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What Causes Severe Itching On The Penis?
Question: I have started sexual relations after having lost my wife to cancer approximately 2 years ago. I am 70 and my partner is 63 and has also not been sexually active for over 2 years. Our last time together was on Sunday and by monday afternoon I began to experience itching on the tip of my penis and the area was red. I am diabetic and also take medications for high blood pressure and cholestoral. I normally shower in the morning and yesterday I did not until the afternoon. What do you recommend?
Brief Answer:
Information.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am glad to hear that you have found someone to be close with.
The itching may be from yeast overgrowth, or may be from irritation if there was inadequate lubrication.
Treatment for yeast: you can try clotrimazole cream which is sold over the counter. Usually this is applied for 7 days. I would not use Neosporin, which is an antibiotic and will not help for yeast.
In the future, use lubricants such as Astroglide, to help decrease excess friction.
And after intercourse, rinse your genitals off. If showering is impractical then, use a wash cloth, plain soap, and warm water.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Information.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I am glad to hear that you have found someone to be close with.
The itching may be from yeast overgrowth, or may be from irritation if there was inadequate lubrication.
Treatment for yeast: you can try clotrimazole cream which is sold over the counter. Usually this is applied for 7 days. I would not use Neosporin, which is an antibiotic and will not help for yeast.
In the future, use lubricants such as Astroglide, to help decrease excess friction.
And after intercourse, rinse your genitals off. If showering is impractical then, use a wash cloth, plain soap, and warm water.
I hope this information helps. Please let me know if I can provide further information.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What is "yeast overgrowth" and if it is that, should my partner also be having similar symptoms. So far, she is not reporting any symptoms, although she is very pro-active in maintaining proper hygiene.
By the way Dr., this is my first time using this service and I'm finding it very helpful. I also appreciate your prompt and considerate reply.
By the way Dr., this is my first time using this service and I'm finding it very helpful. I also appreciate your prompt and considerate reply.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Without seeing the rash or irritated area, it is hard to say for sure, but yeast is a possibility. We all have yeast on our skin, it is an opportunist, and sometimes it can take hold and grow.
It's possible, if the problem is yeast, that you got it from your partner, even if she has excellent hygiene and has noticed no symptoms.
Whether she needs to be treated depends on whether we are sure that that is the problem.
If lack of lubrication was an issue, that may have predisposed you to infection or it may just be an irritation from the friction. My guess is that it is both, but again, I am just guessing here from the history you provided and my experience with people I see.
If today you are still having itching, then I would recommend the anti-yeast medicine. And in the future, to use lubricant and wash off right after. It may not recur.
If it does recur, however, I recommend seeing a doctor in person to confirm what the problem is, and then both of you being treated.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Without seeing the rash or irritated area, it is hard to say for sure, but yeast is a possibility. We all have yeast on our skin, it is an opportunist, and sometimes it can take hold and grow.
It's possible, if the problem is yeast, that you got it from your partner, even if she has excellent hygiene and has noticed no symptoms.
Whether she needs to be treated depends on whether we are sure that that is the problem.
If lack of lubrication was an issue, that may have predisposed you to infection or it may just be an irritation from the friction. My guess is that it is both, but again, I am just guessing here from the history you provided and my experience with people I see.
If today you are still having itching, then I would recommend the anti-yeast medicine. And in the future, to use lubricant and wash off right after. It may not recur.
If it does recur, however, I recommend seeing a doctor in person to confirm what the problem is, and then both of you being treated.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I saw an urgent care doctor today and he suspects that it might be a soft tissue infection. I have begun a 10 day course of Cephalexin 500mg and a once a day application of Ketoconazole 2% cream. I had to wash the cream off after about 5 hours as the area became even more uncomfortable and itchy. I have sensitive skin and a tendency to react to harsh chemicals and wonder if an over-the-counter may not be as harsh. The doctor also ordered a blood panel and urine sample to check for STDs as a precaution. I should have the lab work results by the end of the week. Do you have any other recommendations.
Brief Answer:
Information
Detailed Answer:
Here are my thoughts on this based on what you wrote here:
With rashes, unless you can send a very good quality picture, it's best to go in to be seen in person, as you did.
The urgent care doctor is covering you for all possibilities:
Oral Cephalexin will treat a soft tissue bacterial infection (cellulitis).
Ketoconazole 2% cream is good for most yeast and fungal overgrowth/infections.
STDs are the other possibilities.
So my guess is that he was not entirely sure and is therefore covering your for everything.
Bacterial soft tissue infections are usually not especially itchy. They are hot to the touch and tender and usually very red.
Ketoconazole is a good broad spectrum anti yeast/antifungal medication, but if you aren't tolerating it, you can try over the counter clotrimazole cream.
As you mention you have sensitive skin, is it possible you are having an allergic reaction to a lubricant that you used?
Another thought is that since you are taking an oral antibiotic now, consider taking a probiotic too, to maintain normal gut flora. Space the time between them by at least an hour.
Information
Detailed Answer:
Here are my thoughts on this based on what you wrote here:
With rashes, unless you can send a very good quality picture, it's best to go in to be seen in person, as you did.
The urgent care doctor is covering you for all possibilities:
Oral Cephalexin will treat a soft tissue bacterial infection (cellulitis).
Ketoconazole 2% cream is good for most yeast and fungal overgrowth/infections.
STDs are the other possibilities.
So my guess is that he was not entirely sure and is therefore covering your for everything.
Bacterial soft tissue infections are usually not especially itchy. They are hot to the touch and tender and usually very red.
Ketoconazole is a good broad spectrum anti yeast/antifungal medication, but if you aren't tolerating it, you can try over the counter clotrimazole cream.
As you mention you have sensitive skin, is it possible you are having an allergic reaction to a lubricant that you used?
Another thought is that since you are taking an oral antibiotic now, consider taking a probiotic too, to maintain normal gut flora. Space the time between them by at least an hour.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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