which seemed to help, but presented problems of its own.  After a few days of using the cream my skin would burn and feel very uncomfortable.  He has since suggested that I take a break from the cream, and let things resolve themselves on their own.  He now thinks it is some kind of contact dermatitis or eczema.  They usually don't hurt, or anything.  Sometimes they itch, or have some discomfort, but generally if it weren't for visually, I wouldn't even know they were there.  We have switch to hypo-allergenic clothes detergent, fabric softener and I use soap that contains aloe.  I also try to wear loose fitting underwear to sleep in at night.

Sometimes it is just a minor episode with 3-5 red spots.  The latest episode has been continuing for about a month.  It seems to get get worse with sexual activity, either with my wife or masterbation--usually showing up a day or two later.  There is some itching and discomfort.  

The latest episode has been the worst, with 20 spots, and general irritation and redness on the shaft, skin folds, and towards the base of my penis.  The episodes seem to be increasing in frequency.  they used to be 6 weeks or so apart, no it seems like they are only a week or so apart.

Any suggestions as to treatment or prevention to help ease my mind would be helpful.  

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

At this point, this seems to be contact dermatitis or eczema. These conditions are chronic and inflammatory in nature. They may recur given the right triggers and they may also persist.

At this point, observe your symptoms. Try to avoid spicy food, tight underpants and excessive sweating. This may only aggravate the condition.

There is no effective medical therapy for eczema or contact dermatitis. The best way to control this is to avoid possible triggers or irritants .This  of course is easier said than done.

For how long have you been experiencing this?

Is there any history of allergy in your family?

[tmm880]

Well, I didn't notice anything until late December of 2007.  My family experienced something like this when we moved to Western Washington in the '80's.  When I went to college, I didn't experience any kind of skin problems, even after moving back after college.  

I am physically active as a runner and cyclist, so avoiding sweating is difficult.  However, showering soon after is not!

My parents are still having skin problems, but not to the severity, or locale that I am.

When I used the cortizone cream I noticed that I would treat one spot or area, and it would clear up, but then another area would pop up, so I would be chasing it all over the place.