Burning rash about half inch around at base of penis

[thesorrow]

Rash is about a half inch in diameter and is located at the base of the penis where it joins the body, but is located on the top left side only. Rash seems to flare up and burn more when working/sweating/warmer days. The main feeling of irritation is burning (like a chemical burn). At its worst, the area will burn like hell, dry up, turn dark red but sometimes shiny, crack, and then peel. Sometimes when this happens, the skill will look normal underneath and then the process will repeat again. This has been going on for a few months now.

Right now it's just dry and flaky and a slight burning. Right now if the skin is wettened with plain water, it will look like normal skin instantly. I've been using Seasorb AF powder on it for a week and it has seemed to calm down a little.

There is no burning while urinating or discharge (that I can tell) or any blisters/bumps out of the normal that I can see. Do my symptoms sound more like a fungus infection or a STD?

Previous history-

Last winter I was masturbating a little more than normal and broke out with these red patches all over the head and I think a little on the shaft of the penis. This didn't seem to burn or feel irritated. I stopped masturbating and they seemed to go away on their own (within a week). From pics on the web this looked similar to a male yeast infection. I wasn't sexually active with anyone during this time.

This past june I was sexually active with only one person for one night. A condom was used for intercourse, but I'm sure there where points where she touched herself and then me and vice-versa. She developed an odor after arousal that was similar to a feces smell (new one to me!)

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Fungal infections thrive in wet moist areas like swimming pools, locker rooms of swimming pools etc and hence they are very easily transmitted through these areas. To get the possibility ruled out, get a fungal culture and KOH examination of the skin scrapings done.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[thesorrow]

Well it's definitely from the water I ride my waverunner in. Over the winter it totally went away, but took a while once I stopped going in the water. As soon as I get back into the water riding and swimming the symptoms start coming right back. This must be some type of micro bacteria in the water giving me an infection because before and after no problem but once I go into the river symptoms arise. Is it normal for bacteria in some water to target specifically the genital region and if so, what normally can cure and prevent it? Or can you also get fungal infections from water? Urethra also seems to burn, but not when urinating, just burns. Something in that water is causing this.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
I cannot confirm anything without examination but it can be due to fungal infection, eczema or dermatitis skin. Since the lesion is moist so fungal infection can be a possibility and for ruling it out, you need to get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings done. If fungal infection is proved, then topical and oral antifungals may be needed. Fungal infections are contagious but dermatitis and eczema are not.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.