Red rash on shaft of penis

[jazzzy]

About two or three months ago I woke up to find what looked like rug burns on the lower shaft of my penis, nothing large. Thinking nothing of it, I looked in my medicine cabinet and found a Zinc Oxide Ointment to treat minor skin irritations. I applied it once or twice and the rash was gone within a few days. But after that, I noticed that the area I had applied the ointment to had changed color, to a pale white/red blotch, almost like a scar. Ive been applying hydrocortisone 1% cream  every so often but that doesn't seem to help much at all, it makes the skin blend slightly more with the rest of my skin, but it becomes dry and the redness and paleness are still visible. Im 17 and haven't had sex.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Wishing you a speedy recovery.Regards.

[jazzzy]

It has been about two days and all I can say is WOW! The calamine lotion has made the mark almost completely disappear. I would say that in about two or three more days the skin will be completely normal again. Thankyou so much kindd! I will keep you posted in a few days.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Without examination,confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but it can be contact dermatitis,rash due to friction rub with clothes, dermatitis (atopic, contact, allergic),excessive sweating causing sweat dermatitis or balanitis(due to an underlying infection (bacterial and fungal as well as other organisms) .

You may try calamine lotion on the rash.You should also maintain hygiene and try to keep the area clean and dry, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing. Also use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove.Avoid any kind of cosmetics.You can also use a barrier cream with zinc oxide paste or calamine lotion or a mild steroid cream like dermacort on the rash.

If the symptoms persist then pls consult a dermatologist.
Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.Kind regards.