Eczema, STD, really not sure???

[concerneddotcom]

Im a healthy 25yr old guy and in 2003 developed what i can only describe as eczema patches on the shaft of my penis. i didnt get them checked out for a year as they kinda came and went and then i tested negative for everything.

they are flaky and with too much sex or masturbation can be quite sore. i also have white dry skin patches on the underside of my scrotum. which seem to flare up now and again.

anyway i have been checked 3 times by doctors in the last 5 years, none pointing to an std, although im still not convinced as it all started following unprotected sex and without the creme they give me, it keeps coming back and lasts for months at a time...

i was given creme with cortizone in it which cleared it all up and each doctor reckons its just eczema. can this be so? im just starting to see a girl who i really like and can see this is causing stress and anxiety when the thought of wanting to have sex with her comes to mind... or penis!

im sure the best thing is to revisit a doctor but any help or reassurance from similar stories would be much appreciated!

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

This sounds like a fungal infection.

Culture of the flakes or scrapings of the involved area may help ascertain the diagnosis.Try to keep the area dry at all times.Fungal infections may present with itchiness, redness and scaling.The well demarcated red border of a fungal infection may differentiate this from a dermatitis.

Have this assessed by your physician.Avoid sharing any towels and wear light cotton underpants.Use only  mild and bland cleanser in washing the area.

[concerneddotcom]

thank you Vanessa, i have no lesions anywhere else on my body.
the condition is very itchy and the lesions switch between white and flaky and red and sore.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You describe the skin condition as recurrent ,flaky, dry and white patches in the penile shaft and in the underside of the scrotum ( is this correct?).

Differentials for this will be a fungal infection, a contact dermatitis,allergic dermatitis,irritant dermatitis , and a psoriatic lesion.

Do you have any similar lesions in other parts of the body?

I suggest that you get a second opinion for your case.Fungal infections, dermatitis and psoriasis all respond to corticosteroids.For the meantime, a culture of the scales or flakes may help ascertain the diagnosis of your skin condition.

Refrain from any sexual activity for the moment until a diagnosis has been made.