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What Causes Irritating Dry Patch On Penis?

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Posted on Mon, 16 May 2016
Question: I have what started as a dry patch on my penis, and is now red, irritated and sensitive to any soaps or lotions. I have been to the doctor and he prescribed an oral antibacterial, but it has only worsened. It has been going on for a few weeks now and appears to be getting worse by the day. I have pictures I can upload for better clarification of what is going on.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Yeast/fungal infection the most likely cause for your presentation sir

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I would like to state a few simple facts your doctor should have noticed:

+Antibiotics not helping
+Antibiotics made the condition worse
+Sexually active

In my opinion, from the information at hand and also the images, I strongly suspect a fungal/yeast infection which resulted from either of the following:

+Leaving the region wet after sexual intercourse (not washing and/or drying the region after intercourse)
+Leaving the condom on your penis and falling asleep after intercourse
+Hot and humid climate where you live, due to which a lot of sweat accumulation takes place
+Poor general hygiene

I would recommend the following sir:

+Application of clotrimazole cream over the region twice daily for the next 4 weeks (to be applied over a dry and clean region)
+Avoid sexual contact for at least a month
+Avoid masturbation for at least 2 weeks
+Avoid leaving the region wet at any time
+If it is hot and/pr humid where you live then please carry an extra change of inner wear, which you should change around mid day
+Keep the region dry and clean at all times
+Shower at least once a day, and dry your genitalia well enough after your shower
+Stay in a well ventilated room at all times
+Avoid application of too much lotion and cream (which prevents the region from drying off, which is best for it)
+Use on clotrimazole cream and nothing else
+One tablet of 150 mg fluconazole to be taken orally; and 1 more tablet to be taken in 1 weeks time (total of 2 tablets, not more)

Moist and wet environments are best suited for fungus to thrive, and by going about all the things I mentioned as possible causes, you promote their growth and sustenance. So make sure you allow the region to dry, and use the cream and tablet as mentioned.

I hope you find my response helpful sir. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 minutes later)
Would i need yo schedule an appointment with my Primary care physician to receieve a prescription for flucanazole or is it something i can get at my local pharmacy like walgreens or cvs?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (3 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Most probably may require a prescription, if you are in the USA

Detailed Answer:
Hello once again sir.

The answer to that question actually differs from region to region; I was born in the Gulf and out there you do not need a prescription to get your hands on fluconazole despite the all drugs need a prescription-rule; I am from XXXXXXX and have worked there as well and out there you can get anything you want without a prescription, similarly in Russia (where I currently reside). But guessing from the Walgreens you reside in the US of A, where you may require a prescription for fluconazole; but you can try with a medical store first and only then schedule an appointment with your doctor. But do initiate the clotrimazole application until then.

Best wishes.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shoaib Khan (2 minutes later)
Okay, and to be more clear with how the irritation started, it started as a friction burn and has appeared to have just gotten worse with time
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Best of luck :)

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

A friction burn would generally require antibiotic coverage, but as a rule, too many antibiotics can lead to a fungal/yeast infection due to an imbalance, which I am guessing is what resulted.

Don't worry about that now, try the treatment I have suggested and lets hope all goes well. Keep in touch, so I know it helped.

Best wishes.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

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

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

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What Causes Irritating Dry Patch On Penis?

Brief Answer: Yeast/fungal infection the most likely cause for your presentation sir Detailed Answer: Hello sir and welcome. Thank you for writing to us. I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I would like to state a few simple facts your doctor should have noticed: +Antibiotics not helping +Antibiotics made the condition worse +Sexually active In my opinion, from the information at hand and also the images, I strongly suspect a fungal/yeast infection which resulted from either of the following: +Leaving the region wet after sexual intercourse (not washing and/or drying the region after intercourse) +Leaving the condom on your penis and falling asleep after intercourse +Hot and humid climate where you live, due to which a lot of sweat accumulation takes place +Poor general hygiene I would recommend the following sir: +Application of clotrimazole cream over the region twice daily for the next 4 weeks (to be applied over a dry and clean region) +Avoid sexual contact for at least a month +Avoid masturbation for at least 2 weeks +Avoid leaving the region wet at any time +If it is hot and/pr humid where you live then please carry an extra change of inner wear, which you should change around mid day +Keep the region dry and clean at all times +Shower at least once a day, and dry your genitalia well enough after your shower +Stay in a well ventilated room at all times +Avoid application of too much lotion and cream (which prevents the region from drying off, which is best for it) +Use on clotrimazole cream and nothing else +One tablet of 150 mg fluconazole to be taken orally; and 1 more tablet to be taken in 1 weeks time (total of 2 tablets, not more) Moist and wet environments are best suited for fungus to thrive, and by going about all the things I mentioned as possible causes, you promote their growth and sustenance. So make sure you allow the region to dry, and use the cream and tablet as mentioned. I hope you find my response helpful sir. Please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help. Best wishes.