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Dyshidrosis spreading to penis

I have been long diagnosed with Dyshidrosis on the hands.  Treated with Clobetasol .05% I have had decent controlling results.  Over the last couple of years I notice flairs are a little more frequent covering a larger area and recently even moved to my feet and my penis.  I am scared and embarrassed as a 35 year old man.  Is clobetasol too strong for genitals?  Is there another option my dermatologist hasn't considered?
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Avatar universal
dyshydrosis, also known as dyshydrotic eczema, results from too much handwashing, constant soaps, or irritant chemicals applied to your skin. I had it for a about a week, but took antihistamines for it(i believe it caused it).
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Avatar universal
I had this condition diagnosed around 12 years ago when I started getting these blisters on the soles of my feet which caused discomfort when I walked. I had noticed them on the edges and between my fingers for some time before that, but didn't take any action as they didn't cause me any discomfort and were virtually unseen. I have never taken any creams or oral medication for this condition as I prefer to let nature take its course. They go away for long periods, but return just before I travel (which I find stressful) or shortly after arriving in Thailand (seasonal change).
However, like 'of course', I have just had my first outbreak of similar blisters on my penis which started 2 days before travelling. I didn't link this outbreak to my hands and feet condition, instead thinking that I had herpes or some other STD!
Too worried not to do anything, I went to a Thai doctor and with only a photo of the infected area and a description of my other symptoms. She diagnosed dyshydrosis, alternatively known as pompholyx which my doctor had diagnosed 12 years earlier. She gave me a steroid cream to apply to the infected area.
I sincerely hope this is my first and last penal outbreak. I will be travelling far less in the future and have settled in Thailand so seasonal changes will occur less frequently too. Time will tell.
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563773 tn?1374246539
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Hello,
Clobetasol is a high potency steroid and should be used only after a dermatologist’s prescription only. For dyshidrotic eczema, Wash the areas several times with fresh water. Do not use any cosmetic products at the sites. You can apply some calamine lotion at the rash as it will help in soothing the skin. You can take some OTC oral antihistamine medications like Benadryl or Claritin and see if it helps.

For mild-moderate eczema a weak steroid may be used (e.g. hydrocortisone as dermacort), whilst more severe cases require a higher-potency steroid. Eczema can be exacerbated by dryness of the skin. Use good quality moisturizers to prevent moisture loss from the skin and try avoiding eczema triggers.

If still the symptoms do not improve then please get a clinical examination done by a dermatologist. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.


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