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Why Have I Got A Rash On My Penis When I'm Taking Doxycycline?
Question: I'm taking doxycycline - 100 mg twice daily and have developed a rash on my penis. I have two days before I finish the medication. Is there a topical ointment that I can apply to combat the rash?
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Without seeing the rash, I can only speculate, but there are a few main possibilities for it. The first is an allergic reaction to the antibiotic, but it would be unusual to get a drug reaction/allergic rash only on the penis.
A second possibility is that it is a yeast or fungal overgrowth on the skin. Antibiotics can kill of the good bacteria in the gut as well as on the skin, which sometimes allows opportunists like yeast to overgrow because they aren't being kept in check by the good bacteria. Treatment in that case would be to apply over the counter anti yeast/antifungal cream such as Laminal (terbinifine) for a week.
Wear loose fitting cotton underwear that allow for air to the skin, and pat the area dry with a separate towel after bathing and then dry further with a hair dryer on low setting if you have one. If you get sweaty such as after exertion, make sure to wash and dry off. Avoid alcohol and a lot of sweets or simple carbohydrates (starches) right now, and consider eating yogurt or taking a probiotic. Avoid intercourse until the rash is gone.
All of that is if the rash looks like yeast which I can't say for sure.
If the rash is only at the opening (meatus) of the penis, it can be from local irritation from the antibiotic, but I am guessing that is not what is going on or you would likely have provided that detail.
If the rash is quite irritated and red, consider going in to have it seen in person by a doctor to make sure it isn't a bacterial infection of the skin, although your being on doxycycline would typically prevent that.
I hope this information is of some use to you. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Without seeing the rash, I can only speculate, but there are a few main possibilities for it. The first is an allergic reaction to the antibiotic, but it would be unusual to get a drug reaction/allergic rash only on the penis.
A second possibility is that it is a yeast or fungal overgrowth on the skin. Antibiotics can kill of the good bacteria in the gut as well as on the skin, which sometimes allows opportunists like yeast to overgrow because they aren't being kept in check by the good bacteria. Treatment in that case would be to apply over the counter anti yeast/antifungal cream such as Laminal (terbinifine) for a week.
Wear loose fitting cotton underwear that allow for air to the skin, and pat the area dry with a separate towel after bathing and then dry further with a hair dryer on low setting if you have one. If you get sweaty such as after exertion, make sure to wash and dry off. Avoid alcohol and a lot of sweets or simple carbohydrates (starches) right now, and consider eating yogurt or taking a probiotic. Avoid intercourse until the rash is gone.
All of that is if the rash looks like yeast which I can't say for sure.
If the rash is only at the opening (meatus) of the penis, it can be from local irritation from the antibiotic, but I am guessing that is not what is going on or you would likely have provided that detail.
If the rash is quite irritated and red, consider going in to have it seen in person by a doctor to make sure it isn't a bacterial infection of the skin, although your being on doxycycline would typically prevent that.
I hope this information is of some use to you. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Good morning. I appreciate yesterday's timely response. I should have provided more detail in my email to you yesterday. The rash involves the head of the penis and the frenulum. The rash has become a little bit more troublesome this morning.
I have a tube of Triamcinolone Acetonide Vream USP. Could this be applied to the areas of irritation? I guess if all else fails I will make an appointment with my doctor, but hope I can clear this up without going in.
I hope you have a great day and look forward to your response.
I have a tube of Triamcinolone Acetonide Vream USP. Could this be applied to the areas of irritation? I guess if all else fails I will make an appointment with my doctor, but hope I can clear this up without going in.
I hope you have a great day and look forward to your response.
Brief Answer:
My thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid and while it will decrease inflammation and itching, it also suppresses the immune system locally and so if the problem is yeast (which I am thinking it is likely to be), then the yeast can grow more. Sometimes a steroid is used in combination with an anti yeast/antifungal cream if there is a lot of inflammation, but I don't think it would be a good idea to use it alone.
Better to try an over the counter anti yeast/antifungal like Lamisil.
My thoughts on this
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Triamcinolone is a corticosteroid and while it will decrease inflammation and itching, it also suppresses the immune system locally and so if the problem is yeast (which I am thinking it is likely to be), then the yeast can grow more. Sometimes a steroid is used in combination with an anti yeast/antifungal cream if there is a lot of inflammation, but I don't think it would be a good idea to use it alone.
Better to try an over the counter anti yeast/antifungal like Lamisil.
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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