PLEASE READ - I had this exact issue and i read this forum, which sent me into a panic of course. I had what I believe was a reaction to latex. I had a red penis head with a tingly sensation. Diagnosed by my primary as contact dermatitis. I used over the counter cortisone for about 10 days and had a shiny, leather like, wrinkly penis head and foreskin. After reading this post I thought it was permanent and caused by the over the counter 1% cortisone, which was prescribed by my primary physician. I went to see my Dermatologist. She said she sees this all of the time. The shiny, leather like wrinkles is actually the rash which hasn't completely gone away. I told her about this post and my concern. She said that over the counter cortisone is not strong enough to cause thinning of the skin. She prescribed even stronger cortisone 2.5% and promises I am fine. She told me to use it for up to 10 days but feels it will be gone in about 3. Today is day 3 and she was CORRECT! It is 90% gone. The leather like skin actually peeled away and my normal shin feel is coming back. Don't let this thread scare you, go see a Dermatologist, it will all be OK. I know the feeling so good luck guys.
People ever seem to finish their progress when they've had an issue like this. So I'm determined to keep this report going for as long as it takes. The skin has repaired itself well and has thickened but it isn't quite there yet. I use a water based lubricant when masturbating and this has helped it heal. All I'm waiting for now is the skin to rethicken so I don't keep getting thrush. And also the capillaries to disappear . This will happen with time I'm sure. The red shininess I had when I first had the problem has gone. A sure sign skin is thickening and returning to normal. Next post will be soon. Keep strong.
Any updates by anyone in this thread?
Hey, I ended up with 2 red leather lines (seems like skin is peeled off but never recover) after using 1% hydrocortison with miconidazole for 7 days 2x per week because dermstologist thought i had Balanitis exactly next to urethra opening. What ever else i put on for example coconut oil it burns and the skin especially there gets swollen and dry cracked. I have this for 3 months now. After 2 weeks without putting anything there, there is no burn sensation but i have a weird feeling down there not sure how to describe it (sometimes is like pain and sometimes like itching but very mild). My urologist suggested to do circumcision but im worried a little bit to be honest. Im 27 years old and never had this pain before but i was never clean under foreskin tbh. All started after i went to dermatologist to remove some pimbles under foreskin. He burnt those with laser and then spray to whole area antiseptic. After that he told be to spray a little bit 2x a day just to keep clean the area until healing. After that i had a very painful feeling and i thought my glans was on fire but stupidly i continue to use for 3-4 days. Then i stopped everything for 2 weeks but the burning feeling was there. I went to a new derma and said to him the situation and he was prescribed me hydrocortison and miconazole as i said above. After that the burning sensation was there and after using that cream those scars were developed. Now im much better but as i said i have this weird sensation almost every day
Hi Splodge13,
I know this thread is in regards to damage from Hydrocortizone cream but I wanted to see if you had any advice for a similar situation I am dealing with. About 7 1/2 months ago, I applied Apple Cider Vinegar to my glans because I was mi-diagnosed w/Genital Warts when my dermatologist confirmed they were really Pearly Penile Papules. The result was some damage to the glans; on small patch of skin that was burned and is now very slightly indented and another spot below it that is a bit red. I have tried Manuka Honey and, most recently for 4 months, an essential oil blend of 5% Helichrysum in a base of cold pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil. It's hard to tell if there has been any progress. Some days I think there is and others I don't think it's done any good.
In regards to skin thickening on the glans, what would you recommend in the case of a burn from Apple Cider Vinegar as opposed to your situation with the Hydrocortizone cream? Is my case at all similar to yours? The main thing I am trying to do is regrow or regenerate the skin over the small patch. This path is a bit paler/whiter than the surrounding area. It does look like a small square and just a little below the surrounding skin, but not much.
Can you please help me??? This is driving me crazy. I have to improve this. Will the skin gradually grow back in time, even if it takes years?
Thanks so much and I look forward to your response. I hope your condition continues to improve.
Hi Splodge, I have a similar issue to yours. The original event was different but I think the result is more or less the same. Several years ago (almost 8) I masturbated using hand soap and I didn't wash it off. The same night the skin of the glans and of the foreskin were extremely dry and red.
Basically the hand soap "burned" the first layer of mucosal tissue, and I ended up with an atrophy, really similar to the ones given by hydrocortisone/steroids.
I can tell you that the condition of my mucosal tissue (glans and foreskin) improved with time but never returned to its original state. I tried countless creams and dermat. visits but they didn't help much. The situation is not so bad (my symptoms are very similar to yours) but still I would like to get back to my original healthy skin.
HOWEVER, hope is not lost: through research i found 2 things that could help our cases to give an additional recovery boost
1)This lotion has been developed by a Japanese Dermatologist who specialised in steroid induced atrophy, and it is meant to help the skin rethicken! I already contacted them and they said it is also suitable for the penile skin. You can check on their website and order it https://drfukaya.ocnk.net/
2)There is a treatment called PRP that basically uses your own blood but treat it in order to have potentiated cell-growth factors that have the ability to repair tissues.
In my country (Italy) a doctor is using this procedure to treat patients suffering from Lichen sclerosus, which is a chronic inflammatory condition on the genitals (both male and female).
The treatment is very safe and simple and it is having very promising results: I read many good experiences of people who had great improvements in their conditions!
The interesting thing is that PRP acts in 2 ways for people with Lichen Sclerosus: It has an anti-inflammatory effect AND it reverse the atrophy of the mucosal caused by the disease itself and by the steroid creams used by patients (steroid/cortisone is one of the first line treatments for Lichen Sclerosus). I already spoke with this doctor and he said that PRP can be helpful also for anyone having just a damaged mucosal tissue with skin atrophy, Actually it could work even better on us who only have damages but not any disease!
You can check if in your country there are doctors performing PRP, it is becoming a very popular procedure, maybe they are not doing it on the penis but it is safe also there.
Hope this helps!
Cheers guys, let's take back what was ours, there's always a way
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
He was mostly positive but also not 100 % in some of his responses. He believes dry skin can be permanent but the possibility of slow recovery over the next few years is still possible. He believes it'll mostly recover thankfully. But we'll see. Next update Xmas 18.
Important update on my journal. Spoke to an expert online today. Sent him my worst most recent pictures. He responded with some good information. I don't expect much more recovery after 5 years has passed. He stated 6-12 months give you a lot of recovery. Any possible recovery after this can take 1 to 5 years. He stated previous cases has done this before. And in my case any future recovery will be slow. He also believes time will heal and most things will be back to normal with the skin. Refer to the my journal for more info.
Approaching week 86. Much improved but still not exactly as it was. Still some issues. Stretchmarks. Dilated capillaries can make the skin red in places. Mostly shows as blotches, or a red mark after friction. But not always. Mostly looms fine or slightly affected. Camera flash pictures show a lot more detail. Dry dandruff style skin can also show.
Refer to my journal for more updates. Next update Xmas 18. That'll be roughly 2 years and 6 months since I last used this cream.
As stated much improved but still a few issues. It anyone has been through this, or is an expert dermatologist then please feel free to answer.
Cheers for advice nikki. Everyone has different opinions. Everyone is affected differently. Over the 73 weeks things have improved and near enough normal. Just waiting for weak skin to stop being bruised if that's what it is. Just have to wait it out. I won't keep replying on here as I have an ongoing journal. Mostly in a great place and having sex but when the redness flares up again it can get you down till it goes a day or so later.
My journal details my 73 week journey with this and is ongoing I guess. I've seen a specialist. They told me it'll be as it was but worded it well. It's basically been 6 months to get back the structure and since then it's been very slowly thickening. I thought I was out of it u till this weekend. Brought me down again. But you have to stay strong and be happy for where you are. Just gunna take more time. Future updates on journal. Next update on here will be a long time.
Steroid creams are notorious for thinning skin. Anywhere. That's why they say to use sparingly and no more than x times per day, for so many days. Skin on the genitals is particularly thin already. Have you seen a doctor since? A dermatologist or urologist will be able to help you. I wouldn't say the damage is permanent (I am not a medical doctor) but I'd say the answer is to leave your penis alone until the skin is no longer irritated. (Easier said than done, I'm a woman but trust me we want sexual satisfaction just as much as men do) if future cream is required, use VERY sparingly. Cortisone cream is not meant to be applied so heavily that residue remains. Your best bet is to consult a doctor,there might be an oral steroid that you can take if a steroid is necessary.
Also. Slight film of skin can be seen when not quite fully erect.
Thanks for letting us know johnson. I thought I'd add a little update here too. Most things have improved. It's now 73 weeks later. Here's the few issues remaining.
* loose skin when laying down. Only slight but can see where the skin was stretched. Stretch marks.
* Telangiectasia, (spider veins) show when fully erect but have improved and haven't noticed for a while. But do notice when soft sometimes. Usually after a red episode. Shows as red blemishes under the skin.
* skin less smooth. More wrinkled appearance. Not always but does occur.
* dry dandruff style skin shows sometimes. A sign of further recovery hopefully. Dead skin cells being expelled for new ones.
* I've read that the skin has fatty layers and a thin acid mantle. Too much hydrocortisone, or used for too long in smaller amounts can eat away at these layers and cause thinned skin. The thinned skin I used to have has gone but maybe this explains my next recurring issue.
* this weekend the dreaded redness returned. To me this is a sign that some of the skin is weaker and bruises more easily. Similar as described by Johnson above.
* everything is near enough normal and can mostly be accepted. But when you get this redness it can get you down. Will the skin ever get back to the strength it was? I just don't know. This is the main thing I'm watching for now.
Follow my updates for honest updates. If , after two and half years I'm still getting the redness I see occasionally now and as described by Johnson I shall admit to it. You'll get no lies from me.
Most of the time everything seems near enough normal but this redness can be a big set back. You have to be strong and fight on.
Please excuse types. Should say skin can * not skin cancer. Never want that obviously. Potential cream* should say potency cream. I'm sure you can all work out the typos. My apologies. Just needed to update for you all.
I won't keep commenting, or answering on here as it's all in my journal. Honest, frank updates. My journal relates to this steroid cream only. No other steroid cream. I will update on this post again in 6 months or so. My skin is near enough the same most of the time with a few issues some consistent but getting better. Some not very often. Some not a problem anymore. Just seems to take a long time. Refer to my journal for 4 weekly updates.
Right. I feel I need to interject here and make some things clear. This post is for people who have used too much hydrocortisone 1% cream. Thr lowest level 7 potency steroid cream rating. This is not a potential cream and is served otc and used on babies skin. However. Too much of this cream can give you issues.
If anyone can provide any experiences they've had with this particular cream it would be helpful to everyone else. Different cream potencies do different damage.
I'm about 73 weeks in to recovery from this cream. I overused it for 40 days on and off on my Penistone glans. 73 weeks on its mostly the same. Little different but mostly the same. Old dead skin cells show on the surface sometimes which is skin regenerating I guess. Top layer is slightly looser than it was before but this may keep improving too.
In different positions I notice the skin act different. Lying down for example shows ruffled skin sometimes. Naked eye doesn't show it as much but three flash of a camera does. Standing up this isn't noticeable. My skin was stretched to the point of bleeding and was transparent. Those days passed a long time ago thankfully.
My main issues now are :
* some dandruff style dry skin which, is a sign of skin regeneration. Old skin cells being pushed through as new skin strength and layers form. From where I am to where I am now is miraculous to say the least but it has taken a long time and can be hard to accept sometimes.
* red marks can show on the glans in certain areas when a lot of masturbation has happened. But mostly doesn't. Shows under flash of camera much more than it does via the naked eye. But it's still happening so it's either bruising , or blood near to three surface as the skin in those areas is still rethickeneing.
* fs imprint still there but much improved and not as frequent but still there.
* loose top layer of skin cancer show in certain positions. Ie, lying down and more so under flash photography.
* venules or capillairies can show under flash or as blotchy areas without flash sometimes. This has got less and less so.
* foreskin covering glans was stretched paper thin, but is now near enough normal , or normal but bunches up behind the glans when retracted.
These are the issues I still have but the main one is I'd like the red marks that show occasionally to stop showing. They recover back to normal much more faster now but I still get them occasionally.
If you've recovered from this level 7 mildest level of hydrocortisone 1% cream let us know how long it took etc. Mine is near enough back to normal but obviously stretchmarks are expected to be permanent.
Mostly it looks normal but these things listed above are still trying to improve very slowly. I only take notice of the comments relating to this cream in particular and even then take it with a pinch of salt if negative as I'm living proof of how it can regenerate.
It's nice to know there are other people out there dealing with this nightmare.. I've had it for about 5 years from steroids that the doctors proscribed me as well. Through trail and error I have learned that the best way to deal with it is to let it heal itself for as long as you can to see how much you can actually heal.. unfortunately I don't believe you can heal it all the way, but once you get to a point thats manageable do everything you can to keep it there.
I've tired many lotions, but a lotion called Sarna has really helped me, it cools the skin down. I also used %100 percent virgin coconut oil because it is natural. You don't want to only put man made stuff on there, you have to have a mixture. Also all natural vitamin e pills as they promote healthy skin. I'll try to stay on here as much as I can. It's healthy to talk about this condition, that's the only way we can move forward and keep a positive outlook on life, because after all there is a lot to be positive about.
Hello fellow penis pain sufferers. I have the same problem the question at hand is has anyone found out how this is caused? Is this bacterial! Fucngal? Or just a cas elf you jerkoff too much now you penis head is gonna be sore. I went to the doc and she prescribed me ketoclonozole cream (antifungal) and said to use this for a few days it's been about 3 and I haven't notice much of any improvement. I had the same thing last summer and was prescribed doxycycline hyclate it's an antibiotic and it worked real good like gone in 2 days. I haven't been maturbating for less trauma. Sometimes it feels good sometimes I'm tugging at my penis to shift it away from whatever it's rubbing against. I know hydrocorzone is anti itch but idk if it's just dry irritated skin from jerking off too much or that I caused a fungal infection. I'm trying to just accept that this is how my penis is going to feel for now on but I'm not really satisfied with that so far it's been 2 weeks since this has been happening
Thank you for taking the time to update this regularly and go into detail about your issue. I'm 20 years old and was prescribed Clotrimazole and Betamethasone Dipropionate 1/0.05 for penile yeast infection. The doctor didn't mention anything about using caution with it or whatever, and being young and dumb I just wanted to start being sexually active again so I didn't make time to read the directions and just wanted the thrush gone as soon as possible.
From what I've read, the potency in what I used is a lot higher than what you did, so that's a shame for me. However, I only used it for a week, probably only around 5g of the 15g tube, maybe less. This is my first day not applying it (last time I applied it was yesterday morning, washed it off around 5pm and put some organic extra virgin coco oil on it; that's when I found these threads and realized what I was doing to myself).
I'm uncircumcised. My glans have little slight reddish blotches and it feels a little irritated, nothing too bad or noticeable. I reckon I will see the true extent of the damage I have done in the next few days. Although, I can see that my glans have two slight rings probably from the foreskin sitting there. It's not too noticeable and hopefully that will fade with time.
I did not masturbate or have sex during the days I used the cream, thankfully, as I feel that would have definitely escalated the issue. I did get a ** last night though, lathered the jimmy up with coco oil beforehand and didn't really feel any bad pain... the glans turned red and it was irritated/burning slightly, but not enough for me to care. I will try to abstain from sex for a while and I won't masturbate whatsoever.
I'm going to continue applying the coco oil every day and will book an appointment for a dermatologist. I will keep you guys posted.