HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Have Red Ring Around The Head Of Penis Causing Irritation. Started As Pimple, Applied Neosporin. Suggest?

default
Posted on Thu, 5 Sep 2013
Question: There is a red ring around the head of my penis, that is very sensive. I have not had sex in quite some time so this is really baffling as to what could be causing the irritation. A week or so ago it started as a pimple on my shaft in which I applied neosporin too, Pimple has cleared up and now left with this red ring. Almost as if its bleeding and the skin is very thin.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You are most likely having an infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX

From your description, the most likely cause of the skin lesion is an infection which could be due to fungi, bacteria or viral. You could be having a bout of herpes infection (which normally is usually painless unless super infected by bacteria or fungi). Neosporin is an antibiotics used mostly for bacteria infection and even though you applied and it seemed to work, could not be responsible for the initial pimple clearing up, but rather the lesion is trying to clear up on its own.
It would have been much useful if you included a photo of the lesion so I might try to distinguish which infection is responsible as the treatment will depend on that as if fungi then you require antifungi and if viral you might need antiviral. Applying topical steroid creams generally can help (e.g hydrocortisone 0.05% cream). Make sure you see a dermatologist if the lesion persists for several more days to weeks.

Hope this helps and wish you the best.
Dr. Nsah
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Nsah Bernard (13 minutes later)
I've just taken a photo but not sure how to forwArd it on this forum.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (2 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
there is an attachment link

Detailed Answer:
Just check while replying to this message where you can include a photo.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Nsah Bernard (5 minutes later)
found the upload link 2 pictures should be attached.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Nsah Bernard (28 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I have seen the pictures

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for uploading.
This helps. The lesions look like a viral infection probably acyclovir cream (1 application twice daily until lesions disappear). Normally within a couple of days upon starting treatment they should clear off but in case they do not, then you need to start antifungi cream immediately as it is another less likely possibility looking at the lesions.
It is possible that you may not be able to get acyclovir OTC so it will be best if you see a doctor or alternatively use topical steroid such as hydrocortisone or betamethasone cream.

Hope this helps further.
Dr. Nsah
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Nsah Bernard

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1704 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Have Red Ring Around The Head Of Penis Causing Irritation. Started As Pimple, Applied Neosporin. Suggest?

Brief Answer:
You are most likely having an infection

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for posting on XXXXXXX

From your description, the most likely cause of the skin lesion is an infection which could be due to fungi, bacteria or viral. You could be having a bout of herpes infection (which normally is usually painless unless super infected by bacteria or fungi). Neosporin is an antibiotics used mostly for bacteria infection and even though you applied and it seemed to work, could not be responsible for the initial pimple clearing up, but rather the lesion is trying to clear up on its own.
It would have been much useful if you included a photo of the lesion so I might try to distinguish which infection is responsible as the treatment will depend on that as if fungi then you require antifungi and if viral you might need antiviral. Applying topical steroid creams generally can help (e.g hydrocortisone 0.05% cream). Make sure you see a dermatologist if the lesion persists for several more days to weeks.

Hope this helps and wish you the best.
Dr. Nsah