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What Causes Itching And Burning Sensation In The Penis Head?

Posted on Sat, 15 Oct 2016

Question: The head of my penis turned white in July. Itching and burning. Visited several doctors with several opinions: Fungus, Vitiligo, Scarring from fungal infections. My GP has doubts about these possibilities, but is unsure himself. He wants to wait on a biopsy until he sees what the anti fungal results are because he said it is painful. Next appointment is in Dec. On-line chat with dermatologist produced LS diagnosis. Can't stop thinking about this. Need answers. The shaft of penis looks red and white and skin feels rough to the touch. Wet itchy feeling especially after urinating. I am 53 and single and don't want to risk losing sexual function - which I read is a risk of LS. Hope someone can

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems to be lichen sclerosus, high potency topical steroids

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for being at healthcaremagic
I am Dr Asmeet Kaur Sawhney, a dermatologist.
I have reviewed the attached photograph and it seems to be lichen sclerosus.
It is a chronic immune mediated disease usually affecting the genital skin.
It is usually treated with high potency topical steroids like clobetasol propionate cream or betamethasone cream on the affected areas twice daily.
Steroidal preparations are prescription drugs and you need to see the doctor in person to get them.
To confirm the diagnosis a skin biopsy is required.
Regards
Dr Asmeet

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (3 hours later)

You don't think it is scarring from fungal infections like my urologist? I have read that this is rare in circumcised men. I was circumcised as a baby. Will these steroids improve the look of the skin? Won't they further thin the skin?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Steroids provide symptomatic relief & reduce scarring

Detailed Answer:
I don't think it is scarring from fungal infection.
Fungal infection usually don't lead to scarring and sole involvement of penile skin is rare.
Yes it is rare in circumcised men but still cases affecting glans and penile skin have been reported.
Steroids will basically reduce the symptoms of itching and burning and will prevent and reduce scarring associated with the disease.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 hours later)

is there anything I can do to improve the look of the skin both on the head and shaft of the penis?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Cortisone cream, tacrolimus ointment

Detailed Answer:
You can use cortisone cream on the affected areas twice daily.
Even tacrolimus ointment has been shown to be effective in the treatment of lichen sclerosus.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (9 hours later)

Just one more thing, how long should it take for red spots to heal and stop peeling?

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
3-4 weeks after starting medicines

Detailed Answer:
It will take 3-4 weeks for the spots and peeling to resolve after starting the medicines.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (4 hours later)

Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Asmeet Kaur Sawhney (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Welcome!!

Detailed Answer:
Welcome!!

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee