Multiple Pink/Dry/Irritated Areas on the Underside of Penis Shaft
I am a 28-year-old male, standing at 5'9" and weighing 171 pounds. Being uncircumcised, I have had no previous issues with skin conditions or sexually transmitted infections. Approximately three weeks ago, I noticed the onset of a solitary pink spot, which has now progressed into two separate irritated patches on the shaft of my penis. ### Description of the First Spot (Mid-Shaft Underside): - This initially emerged as a **flat pink lesion** about three weeks ago. - It has transformed into a **dry, flaky**, and somewhat irritated presentation. - While applying hydrocortisone cream, the skin took on a **shiny, parchment-like texture**. - Currently, it exhibits a light pink hue and feels slightly papery to the touch. - There’s no associated pain, itching, discharge, or ulceration. - The area may appear redder following a shower or friction but typically calms down afterwards. ### Description of the Second Spot (Near the Foreskin Edge, Top Side): - This appeared a few days subsequent to the first spot. - It began as a small pink mark, which has enlarged and now bears resemblance to a faint ring-like formation. - Occasionally, there is mild stinging when urine contacts the area, but it is predominantly painless. - There are no signs of cracking, bleeding, or discharges. ### Treatments Administered: - Applied **Clotrimazole 1% cream for five days**, yet observed no notable improvement. - Used **Hydrocortisone 0.5% for three days**, which led to slight color reduction but an increase in dryness. - Presently, I have been using **Aquaphor two to three times daily**, taking care to be gentle. - (Avoiding soap, limiting physical contact, wearing loose-fitting boxers, and focusing on staying hydrated.) Although it seems like the skin is gradually getting better, I remain uncertain about the root cause of these issues. Could it be friction? Contact dermatitis? Or possibly a post-inflammatory condition? I would greatly appreciate insights from those with dermatological expertise. I can share images if necessary. Thank you!
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 4:20:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation about the areas of irritation on your penis. It’s understandable to be concerned about new skin changes, especially in such a sensitive area. Based on your description, it appears you may be dealing with a form of dermatitis (skin irritation), possibly caused by friction, a contact allergy, or even a fungal infection, despite previous treatments.
Explanation:
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Friction or Contact Dermatitis: This can occur from irritation whether due to friction from clothing, soap, or other personal products. Given that you're uncircumcised, skin friction during activities could also lead to these areas of irritation.
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Infections: Though you used antifungal cream, the lack of improvement in the lesions may indicate that a fungal infection isn't the primary issue. Other types of infections could be less typical and also warrant consideration.
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Post-Inflammatory Changes: If there was a prior irritation or minor injury without you realizing it, the skin may develop changes as part of the healing process, such as those shiny or flaky textures you noted.
Next Steps:
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Continue Gentle Care:
- Keep up with the Aquaphor application to maintain skin moisture.
- Avoid potential irritants entirely (harsh soaps, tight clothes) until the skin clears up.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- Observe the lesions closely for any changes, particularly noting if they grow, redden, or start to bleed.
- If you notice any new symptoms like increased pain, discharge, or swelling, this may indicate a need for more immediate attention.
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Adjust Current Treatment:
- It might be worth pausing the hydrocortisone cream if the skin is becoming overly dry or flaky.
- If there’s no improvement in the next week, consider trying a different over-the-counter moisturizer or a mild saline solution to gently cleanse the area without aggravating it.
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Document Your Progress:
- Keep a mindful diary of any changes to the lesions, such as size and color variations or reactions to certain activities (like showering or urinating).
When to Seek Help:
- If the spots do not improve within a week.
- If they worsen, start causing pain, or develop discharge.
- If new lesions appear or systemic symptoms (fever, malaise) occur.
It's important to approach these symptoms patiently while remaining vigilant. If you're uncertain about the changes, consulting a healthcare provider or a dermatologist can provide reassurance and potentially further insight into your situation. Your self-care efforts combined with monitoring are key in resolving this issue. Let me know if you have further questions or need more assistance!
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# 7-Month-Old Child with Abernethy Malformation - Exploring Treatment Options ## [7-Month-Old] Identified with Abernethy Malformation (Congenital Portosystemic Shunt) - Treatment Methods? **Age:** 7 months **Gender:** Female **Height:** Age-appropriate **Weight:** Currently 9 kg, was 2.8 kg at birth **Ethnicity:** Asian **Duration of Symptoms:** Present since birth **Location:** Uzbekistan **Pre-existing Health Issues:** Abernethy malformation (congenital portosystemic shunt), liver hemangiomas, chronic jaundice, anemia **Current Treatments:** Supportive management --- ## INITIAL PRESENTATION (June 2025 - July 2025) Our daughter arrived on **June 27, 2025**, presenting with: - Birth weight: **2.8 kg** - Marked jaundice (yellowing of skin and sclera) - Pale or clay-colored stools - **Bilirubin level: 245 μmol/L** (typically <20) An immediate ultrasound indicated multiple liver anomalies, initially thought to be hemangiomas. --- ## FIRST COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (August 1, 2025 - 1 Month Old) ### Multislice Computed Tomography (MSCT) with 3-Phase Contrast (August 1, 2025): **RESULTS:** - 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Cons: Surgical scar, longer recovery time (7-14 days in hospital) - Duration: 2-4 hours ### Option 3: **Liver Transplantation** - We have been advised this is not necessary as the portal vein is functional and liver health is improving. --- ## SPECIFIC QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER: 1. **With a functional portal vein (6.1 mm) and improving liver function (ALT normalized), is it advisable to pursue endovascular closure as the preferred treatment?** 2. **Despite ALT levels improving, the bilirubin remains consistently high (242). Should this be a cause for concern? Is there a prospect for it to normalize post shunt closure?** 3. **Are the hemangiomas/nodules (11.6×20.7 mm) linked to the shunt? Will they likely resolve following shunt repair?** 4. **How urgent is the proposed intervention? Is immediate action required, or is there flexibility to wait a few months?** 5. **What complications should we be vigilant for during the waiting period?** 6. **Regarding endovascular closure - what is the average success rate for infants aged 7 months? Are there concerns regarding the shunt size (9.9 mm)?** 7. **The measurement of the portal vein has shown improvement from 6.1 mm to 3.9 mm; should this be perceived as a positive sign or a reason for concern?** 8. **Are there special directives (diet modifications, medications) we should consider while awaiting the procedure?** 9. **Post-procedure, how long should we expect it might take for:** - Normalization of bilirubin levels? - Return of stool color to normal? - Resolution of jaundice? - Regression of hemangiomas? 10. **Can you recommend any specialized centers for pediatric Abernethy malformation treatments? We are located in Uzbekistan but are prepared to travel (to Turkey, Russia, South Korea, etc.)** --- ## ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - No family history of hepatic diseases - Pregnancy and delivery were normal - No additional congenital defects identified - Immunizations up to date - No history of bleeding disorders - No signs indicative of encephalopathy - Child is alert and engaged --- **I can supply actual MSCT images and comprehensive lab reports if they would be of assistance.** We sincerely appreciate any insights you can provide. We are striving to make the most informed decision regarding our daughter’s care and highly value expert medical opinions. **TL;DR:** 7-month-old diagnosed with Abernethy Type 2 malformation (9.9 mm portocaval shunt, patent portal vein). Liver functionality is improving (normalized ALT) while bilirubin remains elevated (242). Evaluating options between endovascular coil embolization and open surgery. Seeking expert advice on optimal treatment strategy and timing.