BXO?

[JackofSpades1136]

I posted this before, but it did not get answered. I posted pictures in my profile for better diagnosis: I am sexually abstinent (never had sex), I don't do drugs, alcohol or smoke. I AM CIRCUMSIZED.


Hello,

I have a condition which I believe to be balanitis or balanopothitis. This condition started perhaps two months ago (February ’09) and is still giving me problems.


Brief Relevant Medical History
+Never had any kind of sex (no STDs)
+ Masturbate infrequently (anti-depressants significantly reduced sex drive)
+ Circumcised (I have been told that it was not a full circumcision)


Symptoms
Phimosis. I have noticed that it is difficult to retract the foreskin of my penis. As I have treated the issue with Butenafine hydrochloride (found in lotramin) I have found that the phimosis is reduced significantly. At first, if an erection occurred the skin would not retract very far past the urethral opening. As I improved my hygiene and applied the antifungal I was able to have an erection with minimal to no phimosis (full retraction). To a degree I can get a normal looking erection, and at times I can get an erection that is fully retracted, however careful retraction past the point the skin wants to go can be painful.


Inflammation. The problem now is when I have an erection, the skin (prepuce?) right beneath the head of the penis seems inflamed as it hurts like heck. As I applied the antifungal on some days I would not get inflammation (pain) at all, though this is rare.


White ring. I hope this isn’t indicative of balanitis xerotica obliterans, but there is a light ring around the skin under the head of my penis. I have looked into BXO and cannot find the reported “patches of white skin” as a listed symptom, nor is there a foul discharge. From what I have observed and felt, there is a small, probably 1mm thick ring that feels tighter than the rest of the nearby skin.


Lesions. Here is the cause of most, if not all the pain, these small lesions that appear generally right on that ring I mentioned above. They are not very large but heal after a few days. If I get an erection, they seem to open back up and it can be painful to retract the skin to use the bathroom. At the worst part of the issue, I would have around five of these lesions. With an improvement in hygiene and the antifungal I am down to maybe one or two lesions that keep reappearing in predictable areas”. If the lesion is rubbed I can experience some intense, localized pain. If the skin is moved or retracted, pain can happen that way. I apply the antifungal and these lesions typically clear up in 1-3 days

[JackofSpades1136]

You would be correct that it is an incomplete circumscision- I remember being told that. The scars/lesions heal up over time, though they can reappear if I stretch the foreskin too far. Stretching has helped improve the condition, but has not made it go away. I will ask for a referal to a urologist, thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I don’t think that the symptoms are suggestive of balanitis xerotica obliterans.These symptoms are all related to phimosis and incomplete circumcision.Incomplete circumcision can lead to fibrous scar formation which can complicate the picture.

The current rashes are due to friction rub caused to the skin during masturbation and then infestation of the same with fungal infection.

I would suggest you to consult a urologist and get it evaluated.If there is any fibrous scar then it can be removed by minor surgery.

I hope that helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional doubts.Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

Have you been given antibiotics?Sometimes a lurking infection can lead to all the symptoms described.

[amber835]

All I can help is that :

Please go to some doctor and get yourself checked in person.

[JackofSpades1136]

Treatment with an anti-fungal removed the balanitis infection rather quickly, however the ring still remains. I have stepped up more hygeine than usual but to no avail- the symptoms and complications have lessened but the problem remains. In short, I have improved the situation but it is not gone.