I think I have a similar issue and have tried lots of things but so far it’s not helping and the doctors say everything is normal but I know it was never like this. In my case the end of the foreskin is more red and sensitive than before.
I feel like mine is permanent as I used the cream for 5 days and I have now been using the vitamin e oil as you suggested for about a month and my skin is still thin. I guess I just have to accept this and move on :(. Thanks for the help though @AreplytoAmos
I know this is super late but I remember reading this post way back when I had the same exact issues. It's been a while but I just remembered how terrible this was to go through and wanted to post a solution for everyone else that comes to this post looking for help.
The only thing I ever did, including all the things you mentioned (that burned it or thinned the skin), that worked was using vitamin E skin oil.
The brand I bought was Colonial Dames Vitamin E Skin Oil. I used it as a sort of medication as well as a lubricant and it honestly saved me from going crazy. I really hope that everyone struggling with this issue sees this post, tries it, and has the same success I did.
Good luck
Hydrocortisone could cause the lightening and thinning effect. If you use a moisturizing penis health creme along with it, you can improve the tone and texture of your skin, as well as promoting healing.
OK, thanks Maatson. I purchased something called MooGoo, a product here in Australia that is all natural for moisturizing. I just hope this damage is reversible.
I am so mad that my dermatologist did not tell me to stop the hydrocortisone after a week of use and told me I could use it on my penis for up to a month.
All one has to do is look online to see that this has caused many problems for others in the past.
moisturizer should be good enough.
Thanks...So should I stop putting powder or moisturizer on it?
I've read several threads where doctor's say to "get on with your life" and such, but this is clearly an issue that isn't easily dismissed. I've had friction burn before, and this is much, much more. There is no itch or burn or major redness, so it doesn't look like balanitis.
I think it's just been a combination of things, but my penis is definitely NOT back to normal and clearly I just need to stop looking at it and leave it alone. I guess it could take months.
What I'm hearing is that although I used a 1% hydrocortisone cream for 2 weeks, that is not enough for permanent damage, but it is possible this cased the current change (or damage) to my penis.
Today it was sore just rubbing against my underwear as I walked, so again, I had to put Gold Bond Powder on it to keep it from chaffing. It's just exhausting having to deal with this everyday and then it is also having an effect on my sex life with my partner.
I'll give it a few weeks and possibly consult my another, NEW dermatologist. The other dermatologist told me to use the 1% hydrocortisone for up to a MONTH: I think that's dangerous seeing that just 2 weeks have caused this.
Though there is some absorbtion done from the penile skin (much more than other areas) as to permanent damage for short term application (As in your case) is unlikely.There is remodelling in our own body and does take care,but in time.Also there are not many or perhaps any medication that reverses atrophy other than withdrawing medication, as I know of.
It will not be a bad idea to consult your derm once more, perhaps only to put your mind to rest.
Thanks Maatson. So at this point, what should I do? Should I stop putting anything on it at all? I'm currently just using moisturizer.
It has been 21 days since I stopped the hydrocortisone--which I firmly believe has caused the skin to lose color and tighten and making it more sensitive to friction--and nothing has changed.
There is no sign of any healing, progress, or the shaft turning back to its former, darker tone, etc.
At what point should I say, "OK, it's been ___ weeks, and nothing has changed, so maybe it's time to go back to the dermatologist." ???
I've read that it SHOULD heal on it's own from two doctors, but the "SHOULD" part and the fact that there has been no perceived change or healing in 21 days is bothersome.
I'm trying not to be anxious about it, but there are lots of threads out there where guys have had this issue and some doctors seem to simply dismiss it as nothing.
Many thanks for your suggestions.
Monilial yeasts are common flora of the vagina in many women, and though commoner in uncircumsized yet could occur evenin the circumsized. Super- added to this excessive cleansing can leave behind an irritant dermatitis.
Hi Maatson,
I'm circumcised, so not sure, but if so, I'll need to go back to the dermatologist, who initially dismissed it as nothing more than an irritation. The fact that the shaft has changed colors and is more sensitive and shinier, does not make this a normal "you just have to ride it out" situation.
From the pictures I looked at online, it does not appear to be a severe case of balanoposthitis, but it looks possible. I am irritated that the dermatologist was so aloof about his initial diagnosis.
I think I may need to go see a different dermatologist.
Thanks for chiming in.
May just be a balanoposthitis (Monilial). Most unlikely to be Psoriasis with history and features.
...One more thing, it is NOT the Glans, but the SHAFT where I am having this issue. Sorry!!
...BTW, I forgot to add that I am currently wearing only cotton underwear and using Gold Bond Powder morning and night and sometimes aloe very gel help the skin heal.