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What Causes Ring Shaped Lesion On Penis?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Aug 2015
Question: Hello,
I noticed a slight ring on the tip of my penis about a day ago. The ring doesn't itch, it doesn't cause any pains and it doesn't give off any liquids. The middle of the ring is a little dry and the skin on the edges are slightly raised. I tried picked off the dry skin and some of it tore into unaffected skin and that was when I felt a slight pain with a small bleeding but that stopped almost immediately. Without the dry skin, the ring almost feels like my skin and it's quite difficult to see unless I squeeze the head of the penis or have an erection.

Three days before this however, I had sex with my girlfriend and she is the only one I have had sex with over the past three months. It was unprotected. We both screened for STIs about a month ago before taking our relationship to this new stage. Now she's a bit disturbed and told me she's been battling a yeast infection for a while now.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Annular Variety of Lichen Planus; Topical Mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image.

I can clearly see a ring shaped lesion/ annular lesion on glans of your penis.

This type of presentation is quite typical of Annular variety of Lichen Planus which is common on genitalia i.e glans

This is not related to sexual contact Or an STI and is certainly not due to yeast infection.

Lichen planus is a steroid responsive dermatosis; I would suggest you to apply a topical moderately potent steroid e.g Mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment Or Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment, once or twice daily for 2-3 weeks.

Topical steroids are prescription medications and should always be used under supervision of a dermatologist. Kindly visit a dermatologist in your vicnity for a confirmatory diagnosis as well as for the needful

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (26 hours later)
Hello,

Thanks for your quick response. I have seen a dermatologist and shared my discussions with you with him. He however, prescribed a different drug for me to use (Aciclovir 5%). He didn't perform any tests he just observed the rash. He wants me to see him after 5 days so he can assess the progress. I am a bit confused now.

Considering the nature of the rash, does it have any health effects on me? Would it resolve on its own if I leave it to be? How long is it likely take if it would resolve on its own. I think if it would resolve on its own, I wouldn't mind leaving it to let it be.

Thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Annular lichen planus; I would suggest topical moderately potent steroid

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Acyclovir 5% cream is a topical antiviral cream whereas I really don't think that this is genital herpes. Genital herpes does'nt present with ring shaped lesions on glans. Genital herpes usually presents with genital sores/ erosions and is an STD.

Did your dermatologist provide you with a provisional diagnosis Or any possibilities?? What does he thinks this is due to??
Though opinions can vary but I don't agree with this treatment however I advice you to follow up with your doctor after 5 days.

This presentation of lichen planus with an annular configuration is so typical at genital sites. Annular Lichen Planus may stay as it is and regress on its own after some time Or it may expand in size before regressing. This is something which is unpredictable. Otherwise it is not a dangerous condition.

However If I was the treating doctor than rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own I would have asked you to apply a topical steroid like I mentioned in my earlier reply i.e either triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% Or mometasone furoate 0.1% Or fluticasone propionate 0.05% which would help resolve it faster.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (3 days later)
Hello,

The rash is gradually expanding although it still doesn't itch. It's surface has however gotten a bit rougher or if I might say drier. I don't think the cream I was given (Aciclovir) works and I want to stop using it. The dermatologist I saw seems quite clueless if I might say. He's still insists I should finish the 5 days and see. I am really bothered about this issue now. Should I see a new dermatologist? If I'm able to get hold of the topical steroid how should I apply it.

Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Use topical steroid cream twice daily

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

You should use the steroid cream twice daily for 2 weeks initially and see how it goes and then follow up.

Can you upload the most recent image for comparison with the older one?

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)
I have uploaded the image. Hope it's still okay. As I saild, I still don't feel anything from it. Will try to get hold of the topical steroid. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Annular Lichen Planus

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

I have reviewed the new Image. My diagnosis remains the same i.e annular LP.

Regards
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
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Dr. Dr. Kakkar

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 9612 Questions

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What Causes Ring Shaped Lesion On Penis?

Brief Answer: Annular Variety of Lichen Planus; Topical Mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for writing to us I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Image. I can clearly see a ring shaped lesion/ annular lesion on glans of your penis. This type of presentation is quite typical of Annular variety of Lichen Planus which is common on genitalia i.e glans This is not related to sexual contact Or an STI and is certainly not due to yeast infection. Lichen planus is a steroid responsive dermatosis; I would suggest you to apply a topical moderately potent steroid e.g Mometasone furoate 0.1% ointment Or Triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% ointment, once or twice daily for 2-3 weeks. Topical steroids are prescription medications and should always be used under supervision of a dermatologist. Kindly visit a dermatologist in your vicnity for a confirmatory diagnosis as well as for the needful Regards