Question: I have a short foreskin, thereby leaving my glans uncovered all the time. I find my glans very dry with scales and cracks. sometimes it is even flaky. Do you suggest some moisturizing cream for the glans? I approached a dermatologist here in Kanpur. He examined my glans and told me that there was nothing to worry. He prescribed a beclomethasone and clotrimazole cream and asked me to use it for 2 weeks. Until I used it, it was fine. Even when I began to use it, I began noticing small red bumps on my glans. The wierdest thing is that my glans looks normal sometimes and very bad sometimes. These red bumps appear sometimes and look dull or inconspicuous sometimes. I dont understand whether I am getting better or worse. The worst appearance is usually when I get up from a night's sleep. It looks a shrivelled polythene bag. Of course this doesnt happen all nights. I generally prefer not to wear an underwear during my night's sleep. Occasionally, I can see skin peeling off from the glans. Two days ago, I started rubbing extra virgin olive oil to my glans. Ever since I did that, redness spread to more area of the glans. However when I applied the above mentioned ointment today afternoon, redness subsided. This is my present conditon. What should I do? Do I have balanitis or penile psoriasis?

Dear Dr. XXXXXXX

I have uploaded five different photographs of my glans as "Reports" on this webpage. All of them have been taken a few hours ago. You may look at them for closer diagnosis.

As you look at them, I have a few questions:

1. Why is the top portion of my glans (corona) purple (or black) in color? Is this normal?

2. I feel some part of my corona has swollen in the recent few weeks. I dont know if this was always there as I have not examined this area so closely. Also note those bumps on the corona (Image 101 is clear)

3. How long do I need to use the vaseline?

Please get back to me if you want further information.

I have taken the photos on my mobile; If they are not clear or of you want a better looking photograph, please let me know.

Dear Dr XXXXXXX

These papules that you are talking about were certainly not there before. Infact, before I went to the doctor, I really dont think I had a serious problem.

I therefore agree more with your diagnosis of "steriod induced atrophy" because these red bumps and the redness of the glans in general became more dominant after I begun to use the cream. But I used it only for two weeks and the doctor who is a dermatologist himself has certainly not warned me of any possible side-effects. Thats the worst part of this whole experience.

Another thing that you missed out in your previous answer is replying to my query on purple colored corona and the slight possible swelling there. Do you think that was also due to steroid atrophy or was it always there before?

I used the vaseline for two nights now. I think there is definitely some improvement as far as dryness is concerned. But the redness, though reduced, comes and goes away. Infact, I am unable to judge whether this redness is due to some underlying problem or the natural color of the glans itself !!!

I dont have any itching or pain in the region; but I experienced some burning sensation sometimes; though this is not the case always.

What is your honest opinion doctor? Do you recommend me visiting another dermatologist for some direct physical examination? or do you think there is not much to worry and I may continue with the vaseline for two more weeks and then see. By the way, please give the name of some moisturizing cream that can be applied on the glans without any serious side-effects. And also, let me know how long should I do it?

If you want some more photographs, I ll try uploading them.

Regards,
XXXXXXX