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What Causes Redness And Irritation At The Base Of Penis?

Posted on Tue, 29 Dec 2015

Question: Hi I have been have redness and irritation at the base of penis near my pubes. This has been going on for a couple days now and I have noticed white creases/ thick lines that appear to be raised. Any Ideas what this could be? Infection? Herpes?

Background:
-unprotected sex 6 weeks ago,
-tested for stds 3 weeks after, all negative,
-had what thought was jock itch for past month in creases of crotch
-itch/burning has moved to upper pube area and redness around base of penis appeared along with white lines (shown in picture)
-itching and burning in upper pubic area (near waist band), and some internal pain in the upper pubic region
- have trimmed hair recently, do not know if this relevant
-have been using clotrimazole for a four days now and there has not been much improvement (was using jock itch cream before that for three days)

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Seborrheic dermatitis has to be ruled out

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM.
Thanks for posting your query.

I saw the pictures sent by you through HCM.
Your problem is neither related to any STD nor Herpes nor even fugal infection (Jock itch) nor intertrigo due to yeast.
It is just an irritation causing a dermatitis possibly due to condom or vagina secretion or due to seborrheic dermatitis or some other applications during hair trimming process.
Application of steroid creams with antihistamin would help you. Consult a Dermatologist and follow the treatment under his guidance.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (37 hours later)

Should I use both clotrimazole and hydocortisone on the effected areas?

Also what might be causing white scaly patches on the shaft of my penis?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Penile lesion could be due to Psoriasis.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
Scaly patches over your glans penis could be due to manifestations of genital psoriasis or Lichen planus. A close direct inspection by a Dermatologist only could be able to differentiate the same. So consult a Dermatologist and get well soon.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (2 hours later)

Also I have two red dots in mid pubic area. They are sore sporadically. What could these be?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Only by seeing the lesion, one can predict the possibilities.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
If it is a fresh one upload the picture. Possibility of hair folliculitis and herpes came to my mind. More than imagining the possibilities, inspection or examination of the lesion will always bring more correct diagnosis.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (7 minutes later)

I have uploaded the spot and another picture because the base of my penis has become itchy. Is there really any Chance this is herpes?

Thanks
Also what creams should I continue with

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Just a dermatitis. No evidence for Herpes

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
The clarity of the picture is good. I am not able to make out any red spots, rather I could make out an inflamed lesion at the root of penis. There is no sign of Herpes.
Just application of steroid cream with anti-histamine will relieve you. Consult a Dermatologist and get well soon.
Dr. S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (1 hour later)

Okay. One last question. I have uploaded two more photos. What could be causing this redness and the penis base? And what caused these two red spot in my pubic area?
Photos are now updated also what is this white patch on my penis shaft?

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Penile lesions are nothing but pearly penile papule. No harmful condition

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
The whitish papules arranged in rows are not infectious condition. Almost 85% of the people have this called as 'pearly penile papule' (PPP). Nothing to worry about the same. It has no clinical importance. It will persist but not harmful to you or your partner. Nothing to worry.
The red spot over pubic area not seems to Herpes as it is not a vesicle. It could be a folliculitis or early pustule. Sometimes disappear spontaneously. If not consult your dermatologist and get cured. Not related to STD/HIV.
Nothing serious.
Dr S.Murugan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (14 hours later)

Update: I went to the doctor today and she said it looked nothing like herpes and more like a infection and prescribed me and antibiotic.

As the day progressed I noticed the red irritation on my scrotum near the base of my penis was more red and look moist, this was not present at the doctor earlier so I ask what you think it could be.
I have attached a picture.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Sankaranantham Murugan (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Redness indicates dermatitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi, Welcome back.
I would like to know whether your doctor is a Dermatologist. If she is Dermatologist, then follow her advice. Otherwise seek the help of a Dermato-venereologist. In the picture it seems like dermatitis due to some irritation (herpes simplex could be a cause). Plain Dermatitis needs no antiviral drugs. Follow the advice of a Dermato-venereologist.
Dr S Murugan

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T