Hydrocortizone on Penis - Skin Thinning and Discoloration

[Amos1469]

Hi,

About 3 weeks ago i developed a rash on the underside of my penis, just beneath the glans.  I already have somewhat thin skin on my penis and I am circumsized.  The rash then flaked and eventually went away.  I saw a dermatologist who said that it was not a yeast infection, but that it might be something like dry skin and general irritation due to sex.  I have never had any irritation like this before during sex, and I have been sexually active for about 16 years.  

The GP I saw before I went to a dermatologist said that I should get some over the counter cream for dermatitis or to try to get some hydrocortizone.  So I basically applied hydrocortizone ointment to my penis for about 7-8 days.  I did put a bit much on the shaft and glans of my penis.  

I stopped putting the ointment on 10 days ago.  My penis has since had a slight loss of pigmentation on the shaft, meaning it is now slighltly "pinker" or ligher in color, AND the skin appears to be thinner.

This was an OTC 1% hydrocortizone cream called Hydrozole.  I only used it for about 7-8 days.  I read that use of hydrocortizone can cause this, but it takes 2-4 weeks of overuse, which I did not do.  Regardless, I have noticed that I developed the side effects of over use.

So, my question is, will my penis skin "toughen" and get back to normal, or am I already looking at permanent damage?  I am very nervous and scared about this.  

I am currently abstaining from sex and masturbation for the next month to see if my skin repairs itself.  PLEASE, anyone with experience with this give me some insight.

Thanks!

[Amos1469]

My issue is still the same after 2 months of stopping the 1% hydrocortisone.  I am not having any sex and I am masturbating just once a week.

My condition has not changed for the better at all.  The areas where I applied the cream are still discolored (more pale/transparent) and ONLY when erect does the penis skin appear waxey/shinier and able to see more blood vessels.  The skin underneath the glans is more wrinkly when soft and more sensitive to the touch; it can easily get irritated.  

This not balanitis, and even the two dermatologists I saw said it was not that.  This is from a bad irritation that went away, but I am 100% confident that the 2 weeks of hydrocortisone applied liberally have caused the side effects of skin thinning and discoloration.  

I have applied vaseline and hypoallergenic moisturizers only.  I think this could just be exacerbating the problem, so I have now stopped put

This should be a wake up call to all doctors who are prescribing even mild steroid creams for use of the penis.  Some of us may be more prone to the side effects than others.  The GP who initially told me to use the hydrocortisone said nothing of the side effects and the first dermatologist I saw said to use the cream for up to one month.    

After 2 months and no progress, this is quite disturbing.  I hope everyone reads this and takes caution.  

Thanks!

[heathenpride]

Hi people, I think I have eventually figured out my problem with this thread, after using a steroid cream which contained hydrocortisone prescribed by the doctor and some other creams my penis every time i get an erection or masturbate goes very red and shiny. Also, the skin colour of my penis has changed since using these creams and does not as healthy as they used to be. For it to heal properly as it can look a little better after not masturbating for a week, do you think I should try and go a few weeks without masturbation and see if the skin heals properly? And I am very scared that this damage is permanent as they used a number of these creams for quite a while :(

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is advisable not to use hydrocortisone on the delicate skin of penis without a dermatologist’s prescription. It can aggravate the symptoms. Hence I suggest you to get an evaluation done from a dermatologist, get a biopsy skin or KOH examination ( just to rule out fungal infection) and then start with any treatment.

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.

[Amos1469]

I am going to get a second opinion from a different dermatologist tomorrow morning.  I continue to put moisturizer on my penis, but I see not change in color and it is still very sensitive on the head and shaft, which are the only areas I applied the hydrocortisone.  

I have read that the effects can be reversible with time or irreversible depending on each case.  I am hoping that it is just a matter of taking months, but I guess I am expecting it to only take a few weeks.  

I just need a realistic expectation of what is happening so I can move on with it.  I'll post what the dermatologist says tomorrow.  

Thanks for all the support!

  

[Amos1469]

Hi Dr. Bhupinder,

Many thanks for your reply.  After not masturbating for a week, I masturbated this morning, and within 5 minutes, the skin was red, irritated, very shiny, and it looked like you could almost see blood vessels.  The papules on the glans were more prominent.  

I clearly am not meant to do anything with my penis right now: no sex, no masturbation.  This is not your average friction burn as I've had those in the past.  

I've been applying aloe vera gel, QV moisturizer, and on some days Curash (Gold Bond equivalent) powder.  

After the flare up this morning from masturbation, I am convinced this is something more.

I'm considering to go back to a dermatologist to see if it could be balantitis, OR, if it really just needs to heal on its own.  The skin was already sensitive, so the 2 weeks of hydrocortisone with masturbation here and there has not allowed it to heal fully, but then again, I know my body and I think it could be something more.  

Do you think I should give it 4-6 weeks before I make another appointment?  Thank!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is true that on the thin and delicate skin of the penis, application of even mild steroid cream can cause skin thinning and atrophy. However for such kind of skin since you have stopped the application of steroid cream, wear cotton clothes and apply a mild hypoallergenic moisturizer. The skin should heal with time.

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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.