Follow up: rash just behind the glans of the penis

[Takugawa]

This is a follow up to a question I posted previously: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/319310

"I have an irritation just behind the head of my penis that is red, about a centimeter in diameter and does not itch nor is it painful. It's been there for about a week, and seems to be fading. While I am sexually active, I was in a three-year relationship before my current seven-month relationship. My last STD test was about four years ago, which I came out clean after a comprehensive screening (urinalysis for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, etc.).

My girlfriend recently had a herpes simplex breakout on her back, which she was given Bactoban and Advanta as treatment. It does not look to be that herpes.

I have reason to believe its irritation from sexual activities and masturbation. The red mark is the size and shape of my thumb, and it is usually where my hand would contact my penis, but again, I'm not sure.

Any advice or insight would be welcomed, and thank you."

The irritation is still here, and it's been almost a month and a half. How long should this take to subside?

Photos:

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/7102/p1000631sz0.jpg
http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/1341/p1000627rj7.jpg
http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/3628/p1000624ly3.jpg
http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/6624/p1000623co6.jpg

Thank you.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

The pictures show a rash, either lichen planus or psoriasis.  Do not be put off by the long names--neither rash is sexually-transmitted or serious in any any way.  There is no specific cause for either one--you just treat it when it's there and ignore it when it isn't. The reason the rash is still there is that it needs treatment.  What you should do is apply over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream twice a day and set up an appointment with a skin doctor for definitive diagnosis and treatment.  You'll want to have a prescription-strength cream at home for occasional use when the rash returns from time to time.  

Best.

Dr. Rockoff

[Takugawa]

Thank you doctor.