Penis still raw

[Onnoc]

I have had a problem with the underside of the lower right portion of the head of my penis being raw.  It comes and goes but it has been around this time for about a month and a half.  I got back from a trip and was with my girlfriend and the friction from the pants caused it once more.  We have been away for three weeks again, so no sexual contact, but she is due to visit me in a month and the problem persists.  I believe it is not going away due to my physical activities.  It is Slow-Pitch Softball season, along with the gym, cardio and going to the beach.  With it being the sensitive area that it is, and constant changing of size, what is the best suggestion to do to rid of this problem?  Or should I just keep dealing with it til the fall months when there is less on my plate?  Thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
To prevent chafing, apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly to your thighs and wear clothing that serves as a barrier between layers of skin (athletic tights or cycling shorts).Avoid coarse clothing and wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin and clothing that is free of moisture, dried sweat, chemicals, dirt and other debris.

Also apply calamine lotion on the skin that has already chafed. If the symptoms are sever then apply a mild steroid cream on the rash.

I hope it helps. Take care and regards.

[Onnoc]

I appreciate the help.  I seen a doctor for it the first time it happened as I had thought I some how got herpes from some other means than sex.  I had been with no partners for the previous 28 months when it first happened. The doctor said no, not herpes, and to wear more constricting undergarments when playing soccer. So this time when it arrived I did not bother to go to the doctor.  I will try the cotton undergarments as I wear UnderArmour and Exoficio day in and day out at the moment.  I'm going to get Burt's Bees Doctor Burt's Res-Q Ointment and try that for a while to see if it helps.  Once again, thank you.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to chafing skin. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. Also wear cotton undergarments. Application of mild corticosteroid cream and oral antihistaminics like Benadryl and Claritin are also helpful. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist and get fungal infection ruled out.

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.