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Suggest Treatment For Red Marks On Shaft And Dry Skin
Question: Dr, i have these red marks on the shaft just of my penis below the head. The lighter of the two has been there for about 3 months off and on while the darker one on the left side just appeared yesterday. They are painless and occassionally appear to have flaky dry skin that comes off easily in the shower. I have attached multiple pics for clarity. What do you think this is? Please help!
Brief Answer:
Possibility of seborrheic dermatitis Or psoriasis
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome back and thank you for writing back to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the Images.
I remember in our last communication I had suggested a possibility of either seborrheic dermatitis Or psoriasis for these asymptomatic, red, flaky patches.
I asked you to apply a moderately potent topical steroid e.g either tramcinolone acetonide 0.1%.
Did you try it?How was the response to it?
Regards
Possibility of seborrheic dermatitis Or psoriasis
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Welcome back and thank you for writing back to us.
I have taken note of your query and I have also reviewed the Images.
I remember in our last communication I had suggested a possibility of either seborrheic dermatitis Or psoriasis for these asymptomatic, red, flaky patches.
I asked you to apply a moderately potent topical steroid e.g either tramcinolone acetonide 0.1%.
Did you try it?How was the response to it?
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Yes we spoke previously. Thank you again for your reply. It seemed to work well by lightening the original blemish. Im concerned because there is a new identical blemish. Should i continue tretment with both? Is this typical presentation of the conditions you listed orWould it be wise to seek out a physician for swabbing or a biopsy?
Brief Answer:
The presentation is representative of seb dermatitis/ psoriasis..
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Seborrheic dermatitis/ psoriasis both can present with red, scaly patches on genital skin.
The diagnosis is clinically obvious. However, a biopsy would be confirmatory but it is not really indicated because of the typical presentation.
Both of these are steroid responsive conditions and respond particularly well to topical steroids, therefore you may continue with the same topical steroid, twice daily on all existing patches.
I suggest you to follow up with a dermatologist rather than with a physician. That is a must. Your dermatologist would be able to confirm/ reinforce the diagnosis
It would depend on the discretion of your dermatologist whether he/ she would want to biopsy this Or would prescribe a topical steroid.
If your dermatologist would want to biopsy he/ she would do that from a new lesion rather than an older resolving lesion.
In that case, if a biopsy is planned, the best thing in that case would be to withhold topical steroid application because topical steroids suppress signs of inflammation and therefore would mask the classical histopathological changes.
Regards
The presentation is representative of seb dermatitis/ psoriasis..
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Seborrheic dermatitis/ psoriasis both can present with red, scaly patches on genital skin.
The diagnosis is clinically obvious. However, a biopsy would be confirmatory but it is not really indicated because of the typical presentation.
Both of these are steroid responsive conditions and respond particularly well to topical steroids, therefore you may continue with the same topical steroid, twice daily on all existing patches.
I suggest you to follow up with a dermatologist rather than with a physician. That is a must. Your dermatologist would be able to confirm/ reinforce the diagnosis
It would depend on the discretion of your dermatologist whether he/ she would want to biopsy this Or would prescribe a topical steroid.
If your dermatologist would want to biopsy he/ she would do that from a new lesion rather than an older resolving lesion.
In that case, if a biopsy is planned, the best thing in that case would be to withhold topical steroid application because topical steroids suppress signs of inflammation and therefore would mask the classical histopathological changes.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
In a typical case would topical steroid use completetly eliminate the lesion? Also, how long would it take to eliminate the lesion? I do have an appointment in two days so hopefully this will all be resolved soon.
Brief Answer:
A topical steroid for 2-4 weeks would be sufficient
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes, a topical steroid would take around 2-4 weeks to eliminate a few lesions such as these.
Regards
A topical steroid for 2-4 weeks would be sufficient
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Yes, a topical steroid would take around 2-4 weeks to eliminate a few lesions such as these.
Regards
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
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