Guys, an update from me. I went to a dermatologist a couple of months ago and she prescribed me a drug called Piascledine (containing avocado oils) for 2 months and apart from the cream Banival I was already using, also Terproline EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor). I am drinking collagen sometimes, but the doctor said she is not sure if it reaches there where it is needed (I guess because of not too much research on the collagen supplements for skin, but still collagen doesn't really have any side effects, as far as I know).
Based on research on the internet before, I have found that protopic (tacrolimus) and ammonium lactate might cause thickening of the skin and the doctor confirmed that this is possible (it is actually a side effect of protopic), but since there are other potential side effects, she didn't prescribe those to me. Anyway, I can see an improvement from where I was before, so the healing process is ongoing.
I also occasionally get redness, but I don't see a correlation with friction, it just shows for a day and then later on disappears. I suppose that is because the capillaries are messed up by the corticosteroid (betamethasone) and based on what I read about it, it would take quite some time to go back to normal.
It's nearly 2 years and 6 months since I used thiscream. Hydrocortisone 1%. About 14 grammes. Mostly back to normal thankfully but here are some things that show, but still hopefully improving:
* glans can go red where the foreskin strikes the glans. Only happens with a lot of friction. And not always and goes back to normal faster than before.
* some wrinkles or uneven skin can show now and then but mostly fine.
* the foreskin was stretched. Still a little stretched. Seems to be more than normal still. Foreskin in area where the cream was used is also more pale.
* dead skin cells shredded off but not very often anymore. Will keep an eye on it.
* glans mostly looks exactly the same but can seem more pale which shows the redness/ pinkness from where venues were messed about.
* on the stretched foreskin semen can seem to become kind of trapped after ejaculation. Then dries. Easily fixed via washing in between ejaculation and not a big thing. But I thought this was worth mentioning. Guess having more skin there for now. Or stretched out skin means it isn't behaving as it used to yet.
Next update at Christmas. Mostly back to normal. Just few things still ongoing but not major.
Hey Splodge! Just wanna say a massive thank you for the effort you've put into documenting all of this. You're an absolute legend.
Was circumcision ever an option for you? Did you speak about this with doctors? Also, over the course of your recovery, how prone were you to yeast infections? I'm concerned that with thinned skin and regular sexual activity, it's just gonna be a disaster. I would rather cop out and get the snip, if it means avoiding all this.
For me the thinning and redness of skin is mainly on the inside of the foreskin. The glands and penis head look mostly fine.
Splodge we all greatly appreciate your selfless and tireless effort in documenting your experience with the intention of informing the wider public and thus providing invaluable insight to the ramifications of using steroid creams on the already sensitive penis glans.
We thank you!
Glad I could be of help.
Left it to nature and I'm glad I did. Suffer from Rosacea a bit down there now but only with excessive friction. The capillaries are a bit messed up I reckon which causes the redness.
Dry skin from dead cells being replaced by new ones also. Foreskin a little stretched. Glans skin too but hardly noticeable.
I'm delighted to be where I am. It's just tough some days because it's such a slow healing process.
Anyway. Please refer to my journal for future updates if need be. Only updating yearly, or half yearly now. I wish you well with everything too dude.
Splodge, dude, I was about to try the cortisone-cream I have for treating spots of psoriasis down there and last-minute decided to maybe Google it first, which has brought me here and I must say: I'm glad I did and am now leaning more towards taking other options or first asking a professional for advice. You started off very positive and I was like: its maybe not that bad, but then I saw the date of the first post, checked your last post and seeing its not over yet after 2 years and a half has certainly put me off the idea.
Thanks for that! Hereby also my assurance you did at least help 1 person: me (and thus probably many other quiet ones). ;)
I wish you a soon and fast recovery and be careful out there, my friend, because life is deadly... ;p