OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns Over Persistent Penile Irritation After Over-Cleansing

Hello everyone. I find myself in a situation that many might relate to: I’ve inadvertently caused some irritation to my penis, and I’m seeking advice. I’m 37 years old and circumcised. A while back, I experienced a worry related to an HPV lesion, which turned out to be unfounded. However, focusing on this issue led me to excessively apply soap directly onto my penis for several weeks. During this time, I continued to engage in sexual activity and masturbation; my doctor had assured me it was safe since my partner and I have been together for 15 years, and there was no cause for concern. After one instance of masturbation, I noticed a burning sensation on the side of my penis. Upon washing, I observed that the skin looked quite unusual. The right side appeared deeply wrinkled and bunched up, resembling brain tissue, and was discolored, but not red or inflamed. The left side felt swollen and was slightly puffy, featuring small, wave-like markings that looked akin to stretch marks. Notably, a fine raised line extended beneath the skin from near my frenulum to the front of my penis, creating a half-circle effect. This peculiar texture and irritation were all centered around my circumcision scar. Surprisingly, after a few weeks, the pain has diminished significantly. Although I can sense that even the slightest touch could provoke irritation and reddening. The thin raised line is particularly sensitive but does not cause discomfort unless directly pressed. In the right side, where the tissue appears crumpled like brain matter, there’s only one spot that experiences sharp pain sporadically. This area is characterized by a notable cluster of wrinkles and the raised line curving slightly. This unusual condition has persisted since October, and over the past few months, there has been some visual improvement. The swelling has reduced, and both the scrunched area and the thin raised line are gradually becoming smoother. Most of the time, I do not experience pain, but it can become an overwhelming sensation, occasionally coming on suddenly. There are neither flaking nor itching sensations present. My research into conditions like balanitis or dermatitis reveals symptoms that differ significantly; mine is simply excessive wrinkling of the skin. I’m also feeling significantly stressed about the situation, as I’ve had to avoid sexual activity for nearly six months. I did seek professional help by visiting a dermatologist, but the experience left much to be desired. I felt dismissed, with the doctor claiming my skin appeared "normal and healthy." I was given a prescription for Tacrolimus 0.01%, which I used for a few days before deciding to stop, as I sensed it wasn't the right solution for me. Now, my primary healthcare provider has referred me to urology, but unfortunately, my appointment isn’t scheduled until August. With such a long wait ahead, I’m looking for reassurance and guidance until then. Currently, my skincare routine consists of applying Aquaphor healing ointment and Cerave lotion. Each night, I wash my penis, apply one of these products in a thin layer, and then wash it off in the morning before switching to the other product the next night. I’ve been following this regimen for a week now, and it seems to be helping somewhat, but I’m uncertain if it's truly the right approach or if my concern is warranted. Given that I initially only used regular body wash and experienced mild friction, I’m hopeful that my body will heal in time. Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help!

Answers (1)

3/31/2025, 8:20:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious about persistent penile irritation, particularly after experiencing discomfort and changes in the skin's appearance. From your description, it sounds like you've been managing some irritation potentially caused by over-cleansing, leading to changes in skin texture. It's reassuring to know you've already seen some improvement, but it's important to address both your skin health and your peace of mind while you wait for your urology appointment.

Explanation

The irritation you're experiencing may be due to a combination of over-cleansing and friction, which can lead to skin changes such as wrinkling or sensitivity. You mentioned that you aren't experiencing flaking or itching, which is a good sign. The products you're using, Aquaphor and Cerave, are generally beneficial for moisturizing and protecting the skin, which is crucial as your skin heals.

Next Steps

1. Continue Your Current Skincare Routine:

   • Keep using Aquaphor and Cerave as you've described, as they help retain moisture and protect the skin barrier.
   • Apply a thin layer each night without excessive scrubbing during washing; gentle cleansing with warm water may suffice without soap.

2. Limit Irritants:

   • Avoid any products containing fragrances or harsh chemicals. Stick to gentle, unscented products for hygiene.

3. Monitor and Adjust:

   • Track any changes in appearance or sensations, noting when discomfort occurs. This information can be useful for your urologist.

4. Practice Patience and Care:

   • Continue to allow the skin time to heal without unnecessary friction or stimulation. If you feel discomfort during sexual activities, it might be wise to hold off until you have more information.

5. Stay Proactive about Stress Management:

   • Consider stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or talking to a trusted friend or counselor. Managing anxiety about health can positively impact overall well-being.

If you notice worsening symptoms (e.g., increased pain, redness, discharge, or new lesions), please consider reaching out for medical attention sooner, even if it means visiting another healthcare provider. Your comfort and health are paramount. Thank you for sharing your situation, and feel free to reach out for any further support or questions.