red, shiny, dry skin on penis

[ced21]

I've had these red, shiny areas on my penis for about 3 months now. The skin is smooth, dry and not raised or thick. It will look al little better at times, then get worse again. I've tried Hydrocortesone cream, Lotrimin AF ,and plain lotion. Nothing seems to help. Any ideas? Picture attached...

[ced21]

Well, finally made it to a dermatologist.

He diagnosed Zoon's Balanitis and gave me some Desonide .05% cream.

After 2 weeks, it's almost 100% cleared up, finally, after over a year!

[ced21]

Hi Krotosor,

My symptoms are still pretty much the same as my last post.
My penis doesn't look as bad as the photo, but it's by no means 100% gone.
I've tried several different anti fungal topicals, and none seem to work. I've also tried Bactitracin antibiotic cream, which seemed to help a little at first, but know I'm not too sure. Still have some discoloration on the glans, but the shaft isn't bad right now, but the skin still doesn't look normal. It's been close to a year since this started....
I go back to the doctor in about a week, see what else we can come up with.

[Oh_So]

I have the same symptoms i think. I just took a picture. How do i upload it to compare. Ive had this problem and it has been reocurring for years. I am uncircumcised, as well. My partners have never gotten anything from me, but it bothers me and I would like to know how to fix it.

[ced21]

As an update (for anybody searching in the future) this appears to have been a yeast infection. Don't know how I got it, as I'm circumcised, all sex partners had no symptoms, and , believe me, I wash the hell out of this area!
After 6 months of various degrees of redness, I finally went to the doctor,and he took about 30 seconds to prescribe fluconazole tablets (listed as treatment for vaginal candida),along with using lotrimin. Symptoms showed improvement in 24 hrs. I'll update as necessary...

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to friction rub or fungal infections. 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 and use non perfumed mild soaps. 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 a biopsy skin done.

I hope it helps . Take care and regards.

[Johnkepler2019]

Just to rule this out, has everyone with this condition or anyone been tested for trichomoniasis? That's the one sti I see no mention of that antibiotics and anti fungals won't cure. Just wanted to make sure someone has ruled that out.

[Kofi2444]

I am facing the same problem for four months now i've used antibiotics creams for all this times but no solutions I don't even no what to do now

[ptdoc]

I too had the same dilemma over the course of several months, closer to a year perhaps. no extramarital encounters, other than i have allergy to latex, and i don't recall using  condom, but i have used a cream for enhancement. Since then I developed redness, shiny, peeling skin of my penile head. Sought dermatologist input and said it is dryness from lack of lubrication during sex or masturbation [was so embarrassed to see a doctor and show a male doctor my penis]. Prescribed protopic but didn't eradicate the issue but soothe the redness not the dryness.
Tried anti fungal, man oil, shea and all did not deliver resolution.
Last week I tried Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1% and shea butter over the cream. 2 days treatment twice daily delivered significant change. Im on my 5th day, and penis head feels spongy again, not dry, no redness, no flakes/peeling...even after sex.
I was prescribed Triamcinolone for skin irritation to my lower leg [got dermatitis-like irritation from a rental wet suit when I scuba dive], and decided to try it out over my penile skin. [after reading and searching for articles for what it treats and effects].

[mmmxxx2017]

I'm three months into this issue. It fluctuates all the time from one issue to another. Sometimes patchy, sometimes textured, sometimes smooth/shiny, sometimes inflamed/red on foreskin in particular.
Bentovane topical steroid can help to reduce inflammation - but then it comes back just as bad or worse (redder!).
I'm also concerned with skin thinning as the skin layer of my glans peeled off entirely one time. :(
I'm STD free (full blood, urine and swab, twice tested), not diabetic, can't be thrush as I've been topically and orally treated for that twice and it did nothing.
I think I'm resigned to the fact this will always cause me issues. It's mentally depressing and physically uncomfortable.
Hopefully my dermatologist appointment in five weeks will help, but from the extensive research I've done I suspect they'll go down the usual routes rather than thinking outside the box.

[YaoiSavage101]

Ok I know EXACLY what this is cuz I get it normally now don't judge but it is only a consequence of materbating. Using body wash and spit to masterbate, u will get that shiny dry skin that we have. IT IS NOT AN INFETION NOMATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAY! And even if u use a "no burning" cream,(since this isn't an infection) IT WILL BURN BAD. Now this redness only occurrs if u finish and u don't wash it off. After 8 hours(even if u took a shower 1 hour after finishing) u will start to notice a little red and sensitive spots on/under the head of the penis. DONT MATERBATE AT THIS TIME! If u do then it will hurt when ur head touches ur breephs. Now after that goes away, if u continue with masterbating right away, with the same stuff u will get this red dry skin on the **** and sack. No cream will help so use loose boxers and shorts as much as possible and normally wash the private well UNTILL it's gone. Wait 3 week before master bating and then u r good to go.
CYA

[rnp7778]

hey guys i figured the problem and have solution after 10 yrs of suffering !!  for years usually every summer or twicea yr id get red shiny patches that eventually flake up where the head meets the shaft . i got tested for every std . doctors its embarrasing to show a rash on ur penis and then get all kinda tests .. if u dont have thrush or a candidas which is diff but some szymtoms  male yeast infection !!  whats happening is your penis is rubbing against your boxers and when ur sweating u get a type of road rash or chafing .. i tried everythimg .. heres what works .. wash penis and dry thourough 2 xs a day.. if u r going to be out working sweating   either get a condom or something latex like to protect ur penis from rubbing against underwear this is vital for healing process ..  when u get home wash area put bacitracin/triple antibiotic on affexte area . u can also use jock itch spray /tolfanate too . ur penis heals from inside out its sensitive skin .. in 7 days i am almost completely cured !!! so wash twice a day .. when workjing protect ur penis with latex /bandage condom w ever .. use hydrocortisone cream /antibiotic / tolfanate when home and let it air out .. u will never have to be embarrassed again when with girl or just the discomfort !!  let me know how it works.. i guarantee u will start healing after 4 to 7 days instead of months

[usmin87]

Hey guys..i was one of the readers of this post..i also had same stuff as told in this thread..haunted me for a month..when i finally gave up and went to a dermatologist..i am fully recovered now..
it was a fungal infection (after testing)..skin was shredding like powder from scortrum, underneath my penis and sides under my thighs and it stunk terrible when i undress..
i did break my bank for the check up but with little regret..as i healed myself 50% prior by washing the area 2 times a day and sit just in my tshirt in front of a fan every freaking day (just did not allow sweating in that area) as much as i could..thats how i recovered myself (Note: Healing was really slow)..visiting the dermatologist was a game changer..within 2 days it started clearing up..i wish i could tell the medicine names as i dont know myself because they were unlabelled (2 creams day and night)  and some tablets..i`ve just come back here to tell you guys on how i handled it..WARNING: I f*cked up my infection by using steroid cream PLEASE don't do that..You`ll regret

[Avicenna78]

I got it too, I think it started 2 months ago where the head became very sensitive during oral sex but no redness was observed! In the past two weeks, I didn't have sex. However, two red patches emerged and the hand creams/vaselin didnt help. Started searching online and found this forum and few others in different languages as am trilengual - similarly, you find different analyses and advices! Intrestingly, I couldn't finf any accurate diagnosis, which makes it very challenging and interesting to me. A question to all who has it and reading my messge now, do you guys have intenstinal disorders/ stomach gases?

[Goodfella70]

That's funny you ask that cause yes I do have those issues too. Are these a part of the penis problem?

[CastIronSink]

Hi.

I have recently dealt with this issue and I'd like to share my experience.

I had the same symptoms many of mentioned here. My skin on my penis would be read, sometimes dry and sometimes shiny.  If my wife and I had sex or if I masturbated, the next day my penis would be swollen and it would hurt.  This was a problem for almost three months.

After researching it on the internet, I thought I had a fungal issue or a male yeast infection.  I got over the counter anti-fungal creams and they did nothing.  I went the natural route and tried Tea Tree and watered down vinegar.  Again, nothing.

Then I heard about penile psoriasis which has a lot of the same symptoms, so I tried medicine for that.  I bought Cortizon-10 at the drug store and I saw a difference within 24 hours.  Seriously.

Now, you have to be careful when using Cortizon-10.  That stuff basically takes a layer of skin off and your penis has thinner skin than the rest of your body.  They say you can use it up to four times a day, but I wouldn't do that on your penis.

Here is what I did:  

I put it on after I took a shower in the morning and at night before I went to bed.  I did this for two days.  After that, to make sure I didn't overdue it with the Cortizon-10, I started putting Aquaphor on my penis in the morning after the shower and then put Cortizon-10 on at night.

This has worked for me VERY well.  Here is the thing though, there is no cure for penile psoriasis.  If this is what you have, penile psoriasis will come and go for the rest of your life.  But now you have a plan on how to keep under control.

[CastIronSink]

Sorry, obviously I meant the word "red"

[WorriedWart2]

Anyone have any more info on this?

[Superwhuffo]

I have the same thing going on. Red and shinny skin around the head where the forskin would normally be. Went to doctor and gave me prescription for Nystatin..for yeast infection..yet I told her no burming or itching.. This medicine is NOT working because this is NOT caused by a yeast infection.

[Raydxb]

Hey guys
I had the same , I tried everything from Neosporin to Anti fungi cream and nothing worked , I also gave all blood tests for STD HIV
All negative so don't panic :)
After 9 months I went to another doctor he gave me a topical cream called ELIDEL %1
apply 2/3 times daily and after about 2 weeks you will get results , the shiny spot will be gone and it will have normal skin texture.
Hope this helps

[bigsquirt]

why did you say or youll be soory if you put  other creams on ? what will happen i use a type dr gave me years ago but it will go away in one day but comes back if i jack off with no lotion mostly dry skin issuues

[mikel83]

I used latrine af for jock itch and antifungal and it cleared up within 2 weeks applied 2times a day

[Serxel]

Hi Ced I have the same exact condition. It first started back in 2011 and I ignored it for about two years. It kept coming and going. So last September I went to see a dermatologist and one quick look, he said it was herpes and gave me antiviral medicine, at first it looked as though it treated it, but two packets later and it was still the same. So I went to see another doc, he said it wasn't herpes. He said it was 'lichen planus' and said there was no known cause or treatment. But I am not sure it is lichen planus either. Please tell me what it is, if you have found out.

[djlnc]

I had a smooth red patch that covered about a third of the head of my penis, and some spots on the shaft.  There was no itching or irritation.  After many months I asked my dermatologist about it and he prescribed betamethasone .1% cream for one month.  About ten days into it and the skin is pretty much back to normal.

[kesman]

Hi Ced. I suspect I have the same thing as you had, but cannot be sure without a picture. Can you upload it to some image sharing website, because it is not showing on this page. Thanks!

[Elparsi]

A couple of more comments:
1. Ointments for balanitis or psoriasis do help because 'itis' or inflammation is caused by the internal 'pitta'(fire) element of the body.
2. Also refrain from alcohol, especially hard liquor and wines with high tannins; beer is often ok.Different people have different  tolerance levels, so u need to figure yours.
The important  thing is to understand the relationship of yr food to yr body (& especially in our caees, to the penile glans :-)).
Bathing yrself in moonlight on a full moon night (just like sunbathing) & walking in cool evening breeze also make a huge difference.
You may write to me on zeeji.***@****.

[Elparsi]

In my earlier post, I meant 'acyclovir' for herpes, not azythromycin. Sorry, typed this from my cell phone

[Elparsi]

Hello all,

I've gone through the 5 pages of responses to ced's question; & thought I should send this response. Bear with me if you find this a lengthy answer, but it's because the true answer lies in a completely different  paradigm of medicine than what we are used to. And yes, I have personally  experienced this problem for years, seen doctors and dermatologists and finally found the e 'cure' most accidentally  while taking a different kind of medication for seemingly unrelated issues.So,here we go...
The creams prescribed for this condition are all either anti-fungal, antibacterial, or 'conditioning' lotions. None if it works long term because the are the wrong answer in the first place. They are the wrong answer because the diagnoses of the "cause" is in itself incorrect - you Do NOT have yeast/fungal, infection, nor is the problem due to lack of 'skin conditioning'. In fact, some moisturizers may aggravate the condition due to chemicals. Cortisone works only because it suppresses symptoms by suppressing immune system response... if you have tried prescription arythromizine thinking it to be Herpes, you'll notice it only aggravates the situation.

Washing with cool/ regular tap water,and applying cooling gels like aloe Vera often reduces the inflammation and changes the color of the glans within minutes.

So, what's happening here? The answer can be found in the eastern system of medicine called ayurveda. Of the 3 'doshas'- vata (wind), pitta  (heat) & kapha (phlegm/ water) - it is the 'pitta' (body heat) that is excessive, and
causing the redness & irritation.... and itching, due to dryness caused by excess
heat. Why only the penis? Why not the whole body? Because this humor is just high enough to be seen in the most sensitive places (you may also show signs of smelly armpits),& what's more sensitive than the glans!! The fact that it then gets a coating of lightly acidic substance, urine, adds to the problem
(thus, if u shake/ wipe off well, you notice a difference).

This means, there is an IMBALANCE in yr body, but just enough to trouble in a certain tissue (a whole different part of the theory of eastern medicine).That imbalance is not sufficient to cause a full blown disease, nor is it enough to create conditions conducive to disease (like candida, herpes etc - in fact, these diseases caused by external agents get caused by the excess of water, and not by an excess of 'fire/ heat'  in the body).

Some of you may show higher liver enzyme levels of SGOT and SPGT (about 1.5-2 times normal) that yr doctor cannot explain, but cannot remedy either! Interesting isn't it?

SO, HERE'S THE ANSWER:

Issue isn't external (like infection). It is INTERNAL! So, the state of yr glans will be decided by the factors of yr daily life... and you can cure this problem only by understanding  yr body better. A few suggestons in the absence of an ability to actually prescribe mess here...
1. Refrain from green chillies, tabsaco sauce, even black pepper in some cases... sharp, pungent, penetrating substances will hit you worst. Refrain from oily + heavy foods like pepperoni  pizza !
Keep a strict vigil for 3-4 months, and you'll start identifying what doesn't suit your body.
2. Take warm water with lemon every morning.
3. Take cooling foods like cucumbers, cabbage/ coleslaw everyday. Watermelons are great too. Raise in take of white rice, milk and milk products (totally contrary to yeast infections), clarified butter  (ghee)
4. Pure aloe Vera gel, or clarified butter,helps to cool and soothe the area when in relapse.
5. DO NOT use any lotions, Don't soap rigorously... in fact, don't use soap at all (Neutrogena baby soap seems ok) but wash gently with cool water making sure u remove any smegma each morning.
6. Do a liver cleanse if possible (but not one that cleanses the fat), because the liver is often the source/ reservoir of heat in yr body.
7. Do gentle breathing exercises called 'pranayama', especially 'shitali' or 'shitkaari'... lots on youtube.
I know this doesn't sound like a 'solution' but it is the only true 'maintenance plan'. Most people would get great benefits, unless the issue has been chronic for years...
Feel free to write to me directly if u need any further specific suggestions.

[LRR19]

Is there a quick way to temporarily get rid of it. I've just started hanging out with girl who I really really like and we had sex the first night we hungout and no problem until the next morning when the red patchiness came back and has been back since. And now she wants to hangout again but I don't want her to see it. It seems like it only comes around a few times a year and I find sex usually aggravates it.  I would really appreciate some advice. Thanks a lot!