Weird colour/peeling? on glans of penis

[Aeneas]

Hi

I've been struggling with the skin of my glans for almost three years. The skin would get very dry and itchy, especially after sex or masturbation. Little tiny red spots would develop. My doctor at first treated me with anti-yeast cream, and when it still came back, a combination prescription anti-fungal and cortisone. As this still did not clear up the problem, I was put on a much stronger prescription cortisone, antifungal and antibiotic cream for 12 days. But the problem came back. Lately beyond the redness after friction I have also noticed a weird pattern, almost like the top layer of skin has been peeling back? It's not noticeable except on the camera with flash, and I haven't seen any actual skin come off, but it's very disconcerting and makes the glans look not so great...

I have noticed it's worse if the glans stays wet, so after urinating or ejaculating I clean the area and dry it. I  have also lubricated it, and ever since following this procedure, the irritation has gotten a lot better. It also only seems to flare up if there's sex or masturbation. But now I'm also concerned about this weird skin pattern/peeling. Any suggestions as to what it might be?

PS I've been tested for STDs and it came back negative. Partner was also treated for yeast whenever I was, but I must point out that no test for yeast was ever done.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to friction rub or balanitis. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans (the rounded head) of the penis and may be related to yeast infection or poor hygiene. What you need to do is consult a dermatologist and get a KOH examination of the skin scrapings of the penis and a biopsy of small skin sample done if the symptoms persist. KOH examination of the area will clarify whether it is balanitis due to fungal infection or not.
Also use water based lubricants during sex.
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 doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Aeneas]

I forgot to mention, for most of the time it was actually my foreskin around the glans that was mostly affected. Red and irritable, caused by the same things as with the glans. The foreskin is better now, but still gets dry and sore sometimes. The lubrication has stopped the cracking of skin that used to occur.