redness & soreness

[concerned96]

I am an uncircumsized male in my mid twenties.  For the past 3 months I have noticed a redness and off and on soreness on my penis right above the foreskin and right below the head.  It's only on the left side of the penis and there are no other symptoms.  No burning, discharge, or open sores of any kind.  I went to the doctor and she said it didn't look like an std, and prescriped hydrocortisone cream for the irritation.  The cream has not helped and I am wondering if this is psoriasis, balantitis, or something of that nature?  The soreness seems to be more intense after masturbation so I was thinking it might be due to friction but after refraining for  a week or so, the redness still has not subsided.  Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The first and simplest possibility is of friction rub and dermatitis skin. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful apart from the steroid cream that your doctor has given. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist.

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.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The first and simplest possibility is of friction rub and dermatitis skin. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful apart from the steroid cream that your doctor has given. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist.

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.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The first and simplest possibility is of friction rub and dermatitis skin. Keep the area clean and apply some topical antiseptics. Also wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and use an antibacterial soap or mild soap like dove. Oral antiinflammatories like ibuprofen/acetaminophen are also helpful apart from the steroid cream that your doctor has given. If the symptoms are severe then it will be best to consult a dermatologist.

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.