I think skin is irritated?

[mcmark]

Hello, i am 18 years old and about 2 weeks ago, i started to get this red spots on my penis. The first one its about half the size of the head of the penis and the second one is under the head and wraps half way around the foreskin. The skin looks irritated, they don't look like pimples or anything because its flush with the skin. It looks like its red underneath the skin. It does not hurt when i touch it or pull the skin back, nor does it itch at all. Its just annoying to look at.
At first i thought it was a yeast infection because the skin got red and started to peel before, also it seemed to only happen after sex or master baiting. so i started to use tee tree oil on it because i heard it helps. It looked liked it was working, but then it came back and didn't disapear at all so i stopped using it. Then i switched to hydrocortisone and it works, the redness completely goes away until the affect wears off.
I also thought of it to be some sort of an STD because about 8 months ago, i had unprotected sex. If you could please give me your opinion on what it could be, it would be much appreciated. I know i should go in to see a doctor, but with my work schedule its pretty much impossible until i can get time off.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Without examination, confirmation of a diagnosis is tough but this red patch can be due to friction rub or chaffing. Wash the areas several times with fresh water. 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 antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist and get chronic diseases like eczema or psoriasis 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.

[mcmark]

any help would be much appreciated.