Seeking Community Insights: Persistent Frenulum Issues
I’m a 36-year-old male weighing 155 lbs, and I haven’t had any STIs. Currently, I’m in the process of finding a dermatologist and would value any advice from this community: - For the past eight years, I’ve been managing inverse psoriasis on my penis with Protopic applied once or twice a week. Typically, any lesions clear up within a couple of days. - Since I began taking Crestor in March, I’ve experienced a chafing sensation at the frenulum area, which has also appeared thicker than normal—something I had never encountered before. I discontinued Crestor, yet the issue has persisted for three months. - It’s important to emphasize that I do not have STIs, experience pain, or face any functional difficulties. The thickness is predominantly noticeable from the top view and not from behind. - Observing from above, the affected area appears somewhat swollen when I use Protopic; however, once I stop applying it, the swelling reduces but leads to chafing within a day, a new development for me. The rest of the glans and the foreskin are maintained with Protopic on a weekly basis. **I consulted a dermatologist who used a dermatoscope. They advised using Protopic and Zoryve once daily, separately, for a duration of six weeks, but I have not seen improvement. The affected region does look calmer upon waking, yet it remains abnormally thick.** I'm seeking guidance on possible explanations for this condition, as it doesn't resemble my usual psoriasis. I have a suspicion that the small dot, which seems to indicate a clogged duct, could be significant. Any opinions or advice would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/19/2025, 5:01:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
Main Points: You are experiencing persistent thickening and chafing at the frenulum area, potentially exacerbated by recent changes in medication. It's crucial to find effective management strategies for your condition and explore possible underlying causes.
Explanation: Based on your description, it seems that you may be dealing with a combination of factors. Inverse psoriasis typically leads to inflammation and lesions, but the new symptoms (thickening and chafing) could relate to various causes, including possible irritation due to friction, changes in skin sensitivity, or medication side effects. The absence of pain and functional issues is reassuring, but the persistent nature of the symptoms warrants attention.
It's important to keep in mind that the sensation of swelling and chafing may be influenced by the use of topical treatments like Protopic, as well as changes in skin behavior post-Crestor. This could lead to an exacerbation of chafing if the skin barrier is affected.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Skin Condition: Keep a simple diary noting any changes in your symptoms, particularly in relation to applying Protopic and Zoryve. Track when you experience chafing or thickening and any factors that could be contributing (like friction or prolonged moisture).
-
Gentle Care: Practice gentle care of the area. Use mild, unscented soap and ensure it's well-rinsed away. Avoid any irritants like tight clothing or rough fabrics.
-
Moisturize: Consider applying a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer after washing to help reduce chafing. Look for products designed for sensitive skin.
-
Reassess Medications: Discuss with your dermatologist the possibility that other factors (e.g., dryness from the topical medication) may be at play. If the issue persists, it may be worthwhile to explore other treatment options or alternative medications.
-
Evaluate for Other Conditions: The appearance of a clogged duct or any unusual changes warrants attention. If symptoms do not improve or worsen, consider asking your dermatologist about potential further evaluations, such as a biopsy or referrals to specialists if needed.
-
Seek Support: Continue leveraging community insights, but ensure they complement professional advice. If possible, reach out to others with similar chronic conditions who may offer practical, relatable tips.
Please stay proactive in your care, and address any concerns with your healthcare provider for tailored advice based on your specific situation.
Related Questions
Urgent Help Needed for My Father's Health Crisis
I am reaching out in desperation regarding my father's health, as he's currently 58 years old and weighs approximately 60 kg. Is it feasible to manage chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD 5) solely through dietary changes and medications like Lasix? I implore you to read my entire account carefully. Recently, I encountered an individual who claimed to be a doctor, insisting that he has successfully treated numerous patients just by adjusting their diets. Unfortunately, my sister is starting to believe in these dubious claims, and this situation is jeopardizing my father's health. A detailed backstory follows. For an extended period, my father remained undiagnosed, but after some recent tests indicated alarmingly high creatinine and urea levels—initially recorded at 8.5—my mother, influenced by our Pakistani background and various conspiracy theories, opted against dialysis. Instead, she sought medication that would supposedly help maintain his health. At that time, my father exhibited no critical symptoms or unusual urine output. Months passed, and when his values failed to improve with medication alone, my mother turned to a homeopathic practitioner from another city, who claimed he had cured many CKD patients. Trusting his advice and spending a significant amount of money on his prescribed remedies, we adhered to a stringent dietary regimen that severely restricted protein intake. However, a month later, my father began experiencing serious breathing difficulties, finding it hard to catch his breath during routine activities such as walking or even standing. We conducted more medical tests and discovered that while his creatinine and urea levels had decreased (creatinine dropped from about 7 to 5), his hemoglobin level plummeted from 10 to 8, and fluid had accumulated in his lungs. Additionally, his feet were swollen, and he presented symptoms of exhaustion and shortness of breath, which we attributed to using only the homeopathic medications prescribed. We decided to discontinue this treatment due to my father’s worsening condition. Following this, my sister reached out to a new doctor, a recommendation from an Arabic community group; I’m uncertain of her qualifications. This new practitioner advised a complete diet overhaul, claiming that she, too, had cured CKD patients through dietary means. My sister, swayed by her assurances and the fact that she was not charging us, trusted this advice. This new dietary plan was seemingly extreme: it suggested a combination of proteins, fats, vegetables, and meats, while completely eliminating carbohydrates. The rationale was that carbohydrates contribute to insulin resistance—a significant concern since my father has had type 2 diabetes for over 20 years. Despite the doctor claiming that liver issues were stressing the kidneys and causing CKD, my father’s liver function tests indicated that his liver was functioning normally. I have attempted to engage my sister in discussions about her decisions, but she steadfastly adheres to her beliefs, often dismissing my concerns as unfounded. She believes that the medical system is merely profiting from keeping patients in a cycle of dependency on expensive treatments. I urgently seek guidance, as my father's well-being hangs in the balance. My attempts to reason with my sister have resulted in conflicts, and I seem to be viewed as the villain in this situation. A thorough, expert response would be greatly valued at this time.
Addressing Tibial Torsion Concerns
I am 20 years old, standing at 170 cm tall and weighing 60 kg. I've been dealing with a condition commonly referred to as duck feet; my right leg appears to be more affected than my left. This issue has been present since my childhood, and it seems to run in the family, as both my father and sister also experience similar symptoms. The problem stems from a rotational misalignment in the tibia. After consulting with ChatGPT, I learned that it may not be possible to correct this, as it involves the bone structure. I have always been active, engaging in various sports throughout my youth, and I currently participate in boxing. What options are available for me?
Seeking Clarity on Persistent Symptoms and Possible Conditions
Greetings, medical professionals, I am a 19-year-old female struggling with ongoing physical discomfort and emotional challenges, and I am in need of your insights. Back in December last year, I underwent a thyroid ultrasound which detected five TI-RADS 5 nodules, each under 1 cm in size. Two of these nodules were located in the right lobe (measuring 0.2 × 0.1 cm and 0.9 × 0.1 cm) while the left lobe housed three smaller ones, the largest being 0.2 × 0.2 cm. Due to their diminutive dimensions, a repeat ultrasound was suggested for six months later instead of a biopsy. My thyroid hormone levels came back normal during this assessment. The imaging also indicated the presence of a submental lymph node, which has persisted for close to three years and initially prompted me to seek out imaging. It is both visible and can be felt. The report characterized it as unchanged, with a fatty hilum and an irregular shape, measuring 1.1 × 0.6 cm, and indicated that it seemed to be reactive in nature. Prior to discovering the nodules, I started experiencing back issues in May 2025. Initially, the discomfort was mild and localized to the left side, considered to be mechanical. However, the pain progressively worsened, spreading to both sides with the upper back predominantly affected on the left side, occasionally radiating to my neck. I also suffer from constant shoulder discomfort and my arms become sore easily, even from light activities. In subsequent months, I began to develop rashes, which I have documented in previous posts. The skin issues were initially misdiagnosed as scabies, but they worsened post-treatment. Although vasculitis was contemplated, my laboratory tests yielded normal results. A biopsy of the skin revealed psoriasiform spongiotic dermatitis and psoriasiform/nummular dermatitis. While the initial rashes responded to topical steroids, new ones are appearing on my legs, which I perceive as resembling petechiae—flat, tiny red spots that do not fade when pressed. In December of last year, I also became aware of swollen lymph nodes and widespread pain. The lymph nodes in question include: - Two nodes near the left lower back by the hip — these are painful and remain palpable after several weeks. - A node in the right groin/lower abdomen — initially painful, it has shrunk but still causes discomfort in the area. - A painless node in the left parotid area (cheek). - A painless node in the left axilla (armpit), which was first identified approximately eight months ago through a breast ultrasound, measuring 1.3 × 0.7 cm as a solid nodule, though the breast ultrasound returned negative results, and the lymph node size has remained stable. Additional symptoms include: - Radiating shoulder pain into the collarbone, - Intermittent pain in the calves and upper legs, - Unpredictable soreness and pain throughout my limbs (similar to post-exercise discomfort), - Random aches in my forearms, - Tingling sensations in my fingers, - An area in my left thigh that feels firmer than surrounding muscle, slightly elevated and noticeable to the touch. Pressing on it yields normal muscle sensation. My right thigh does not have this issue, leaving me uncertain if this is typical or concerning. My growing concerns revolve around potential serious conditions such as lymphoma or thyroid cancer due to the nodules observed. This situation has been incredibly taxing—I am lost on what symptoms should take priority or which specialists to approach. Additionally, I often feel brushed off by medical practitioners; whenever my symptoms are brought up, it appears they deem them insignificant and seem rushed. I am worried that there could be a significant underlying issue developing, especially as I've been experiencing increasing symptoms and a decline in my overall well-being in recent months. I understand that no diagnosis can be rendered over the internet, but I would greatly value your advice regarding: - The seriousness of my symptoms, - Potential tests or evaluations I should pursue, - The appropriateness of waiting six months for follow-up imaging. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to your guidance.
Experiencing Unexplained Skin Sensitivity in Social Situations
At 17 years old and standing at 182 centimeters, I've been facing an unusual and troubling condition. My skin feels an intense stinging sensation all over whenever I'm in close proximity to my parents or other people. The discomfort is so overwhelming that it's almost impossible for me to remain seated. Interestingly, there’s no physical manifestation—my skin appears entirely normal without any signs of dryness, rashes, or itchiness. Yet, I endure this sharp, burning pain that seems to be beyond my control. This issue has been intensifying, leading me to isolate myself more, which, in turn, exacerbates my feelings of loneliness. I'm curious if anyone else has encountered a similar experience. Could this potentially relate to a nerve or nervous system issue? I would also like to know what type of healthcare professional or specialist I should consult for further evaluation.
Inability to Sneeze: Potential Neural Communication Issues
Hello. I’m seeking assistance to comprehend my situation and explore possible remedies. I’m a 25-year-old male working as a software engineer and currently not taking any medications. For the last two years, I have experienced an inability to sneeze. This issue first arose following two significant incidents involving exposure to neurotoxic substances, which led to a variety of neurological symptoms. 1) **Vitamin B6 Toxicity**: Over a span of 4-6 weeks, I received seven intramuscular injections of a B-complex vitamin, each containing 100mg of Vitamin B6 in the pyridoxine form. Shortly after beginning these injections, my health rapidly declined, and numerous symptoms emerged. Research has identified pyridoxine as potentially neurotoxic, with recent documentaries and studies — particularly from the Australian community — raising awareness about this condition. In response, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has taken steps to restrict the sale of B6 supplements and to lower their permissible amounts. For more insight into the seriousness of this issue, you can find several informative short documentaries on the ABC News YouTube channel. 2) **Insecticide Exposure**: While undergoing the B6 treatment, I also encountered a concerning situation where I inhaled toxic insecticide fumes. Not realizing the danger due to nasal congestion from a minor illness, I sprayed a considerable amount of insecticide in my room. It was only after I started coughing that I realized I had been breathing in these harmful fumes. It occurred late at night when I was already feeling unwell, and I opted to go to sleep shortly afterward. Both incidents occurred in September to October of 2021, after which I began to experience an alarming array of around twenty symptoms affecting my sensory, motor, and autonomic nervous systems. I developed severe numbness and tingling in various parts of my body, involuntary muscle movements, ataxia, facial numbness accompanied by a loss of muscle volume in my face due to nerve damage, and symptoms that resembled diabetes such as excessive thirst and fatigue post-meals. Other issues included rapid heart rate, skin lesions, an inability to sweat, extreme muscle weakness, and significant psychological symptoms, including emotional numbness and anhedonia. Virtually every area involving nerves seemed to be impacted. Now, 18 months later, I’ve made considerable progress, with most of the symptoms easing, but I still struggle with the inability to sneeze. Recently, after experiencing a flu, I noticed that my body failed to sneeze about 90% of the time. I feel the urge to sneeze starting deep in my lungs, traveling to the tip of my nose, yet it rarely culminates in an actual sneeze. Instead, I feel pressure released in alternative ways, sometimes sensed as pressure in my head, and occasionally, I experience tears running from my eyes and nose when the sneezing sensation arises, yet no sneeze follows. Despite waiting a year and a half for recovery and seeing improvements in my larger nerves, these specific bodily functions remain unresolved. A recent electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction study (NCS) conducted two weeks ago returned normal results, which aligned with my awareness of the recovery in my larger nerves and muscles during this period. Through my research, I’ve discovered that the trigeminal and cranial nerves play a crucial role in initiating a sneeze, suggesting the presence of a signaling issue. I would greatly appreciate guidance on this matter.