In late December 2007 I started to get red spots on the shaft of my penis. They are not clustered together, and they never seem to appear in the same place. There were no blisters, no fluid filled lesions, or anything like that. Went to my GP. He looked things over and told me he did not know what it was, but could tell me what it wasn't. He ruled out herpes and anything fungal or bacterial. Since then, I have had several more episodes, some lasting as long as a month. He prescribed a cortizone cream, which seemed to help, but presented problems of its own. After a few days of using the cream my skin would burn and feel very uncomfortable. He has since suggested that I take a break from the cream, and let things resolve themselves on their own. He now thinks it is some kind of contact dermatitis or eczema. They usually don't hurt, or anything. Sometimes they itch, or have some discomfort, but generally if it weren't for visually, I wouldn't even know they were there. We have switch to hypo-allergenic clothes detergent, fabric softener and I use soap that contains aloe. I also try to wear loose fitting underwear to sleep in at night.
Sometimes it is just a minor episode with 3-5 red spots. The latest episode has been continuing for about a month. It seems to get get worse with sexual activity, either with my wife or masterbation--usually showing up a day or two later. There is some itching and discomfort.
The latest episode has been the worst, with 20 spots, and general irritation and redness on the shaft, skin folds, and towards the base of my penis. The episodes seem to be increasing in frequency. they used to be 6 weeks or so apart, no it seems like they are only a week or so apart.
Any suggestions as to treatment or prevention to help ease my mind would be helpful.