Hydrocortizone on Penis - Skin Thinning and Discoloration

[Amos1469]

Hi,

About 3 weeks ago i developed a rash on the underside of my penis, just beneath the glans.  I already have somewhat thin skin on my penis and I am circumsized.  The rash then flaked and eventually went away.  I saw a dermatologist who said that it was not a yeast infection, but that it might be something like dry skin and general irritation due to sex.  I have never had any irritation like this before during sex, and I have been sexually active for about 16 years.  

The GP I saw before I went to a dermatologist said that I should get some over the counter cream for dermatitis or to try to get some hydrocortizone.  So I basically applied hydrocortizone ointment to my penis for about 7-8 days.  I did put a bit much on the shaft and glans of my penis.  

I stopped putting the ointment on 10 days ago.  My penis has since had a slight loss of pigmentation on the shaft, meaning it is now slighltly "pinker" or ligher in color, AND the skin appears to be thinner.

This was an OTC 1% hydrocortizone cream called Hydrozole.  I only used it for about 7-8 days.  I read that use of hydrocortizone can cause this, but it takes 2-4 weeks of overuse, which I did not do.  Regardless, I have noticed that I developed the side effects of over use.

So, my question is, will my penis skin "toughen" and get back to normal, or am I already looking at permanent damage?  I am very nervous and scared about this.  

I am currently abstaining from sex and masturbation for the next month to see if my skin repairs itself.  PLEASE, anyone with experience with this give me some insight.

Thanks!

[maatson]

It takes some time for the body to do the repair job! ok?

[Amos1469]

Hey,

Thanks Maatson.  Just to give everyone an update, I spoke with the dermatologist today and he said not to worry (of course he will).  He said that the rash was quite significant--mind you, I've never had one like this before--and that the discoloration and "thinness" is do to it just healing.  

He does not think that my penis skin is thinning or permanently damaged due to 13 days of use.  He said the discoloration will change back to a brownish/red on my shaft once it has fully healed.  ...And also that the "thinness" will also get back to normal, but it just needs anywhere from 1 - 5/6 months.  

I would love to hear from an MD or GP of they have a 5th (ha!) opinion on this.  I am quite an anxious person too, but I love my **** so I don't want to have done anything wrong to it.

I have read quite a few stories online of folks having ongoing issues like this with their penis and it never going properly diagnosed or treated.  I will just have to wait and see what happens.  

Many thanks and I'm open to hearing from anyone else.  Cheers!

[Amos1469]

Thanks.  How long did you use the cortisone for and how long before it got back to normal?

[Ra1234]

I suffered from recurrent balanitis so I used different kind of steroid creams prescribed for different doctors longer than you, and at the end they didn't do any good to me. I noticed that the skin was getting very thin and transparent so I stop and searched online and I was right, the ointments were doing this to me. Didn't take long for the skin to come back to its normal color and thickness. I don't remember exactly, because I had a circumsicion to solve my balanitis. Just don't use it no more, it won't take long to repair and don't worry too much, because the damage is not permanent

[Amos1469]

Thanks, Ra!  That helps.  I'll just ride it out and hope that it gets back to normal in the next 4 weeks.  I"ll post an update by then as this may help others in the future.  

[DSpoc]

Yes, Thanks for posting all of this. I have the exact same problem.  Used Hydro-cortisone as prescribed by an online doctor I paid for advice from WebMD (or at least that is where I began my research).  I have not healed.  Did use it for about 14 days as it alleviated the discomfort and irritation.  This has been ongoing for 6 months.  Now have problems after master bating or sex. I get the rash and tore up with tiny cuts on the skin, and little red dots on the head.  Do I ride this out? It's already been a while.  Should I completely stop any sexual touch on it?  Thanks for your advice.

[Amos1469]

Just a quick update.  I contacted Dr. Marvin Rapaort via email.  Dr. Rapaport is a dermatologist out of America who is a vocal opponent of the over prescription of cortisone creams/ointments by dermatologists.

I have read countless threads online where folks were told it was OK to use corticosteriods for extended periods of time by dermatologists.

This is dangerous, in my opinions.  That said, I'm sure it's a case of the good ruining it for the bad.  In my case, the dermatologist I saw could not have been more blase about my condition and encouraged me to stay on the cortisone on my penis for another week.  THANKFULLY, i noticed the Vitiligo and tightening aspect of my shaft.

The skin is still much lighter in color, almost transparent, and also very "thin" in the sense that it is tighter and less "rugged" as before.  

I'm still very concerned, but will see how I go over the next 4 weeks.  I have read that anyone who used a hydrocortisone from anywhere from 2-4 weeks, can develop these symptoms.  

I'm just hoping my penis returns to normal as this is disconcerting.  

Thanks!