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Is It Normal To Have Cracks On Penis?

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Posted on Mon, 2 Dec 2013
Question: my penis shaft seems to have cracks or dry skin on the upper portion, gland and penis head looks normal. shaft sometimes also has white powdery residue.
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Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Candidiasis of penile region Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I will be able to help you in the same. Form the description that you have provided, it looks like you have developed a fungal infection of the penile region ie candidiasis. Such infections can present with whitish discharge, small red or white raised lesions and sometimes even fissures or cracks in the prepuce. This can be associated with itching, irritation and discomfort. Candidiasis is a common skin condition. This is more common in patients on antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs and in diabetics although it can develop in normal individuals also. It can also be transmitted sexually. So it is important to rule out any such infections in your partner. Now as far as the treatment is concerned, you can use any topical antifungal cream like candizole cream over the affected area atleast twice a day. Oral antifungals are also prescribed in severe cases. Keep the affected area clean and dry. You can use lukewarm saline water to clean it twice a day followed by application of the medication. Take some antihistamines for the associated itching. If there is history of recurrent development of such lesions, then get a blood glucose analysis done. For confirmation of the diagnosis, it would be helpful if you can click home close up pictures of the skin lesions and upload them here on this page. You can also mail the same at YYYY@YYYY with heading as ref to Dr Geetika Paul. Hope it helps, If you have any other query, please let me know. Dr Geetika Paul.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Follow up: Dr. Geetika Paul (25 minutes later)
I have updated the attachment, I have also included the medication that I was using previously.
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Answered by Dr. Geetika Paul (10 hours later)
Brief Answer: Tinea infection with eczematous changes Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX I have seen your attached pictures. The clinical appearance goes in favour of a fungal infection which is tinea. The treatment of the same is in the form of application of topical antifungals. You have been using clotrimazole cream which should have helped in your case. I would like to know if there was any effect with this medicine when used. You also need to add a topical steroid along with the antifungal since skin have undergone eczematous changes due to excessive itching. The eczematous changes usually give a different appearance to the infection and thus an underlying fungal infection can be missed. This seems to have happened in your case too. You can see if you can get a topical antifungal steroid combination cream . Apply it twice over the affected areas. Also avoid the application of any other oils or creams over the affected area. Wear count undergarments so as to reduce sweating and recurrent infections. Sometime oral antifungals in the form of fluconazole have to be added along for complete cure. Hope it helps, If you have any other query, please let me know. Dr Geetika Paul.
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. Shanthi.E
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Dr. Geetika Paul

Dermatologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2606 Questions

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Is It Normal To Have Cracks On Penis?

Brief Answer: Candidiasis of penile region Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX I understand your concern regarding your skin problem and I hope I will be able to help you in the same. Form the description that you have provided, it looks like you have developed a fungal infection of the penile region ie candidiasis. Such infections can present with whitish discharge, small red or white raised lesions and sometimes even fissures or cracks in the prepuce. This can be associated with itching, irritation and discomfort. Candidiasis is a common skin condition. This is more common in patients on antibiotics or immunosuppressive drugs and in diabetics although it can develop in normal individuals also. It can also be transmitted sexually. So it is important to rule out any such infections in your partner. Now as far as the treatment is concerned, you can use any topical antifungal cream like candizole cream over the affected area atleast twice a day. Oral antifungals are also prescribed in severe cases. Keep the affected area clean and dry. You can use lukewarm saline water to clean it twice a day followed by application of the medication. Take some antihistamines for the associated itching. If there is history of recurrent development of such lesions, then get a blood glucose analysis done. For confirmation of the diagnosis, it would be helpful if you can click home close up pictures of the skin lesions and upload them here on this page. You can also mail the same at YYYY@YYYY with heading as ref to Dr Geetika Paul. Hope it helps, If you have any other query, please let me know. Dr Geetika Paul.