eczema on penis/scrotum

[Flummoxed]

After using hydrocortisone two months ago for approx. ten days to clear up an itchy rash (which stopped itching thankfully), the skin on my scrotum and penis feels damp and tacky to the touch, more sensitive than before and too soft (velvety, like a baby's...) all the time. Yuk.

There is no more itching, but the penis skin especially does not feel "normal".  Some relief from the damp feeling (but not the skin softness or oversensitivity) is afforded by letting the affected parts hang out in the fresh air, but not being a naturist, I am forced to cover up most days.

Can you please explain what is going on and recommend a prescription medicine or ointment and skin care regimen that might give my parts back their old, dry, strong skin, regular sensitivity feeling?  Thanks.

Possible Contributing Factor:  Being single, I often (5-7 times per week) pleasure myself using Lubriderm or Vaseline.  Could this be contributing to my symptoms and do you recommend I use a different or no lubricant?

Thanks in advance for your advice and for your excellent forum.

Sincerely,

Flummoxed

[Januaryfreakout]

Your "tacky" "moist" descrition is just what I am experiencing - and sometimes it seems a bit "glossy" looking - especially the glans. Also I have noticed my glans seems to be more red sometimes. Just the top - and you can see a red dot on the glans somtimes - it may be there in the morning and when I look at noon the redness is gone and it looks pretty normal - then in the evening it may be a bit red again. I began thinking mild herpes breakout but it never "goes away" I t may be here today gone tomorrow then back the next for awhile.

But generally the "tacky" feeling of my penis is usually there - by the way the reason I am looking through these forums is because I have Musculum and these penis "issues" seemed to start up around when my MC started - roughly 4 1/2 months ago   -  any ideas?

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Based on your description, I'm really not sure there's anything wrong with your skin.  Perhaps it just feels a little sensitive after the irritation you treated, apparently successfully, with hydrocortisone.  I don't think your choice of moisturizer is at fault.  My advice is just to ignore these sensations, which almost certainly mean nothing.  The more you focus on them, the longer your skin is likely to feel weird.   If you need additional reassurance, you'll need to consult a doctor in person, but if you do, don't be surprised if you hear the same opinion....

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff

[Flummoxed]

The Hydrocortisone I used was generic 1% anti-itch cream.