Suggest Treatment For Redness On The Penis Head

Posted on Tue, 25 Oct 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 25 Oct 2016 Answered on

Sat, 19 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Follow up for Dr. XXXXXXX Kumar:
Have started on mild potency steroid cream. Still no firm diagnosis of lichen sclerosis. Head of penis is very red inside area of white discoloration. Redness extends down the shaft. When I rub the red areas it seems like thin white tissue covers it for a second or two before returning to red color. Will this redness heal eventually and return to more normal color?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Switch to a slightly more potent steroid cream

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing back

I am dr.kakkar(dermatologist). I answered one of your previous query regarding the same issue.

Redness and superficial erosions will take some time to go. This is part of atrophy that accompanies LSeA
I would rather suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid i.e either mometasone furoate 0.1% cream or fluticasone propionate 0.05% cream. You can refer to my previous reply regarding the use of moderately potent topical steroid cream. Cortisone is too mild for it to have a faster effect.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (14 hours later)

I can only use what my dermatologist prescribes. Been using it for a week with no sign of improvement. Are you saying weeks/months? Will keep you updated after my next appointment.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (19 hours later)

Brief Answer:
3-4 months treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Ok.
Yes it would take at least 12-16 weeks of a moderately potent steroid cream to have a significant relief.
Sure keep me updated.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (6 hours later)

I didn't know I could a steroid cream for that long. Thanks, will keep you updated on my progress.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
LSeA

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Although LSeA is a self limiting condition, however steroid creams do help in arresting progression and limiting the extent of involvement a.d prevent scarring. It does require a longer duration or repeated application of steroid creams and intermittent attempted withdrawl to see if the condition has ceased or worn out.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (12 hours later)

Have also noticed that when the skin flakes on shaft - what's left underneath is lighter in color (grayer instead of brownish red like it should be). Is this common? Is it vitiligo?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not vitiligo

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

This is not vitiligo. Vitiligo is non inflammatory i.e scaling or flaking is never a part of vitiligo but it is a part of LSeA.

Regards

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