dryness/cracking of glans penis

[wondering45]

Im a 21 year old healthy male.

I had a diagnosed ingrown hair in my pubic hair one day after losing my virginity. This made me paranoid. I began to wash my entire penis thouroughly with soap on a daily basis. I also sprayed my glans directly with the shower head. After I did this, I experienced some cracking and subtle discoloration/dryness.

To sum it up: the discoloration/dryness is very sublte and hard to notice at first glance. But, if you turn the penis, you can see the regular skin on the side and where it stops on the top/face of the glans. The cracks are mainly evident when erect. The skin around the bottom of my glans that my foreskin slightly covers when not erect is fine. It creates a slight ring illusion around the glans penis if you look down at it as if you're urinating. It is almost as if the little area of the glans covered by the foreskin keeps moisturized because it's covered. The condition is more noticeable when stimulated, mainly when masturbating. After masturbation, skin that is not irritated takes on a slightly pinkish color and the already irritated skin becomes slightly darker.

My questions are:

Is this anything serious?
What is the best way to help this go away?

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

This information does not change my opinion or advice.  This still doesn't sound like anything to worry about.  You should not apply cocoa butter or anything else.  See a doctor or clinic if you remain worried.  

I won't have any further comments.

[wondering45]

Thanks again Dr.

Though the condition is subtle,  it does become much more noticeable after stimilation. For example, I just showered, while in the shower, I noticed the color change to a pretty noticeable red. When I got out, it went back to the state it has been in for a few months.

I am trying to bring myself to making an appointment, but my doctor is very, very traditional and "old school," and I'm afraid he will think I am weird or crazy.

I will likely make an appointment after the holidays. I will report back after that.


Until then, would you suggest I do nothing to it? Since last night, I have been applying cocoa butter. Is there anything better that will have no detrimental effects, or should I just leave it alone? It really isn't bothersome and doesn't hurt or itch, just feels kind of sensitive.



Thanks for the help and happy holidays.

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

Welcome to the STD forum.  In your several discussions on the community forums last spring, you were correctly told that "you are worrying too much".  My sense is that you are continuing to do so, and I doubt anything is wrong.  Any appearance of the penile skin that is "very sublte and hard to notice at first glance" probably is not abnormal.  I'm only speculating, but I wonder whether you're just seeing natural changes of penile skin with increasing maturity.  Skin looks different close-up, whether on the penis or anywhere else, in people who mature beyond their teen years. Maybe this is all it is.  If you remain concerned, see a health professional.  But from your description, it is clear that no STD is responsible -- and my guess is that there is no way to "help this go away".

Feel free to report back after you have been professionally evaluated.  But in the meantime, I suggest not looking so hard.  Most people don't self-examine their penile skin and you probably shouldn't be doing it either.

Regards--  HHH, MD

[wondering45]

I would like to give thanks in advance.

Your time is very much appreciated.