Have Folliculitis In Shaft Of Penis. Skin Looks Red And Scaling Noticed. Using Lamsil Antifungal Jock Itch Spray. Cure?

Posted on Sat, 3 Aug 2013

Question: I believe I have folliculitis on the shaft of my penis. The hair follicles aroudn the base got enflamed after i went running and didn't shower for 6 hours on a very hot and humid day. The skin is red around the follicles and also there is slight scaling where skin will rub off. I'm wondering what I can do to treat this. I've been using lamsil antifungal jock itch spray since monday and have only had slight improvement. Also, should I refrain from having sex with this? Thanks,

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (9 minutes later)

Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic
Folliculitis is a bacterial infection of hair follicle and an antibiotic cream like neosporin will help, not lamsil.
Is it painful or itchy ?
Do you see any pus pointing from the hair follicle ?

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All you know it might be irritated fordyce's spots and not an infection at all.

You should refrain from sexual intercourse only if it is an STI like herpes.
Kindly send me a photo so that I can diagnose and give proper advice.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (8 minutes later)

I have uploaded a picture. The redness is mainly around hair follicles. Please recommend a treatment. How long to heal do you think?
I am able to squeeze a little bit of clear fluid from the follicle. It is not painful or itchy. I didn't even notice it until I saw it.

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (1 hour later)

Hello,
Welcome back.
What you are having is folliculitis. I see that your hair over the penis is short. Did you trim it or shave it ? Was the shaving or trimming prior to onset of this rash ?

This is not herpes or fungal infection. You can apply antibiotic cream (neosporin ) thrice a day till it subsides. You need not refrain from sexual intercourse.

Hope I have answered your query.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Johny Chacko (12 minutes later)

I did trim somewhat recently...maybe a few days before it showed up. Thanks for your help!

Answered by Dr. Johny Chacko (18 minutes later)

Hello,
This folliculitis could be because of trimming the pubic hair short. Trimming and shaving can introduce infection into follicles and also can cause pseudofolliculitis where hair gets trapped inside the skin. This is common for pubic hair as they are more thicker and curly.
Apply neosporin thrice a day and it will be alright.
Take care

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar