Balanitis with red rash on penis.

Hello,

Thanks for your query at DoctorSpring.com.

You have what is called balanitis, or an inflammation of your penis. This can be caused by a number of reasons including an allergy to an irritant, eczema, or an infection either by bacteria, virus or fungus. If you have had unprotected sex recently, then you could have contracted a sexually transmitted disease or infection from an infected partner. Here is what I suggest:

1. Wait 1 day and see if the symptoms regress. If so, then you will not require treatment.

2. If symptoms persist, I recommend you get evaluated by a local physician as you most likely have an infection. A professional may be able to tell you a diagnosis just by looking at the lesions.

3. You may also require some testing including swab cultures from the scabs, blood tests, allergy testing, and possibly a biopsy may be necessary if a diagnosis is not reached. Most likely your general practitioner should be able to diagnosis or he may refer you to a dermatologist.

4. For fungal infections such as thrush anti-fungal therapy is the treatment with fluconazole creams or oral pills if severe infection. Viral infections such as herpes, require acyclovir therapy and allergic reactions can get relieved by steroid creams.

The treatment varies and will depend on the diagnosis. In the meantime, do not use harsh soaps on the area and wash with warm water daily. Wear lose clothes and underwear to prevent further irritation.

I hope these suggestions will help and please feel free to ask any follow-up questions. Take care and be well. Thank you.