I am uncircumsized. I have been having some kind of infection with my penis resulting in a blotchy redish area on the head and also sometimes on parts of the foreskin. I have been forced to take meticulous care when urinating, making sure that the area is completly dry. The problem usually goes away after several days but has been returning more frequently. I have used Elocon ointment 0.1% which helps somewhat. What can be causing this problem and what can I do so that it won't return.
Answer --------
Red areas on the penis that are recurrent, respond to a topical steroid and are apparently painful could be any of a number of infections. I strongly suspect a sexually transmitted disease and strongly recommend that you get tested for herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea (all are cotton swab tests) and blood tests for syphilis and HIV. My first guess based on your symptoms would be herpes, but I really have no idea unless I saw the lesions and did the tests.
I also recommend very strongly than you use condoms 100% of the time when you have intercourse, unless you are trying to get a woman pregnant. If you have had sex with men, sex in exchange for money, or sex with iv drug users, you should also get tested and maybe immunized against hepatitis B.
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Paul Hunter, M.D.
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