Penis Irritation

[hokiehigh]

Hi.  I have had this issue for years and have been to the dermatologist numerous times.  Basically, after sex/masturbation the skin below the head of my penis becomes red and irritated.  It sometimes takes a few days to get back to normal.  I've tried creams and even had a biopsy.  The biopsy proved that nothing is wrong.  It seems to me that the skin is thinner than it should be.  After the "good" biopsy, I've been told to use lubrication and take it easy.  I am wondering if anyone else has any ideas how to fix this?  It is sort of embarrassing!  Please help.  Thanks!

[Ra1234]

That your skin is thinner is the result of the overuse of creams. I suffered of recurrent balanitis for a long time and doctors prescribed me all kind of medications and steroid creams that were making my skin thinner to the point that I was able to see my little blood vessels. I stop everything and went to an urologyst to get circumcise and that was the solution of my problem. Has been 6 months since my surgery and no signs of irritation no more. I don't know if you guys are circumcised, but I suggest you to make an appointment with an urologyst. Good luck

[PhxTim]

You are not alone.  I have suffered the exact same thing my entire life (almost 40 now).

It happens almost every single time, and so I apply tripple antibiodic sav to it and let it heal.  I had thought that by now it my body would have adjusted and produced a callis or somthing, but it has not.  So I believe I will have this for the rest of my life.  

Just know we are in the same boat and I bet there are thousands others just like us.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
This sounds like friction rub or chafing during masturbation or intercourse. Chafing is a continuous rubbing of the skin that causes redness or soreness.
To prevent chafin, apply a lubricant like petroleum jelly to your thighs and wear clothing that serves as a barrier between layers of skin (athletic tights or cycling shorts).Avoid coarse clothing and wear 100% cotton fabric against your skin and clothing that is free of moisture, dried sweat, chemicals, dirt and other debris.

Also apply calamine lotion on the skin that has already chafed. Also during intercourse use a water based lubricant as you have been advised.
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.