OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Issues with Red Spots in the Genital Area

6/17/2025, 10:30:22 PMMale25-34

Greetings, I'm a 26-year-old man seeking advice. For approximately eight months, I've been dealing with peculiar red spots on my penis. I've consulted several medical professionals, yet none have provided a clear explanation for my condition. I have undergone comprehensive STD testing, all of which returned negative results. Additionally, I took tests for herpes and chlamydia, also yielding negative outcomes. Despite trying every available antifungal cream, I haven't experienced any improvement. The only product that seems to diminish the spots is a steroid cream, but they reappear as soon as I discontinue its use. The spots fluctuate in size and shift locations intermittently. I'm feeling quite frustrated due to the considerable amount of time and money I've invested without finding any answers. This ongoing issue has negatively impacted my relationship, as my girlfriend and I are unable to engage in sexual activity due to the condition worsening during intimacy. She has also been tested and is free from infections. Any insights or assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

LupusFibromyalgiaInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

6/17/2025, 10:30:44 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you have been facing a challenging and frustrating situation with the red spots in your genital area, especially given how it has affected your relationships and daily life. Your experience, particularly the persistence and variability of the spots, can indeed be concerning and difficult to manage.

Explanation

Red spots in the genital area can result from various causes, including allergic reactions, dermatological conditions such as eczema or psoriasis, or irritation from products like soaps or detergents. Since you’ve had negative tests for STDs, this rules out many common infectious causes. The fact that a steroid cream helps indicates that inflammation might be a significant factor here; however, using steroids long-term is generally not recommended due to potential side effects and because they can mask underlying issues.

Next Steps

  1. Keep Monitoring: Make note of any changes in your symptoms, including when they worsen or improve. Keeping a record of your observations can provide valuable information should you seek further medical advice.

  2. Moisturize and Protect: Use gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers in the area to help soothe the skin. Avoid any products that may irritate the skin, including heavily scented soaps or lotions.

  3. Consider an Allergy or Irritant: Reflect on any new products (soaps, lubricants, etc.) you may have started using around the time the spots appeared. Trying to eliminate potential irritants could provide further clarity.

  4. Consult a Dermatologist: Since you've already seen various medical professionals, consider returning to a dermatologist, ideally one who specializes in genital dermatology or inflammatory skin conditions. They may suggest a biopsy or other treatments if warranted.

  5. Discuss Non-Steroidal Treatments: Ask about alternative treatments that target inflammation, such as topical calcineurin inhibitors, which can be effective for inflammatory skin conditions without the side effects of long-term steroid use.

  6. Support & Emotional Well-Being: This situation can be stressful and impact your relationship. Consider discussing the emotional aspects with someone you trust or seeking counseling to assist in navigating these challenges.

Please remember that these suggestions are based on general practices and may not fully apply to your unique situation. Prioritize your comfort and well-being as you navigate this. If you see new symptoms or if the condition worsens significantly, it's essential to seek professional help promptly. Take care!

Related Questions

Concern for a Loved One Experiencing Skin Sensations

I have a dear friend who has been experiencing an unsettling feeling of insects crawling beneath their skin, yet they firmly believe it's an infestation of some kind. Despite several consultations with healthcare professionals and trying various treatments—including treatments like ivermectin alongside their regular medications (gabapentin, tramadol, clonidine, divalproex, zolpidem)—they have not found any relief. They even show me small white specks they claim to have extracted from their skin, which under microscopic examination appear to be nothing more than lint. According to what they've shared, they frequently scratch and wash their bedding to cope with this sensation. While they are aware of the term 'formication,' they remain skeptical about this explanation. This issue has persisted for more than a year. My inquiries are: * Is it ever genuinely a case of an infestation by bugs or parasites? If so, what terms describe those conditions? * Conversely, if the answer is no, what would be the most effective resource to guide them toward? I feel unable to compel them to reconsider their beliefs, but I can offer support in recognizing that it may indeed be formication or assist them in identifying another cause altogether.

FibromyalgiaInternal MedicineEndocrinology
Male25-34
7 minutes ago

Are My Toddler's Lymph Nodes Swollen?

My 3-year-old weighs 40 pounds, and I've been anxious because it appears his lymph nodes are swollen. I’m really worried about this. Is there something alarming in this image?

Internal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
7 minutes ago

Persistent Wrist Rash for Over Two Years

For approximately two and a half years, I have been dealing with a reddish-pink rash on my wrist. I’m an 18-year-old female, and despite its long presence, the rash remains painless and does not cause any itching. Though my profile contains photos of it, I am unable to attach them here. Since contracting COVID-19 in January 2022, I have experienced various lingering symptoms, including those indicative of a possible connective tissue disorder. Notably, the rash does change color based on the light—it appears much less pronounced during the day, almost as if it’s fading away, but becomes much more visible in shaded areas. I would be grateful for any insights or recommendations on this matter. Thank you for your help!

ArthritisLupusFibromyalgia
Male25-34
17 minutes ago

Persistent Vaginal Tears

I am a 19-year-old assigned female at birth and I’ve only recently become sexually active. Prior to this, I already faced some issues, but the situation has dramatically worsened since. No matter what actions I take—be it wiping gently, even slight scratching in that area, or during sexual activities—I consistently experience tearing. Currently, I have around seven tears. I’m unsure of how to proceed from here. I consulted with my gynecologist, and she admitted that she doesn’t have an explanation for my condition. I requested estrogen testing, which yielded normal results. I've always had somewhat masculine traits, even before acknowledging my transgender identity, so I speculated that perhaps my estrogen levels were low, but that theory has left me feeling even more confused. My desire is to engage in sexual activity without experiencing tearing or discomfort. Additionally, I hope to use the restroom without sustaining injuries from improper positioning. I'm uncertain if any of my medications contribute to this issue, but I am currently taking: - Viibryd - Mirtazapine - Medication for acid reflux - Levothyroxine - Adderall

LupusFibromyalgiaThyroid Disorders
Male25-34
47 minutes ago

Three-Year Struggle with Persistent Rash: Seeking Answers for My Family

A 33-year-old woman residing in the United States is dealing with a challenging skin condition that has persisted for almost three years. Currently breastfeeding and avoiding medication other than vitamins, she describes her experiences with an intensely itchy rash that comes and goes. While there are days when it seems to diminish, there are nights when its severity prevents her from sleeping altogether. Unfortunately, her encounters with multiple doctors have resulted in no consensus on a diagnosis or appropriate treatment, leading to her growing frustration. Initially triggered while working in a nursing home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rash has spread across her body, affecting her scalp, face, ears, and even the soles of her feet, starting from a single area on one shin. Despite consultations with various dermatologists, opinions have varied, with a few suggesting scabies but most dismissing that possibility. After attempting treatment with permethrin cream, she is uncertain whether it has effectively improved her condition or if any perceived benefits are merely psychological, as the underlying issue remains unresolved following multiple treatments. In addition to her ongoing struggle, she has been managing folliculitis, for which she has recently used mupirocin. Surprisingly, the discomfort she experiences—characterized by sharp stinging, burning, and itching—has been severe enough to disrupt her sleep, making the situation even more distressing. The current dermatologist's diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and acne feels perplexing given that she has not dealt with such severe skin problems before this episode and finds the abrupt transition to a chronic, full-body rash troubling. Only one tiny insect bite-like bump sparked the situation, yet she is now told that a body-wide rash and relentless itching have become an unfortunate norm in her life, and relying on corticosteroids indefinitely is suggested. With a two-month-old baby, the breastfeeding mother faces additional constraints as the dermatologist advises against effective medication until her breastfeeding journey concludes. Although she has considered stopping early due to her discomfort, she remains committed for her baby's well-being. Her husband experiences minor spots of itchiness but not to the extent she does, and although her baby developed a mild rash after several weeks, the pediatrician has only recommended unscented moisturizers without strong intervention. This has led both parents to suspect a connection between the mother's condition and their newborn's skin issues. Now, amidst this ongoing struggle, she feels lost and is pondering her next move. Should she wait and continue corticosteroids only to possibly return to her dermatologist for the same outcome? Should she revisit the doctor who initially suspected scabies for a more aggressive approach? Perhaps it's necessary to involve a psychiatrist who is familiar with her plight, or even consider consulting a neurologist? Comprehensive blood work and allergy testing might also provide insight. Feeling increasingly miserable, she worries about her baby's condition as well, and is contemplating finding a general practitioner who can coordinate her care and devise a cohesive plan, as she feels overwhelmed from frequent visits to various specialists. Despite checking for bedbugs—no evidence was found by an exterminator—and staying temporarily with her parents without emerging issues on their part, an underlying worry still looms. Her father has experienced an itchy rash previously, which he claims has resolved, but the authenticity of his claims is doubtful due to his religious beliefs against medical intervention. This complicated family dynamic only adds to her anxiety as she seeks clarity and relief in her long-fought battle against her mysterious skin condition.

ArthritisThyroid DisordersInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago