MRSA, Septra and Infection in Genital Area

[tmj66]

On October 22, I notice a small pimple on the underside of my penis, near the top of the scotum.  Over the next three days, it grew until it was about the size of a pea.  It was red and a little tender.  I assumed it was a boil and began treating it as such, with hot showers, warm compresses, and keeping it very clean with anti-bacterial soap.  On October 29, it ruptured naturally in the shower.  It continued to drain over the next 3 - 4 days, and I continued with hot packs to assist in draining.  I was fastidious in terms of cleanliness, changing undergarments, etc.

On November 1, my penis and scrotum began to itch quite a lot, and felt warm.  The next day, I noticed that my penis was completely swollen.  Not the tip, but the shaft.  I am uncircumcised.  It appear as if there was a thick roll of "fat" around the shaft of the penis.  The location of the boil was still noticeable, but the boil was no longer there.  However, the underside of my penis was red and a little swollen.  Essentially, deformed.

I went to ER November 2.  They did a testicular ultrasound for an abcess but it came back negative.  They seemed a little mystified.  I informed them of my tendency to MRSA infections and was placed on Septra for 10 days, which I began on November 3.

The infection seemed to be clearing up.  The swelling around the penis decreased, although the redness and slightly abraded appearance on the underside of my tip was still there, along with a little deformation.  The itching, however, only got worse -- hot, fiery, and relentless.

Since I don't have med insurance, I did some research and it appeared to be a male yeast infection -- though not internal (there has never been anything internal about this, other than the original boil).  I thought it was a topical yeast infection, bought some OTC Monistat and used it twice yesterday (November 8), topically, per directions.

The itching and other symptoms began to go away by last night.

Today -- 6 of being on the Septra -- my stomach and chest broke out in a red, pimply, itchy rash.  I took my Septra does this morning.  I did not use Monistat today at all.  The itching and swellingis back again.

But now I am confused.  Could Septra cause this skin rash after six days?  Could I be sensitive to Monistat?  Keep in mind, I didn't apply Monistat to my stomach -- but that's where the rash is.

I've had no other symptoms (yet) as to an allergic reaction to the Septra, but am worried that if I continue to take it, I will.

Can you please help?

[FurballsMom]

I think you might need to post in the "Ask an Expert" section.  I believe you'll get a better response, especially since you have no insurance.

[tmj66]

Also, I am not sexually active -- just FYI.