Persistently Red Area on the Glans Without Discomfort – 35-Year-Old Circumcised Male
**Demographics:** Male, aged 35, circumcised **Timeframe:** Lasting longer than 10 days **Symptoms Observed:** No accompanying pain, itching, or discharge; a slightly reddened patch on the glans which appears somewhat dry but does not show any flaking. **Interventions Attempted:** Clotrimazole applied for three days, followed by Bepanthen for an additional three days, currently undergoing no treatment for the past three days. **Medical Background:** Recently switched laundry detergents; has not introduced any new soap products; has not engaged in unprotected sexual activity; no other symptoms present. **Concerns Raised:** Is it possible that this condition is psoriasis, contact dermatitis, or could it point to a more significant health issue?
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 7:10:32 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about a persistently red area on the glans, especially when it hasn't improved with topical treatments. This condition can be caused by several factors, including irritation (contact dermatitis), infections, or skin conditions like psoriasis, among other things. Given your symptoms—no pain, itching, or discharge, plus recent changes in laundry detergent—you might be dealing with a mild irritation rather than a serious health issue.
Explanation
- Contact Dermatitis: The change in laundry detergent could be causing irritation to sensitive skin, leading to redness without discomfort.
- Psoriasis: While psoriasis can appear in various forms, including on the glans, it typically presents with defined, scaly patches, which doesn’t seem to fit your description.
- Other Considerations: Since there are no signs of infection (like discharge), more severe conditions are less likely, but it’s essential to keep monitoring.
Next Steps
-
Avoid Irritants: Revert to your previous laundry detergent to see if the irritation improves over the next week. Ensure no new skin products or soaps are introduced.
-
Gentle Care: Continue to keep the area clean with mild soap and warm water, and avoid harsh soaps or scrubbing, as they can exacerbate irritation.
-
Moisturizing: If the area appears dry, consider using a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizer. Avoid any medications like clotrimazole unless advised by a healthcare professional.
-
Monitor Changes: Keep an eye on the patch for any changes in color, size, or texture. Note any new symptoms like discomfort or discharge.
-
Seek Further Evaluation if Needed: If the redness persists after another week without improvement, or if new symptoms develop, consider seeing a healthcare provider for a more thorough examination.
It's reassuring to know that most causes of this type of skin change are benign, but staying observant is key. Let me know if you have any other questions or concerns!
Related Questions
Understanding My Sleep Study Results: Zero Spontaneous Arousals
Subject Information: 28 years old, female, height 5'4", weight 160 lbs. Medications: I am currently taking Adderall, various vitamins, and occasionally propranolol for anxiety. On the day of the test, I refrained from all medications, including foregoing Adderall for two weeks before the study. I also avoided caffeine on the day of testing. Approximately four hours before the polysomnography (PSG) test, I took a regular 500 mg Tylenol for a headache; it was not Tylenol PM or any sleep-altering medication. Additional Medical Background: Aside from the conditions mentioned previously, my only other significant medical history is the gastric sleeve surgery I underwent on November 13, 2024. I had childhood asthma triggered by exercise and allergens but have since outgrown it. There’s also some history related to mental health, which may have been misdiagnoses of narcolepsy. Greetings! I recently underwent a PSG and MSLT, which confirmed a positive diagnosis for narcolepsy. However, I was under the impression that narcolepsy often leads to highly fragmented sleep patterns. Additionally, I have sleep apnea, now identified as treatment-emergent central sleep apnea (CSA). During the study, I recorded ten central apneas and three obstructive apneas, alongside four occurrences of limb movement arousals, yet reported an astonishing total of zero spontaneous arousals. Can this be accurate? The total number of arousal events noted was 36, but the figures cited pertain only to those involving desaturation. All noted events were linked to respiratory issues and limb movements. Interestingly, my average sleep latency was recorded at just 2 minutes, with REM sleep occurring in 3.5 minutes during the PSG and 7 minutes during the initial nap. To my surprise, I had thought I remained awake throughout each nap, but it turns out I was asleep the entire duration. The absence of any spontaneous arousals strikes me as extremely unusual; I’ve been unable to locate any articles or discussions online from others experiencing a complete lack of such arousals. Could the accuracy of the study be in question? What factors could lead to these findings? Additionally, I've noticed significant cognitive challenges that have progressively worsened over the last few years, coupled with severe excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). An intriguing observation I made using an app called Welltory indicated that my body was considerably relaxed, suggesting a dominant parasympathetic nervous system, with little interference from the sympathetic nervous system affecting my heart function. Could this finding be connected? Or might it simply be an unreliable method that I shouldn't prioritize? Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with me!
Elevated Bilirubin Levels: Should I Consult a Gastroenterologist Right Away?
At 31 years old and female, I recently experienced discomfort in my upper back and pain near the breastbone, specifically on the left side. After a visit to my physician, I was advised to undergo several tests, including a Chest X-ray, Vitamin D3 levels, Liver Function Tests (LFT), Uric Acid check, and a Complete Blood Count (CBC). The results revealed that everything was within normal ranges except for the CBC and bilirubin levels, which has left me feeling quite anxious. I can’t help but worry about serious issues like pancreatic or liver cancer. I would appreciate any advice. Although my general practitioner does not seem overly concerned, I've learned that a high level of direct bilirubin could indicate a potential blockage in the bile duct. Here are my lab results for reference: - Total Bilirubin: 1.84 mg/dL (normal: < 1.2) - Mildly elevated - Direct (Conjugated) Bilirubin: 0.72 mg/dL (normal: < 0.3) - Mildly elevated - Indirect (Unconjugated) Bilirubin: ~1.12 mg/dL (normal: 1.0–1.2) - Slightly elevated - SGOT, SGPT, ALP: All within normal limits From the CBC results: - Neutrophils: 80% (normal: 50–70%) - Slightly elevated - Lymphocytes: 17% (normal: 20–40%) - Slightly low - Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR): 28 mm/hr (normal: 0–20) - Mildly elevated
Seeking Assistance for Unusual and Persistent Symptoms
I am a 37-year-old female, standing at 5’3” and weighing 150 pounds. For the past nine days, I have been experiencing a troubling array of symptoms. It all began last Friday night when I suddenly felt something unusual in my neck, specifically on the right side at the base of my skull. I initially thought it might be a muscle strain or a knot. Unfortunately, this discomfort escalated into a migraine, forcing me to take pain relief medication and rest. The following day, the pain shifted to my right ear, where I began to feel intense discomfort. This has since turned into a continuous pain in my right ear and head that has not subsided. Additionally, my neck and shoulder muscles have become extremely tender, requiring daily massages from my husband to alleviate some of the soreness. I visited urgent care yesterday, where the physician diagnosed me with an outer ear infection and prescribed ear drops. However, I left feeling uncertain about the diagnosis. Although I was experiencing tenderness in the ear canal, the doctor noted I had no other indicators typical of infection, such as pain while tugging on my ear, discharge, or pus. Last night and throughout today, I have been beset by severe nausea and a sensation of swelling in my throat, although my breathing remains normal. I have not exhibited any fever, dizziness, faintness, or confusion, nor have I noticed swelling in other parts of my body. The persistent headache is significantly exacerbated by movement, particularly when I rise from bed, though taking 600mg of ibuprofen offers considerable relief. Is it advisable for me to return to urgent care? I'm feeling quite overwhelmed by these ongoing issues.
24-Year-Old Female with Hypoechoic Thyroid Nodule and Complex Symptoms Seeking Differential Diagnosis
Greetings, I’m a 24-year-old woman currently undergoing training in an ultrasound program. Approximately two months ago, I identified a hypoechoic nodule located on the lower-back section of my left thyroid lobe during a training session. The nodule is about 1.5 cm in size, displaying disorganized internal blood flow, irregular contours on transverse imaging, and potential outward growth into the carotid sheath. Additionally, it seems to be in close proximity to the carotid artery, as observed through Doppler imaging. I recently underwent a detailed ultrasound exam, which not only confirmed the presence of the nodule but also indicated the following notable findings: * Multiple swollen lymph nodes in the neck, largely oval in shape, with some notably losing their echogenic core. * Abnormalities in the left parotid and submandibular glands, characterized by notable shadowing and several small, very hypoechoic, shadowy masses. * I also passed visible stones from Stensen’s duct several days before the ultrasound. **Systemic symptoms experienced in the past 4 to 6 weeks:** * Approximately 10-pound unintentional weight loss. * Decreased appetite and diminished thirst. * Severe exhaustion and weakness. * Dry, thinning hair resembling straw. * Frequent bruises and slow wound healing. * Cognitive disturbances including foggy thinking, feelings of disconnection, and reduced cognitive speed. * Severe insomnia, for which I depend on a combination of 50 mg trazodone, 50 mg doxylamine, and 10 mg melatonin each night. I have no previous history of thyroid conditions or chronic illness, and I’m currently not experiencing any fever or sore throat. My vital signs have remained stable. I have laboratory tests planned for this week, along with a physical examination scheduled for July 1. **Considering the array of symptoms related to the thyroid, lymphatic system, salivary glands, and systemic issues, what differential diagnoses should I explore?** Do the circumstances suggest a risk of malignancy or an autoimmune disorder? I appreciate any insights you can provide.
Managing Sinus Tachycardia, Anxiety, and EPS: Consultation with Healthcare Providers
At the age of 40, I identify as FTM and have been on testosterone for the past 8.5 years. I have a history of schizophrenia diagnosed in 2006, along with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) diagnosed in 2001. Currently, my medication regimen includes Abilify Maintena at 400mg, Saphris at 5mg, Effexor XR at 300mg, Artane at 5mg (used for extrapyramidal symptoms), Strattera at 60mg, and Topamax at 150mg for weight management and mood stabilization. I weigh 130 pounds and stand 5 feet 3 inches tall, and I also have minor renal impairment that has developed over a decade of lithium use related to diabetes insipidus. In 2006, I was informed of having sinus tachycardia during a routine psychiatric hospitalization, where vitals were taken twice daily. To monitor my heart condition, I've undergone several echocardiograms and wore Holter monitors, which have shown no physical abnormalities, yet my pulse remains elevated. Prior to surgeries (including wisdom teeth removal, tubal ligation, and top surgery) and ECT sessions in 2008 and 2022, I have always had an EKG, an echocardiogram, and a Holter monitor performed. The results before my ECT in 2022 indicated a diagnosis of moderate sinus tachycardia. Experiencing significant anxiety affects me physically; I undergo cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and take Effexor to help manage it. My anxiety now largely presents through physical symptoms such as shakiness, rapid heartbeat, gastrointestinal distress, and stuttering. I also deal with extrapyramidal symptoms due to my antipsychotic medications. Despite adhering strictly to my prescribed medication routine, I strive to maintain a level of physical activity in my life. I've come across information suggesting that beta blockers, like propranolol, might alleviate the physical manifestations of anxiety, as well as the EPS linked to antipsychotic medications and sinus tachycardia. Although I remain skeptical about AI resources like chatGPT, I find drugs.com to be a trustworthy source of information. Currently, I'm on a low dosage of Artane to manage EPS, but I dislike its side effects, even though it offers some relief. My blood pressure typically reads around 120/80, occasionally slightly lower. Could this possibly be relevant to my situation? I am curious if a beta blocker would be effective in addressing my issues with tachycardia, anxiety, and EPS. Would it be advisable to consult with my general practitioner (who I've trusted for 12 years) or my psychiatrist (who I've seen for 14 years)? They do share my medical notes with each other, which is very helpful. I have an upcoming appointment with my psychiatrist on July 4 to discuss a blood work requisition and potentially start on Abilify Asimtufii, a new long-acting injectable version of Abilify available in Canada. Alternatively, I might just receive my regular Abilify Maintena injection if they haven't yet introduced Asimtufii. I intend to schedule a visit with my GP around the same timeframe as well.