What Causes Redness Around Penis Corona After Unprotected Sex?

Posted on Tue, 12 Jan 2016

Question: Hi, I was wondering if you could take a look at the pictures i have attached and tell me if you think everything looks normal on the penile shaft and head and rim of the penis.

Background:
Unprotected sex 8 weeks ago, I was tested for all stds at 1.5, 3, and 6 weeks and all were negative. I have had itching in the groin and the spot seems to change every week or so. i went to a doctor a 2 weeks ago and she said it was nothing, but I keep thinking it maybe herpes. Could this be a product of my imagination and anxiety?
Also as of Sunday the itching has switched to my penis head and upper shaft. The itching is not intense, but intermittent. I have been applying cortizone cream to the area for 2 days now and the cream burns when I put it on.

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

Brief Answer:
Nothing significant to be worried about

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us

I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images.

There seems to be some redness at the corona of glans but nothing much to be worried about. Anything you put on here e.g a cream, might irritate. I suggest you to avoid using anything over here, just let it get back to normal. Also avoid any soaps etc. Just use plain lukewarn water to clean the area.

As far as genital herpes is concerned, it presents with genital erosions or sores which you don't seem to have. Moreover, you have been screened adequately for STDs and that is a confirmation that you don't have genital herpes.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (1 hour later)

Can you describe what a genital erosion may look like.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Erosion is break in continuity of epidermis

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

An erosion is a break in the continuity of epidermis. It would appear as a small oval or circular raw area ( devoid of epidermis) with weeping or oozing base and bordered with intact epidermis. An erosion is superficial unlike an ulcer which is deeper. Classically erosions of genital herpes are multiple, discrete or confluent and are painful.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (16 hours later)

Okay. What is this white scaly skin on my upper penis? How can i get rid of this?

I have added two pictures

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
A dermatitis; Use a topical steroid

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

This seems like a contact dermatitis sort of an issue. This is not fungal infection. I suggest you to use a moderately potent topical steroid e.g triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% cream Or betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream, twice daily.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (41 hours later)

Hey Doctor, the past day or so my penis head toward the bottom has been pretty sensitive/ irritated. I can add pictures of that helps. But how can I help/fix this.

Hi I have added a picture. Those white bumps have become irritated. Could this be from irritation from a mometasone I have been applying?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not due to mometasone; could be due to friction or irritation

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, the rim of glans (corona) looks a little red. I don't think that it is due to the topical steroid cream. It could be due to friction or irritation due to soap etc.
Just use plain water to clean this area. You may use mometasone only at the site of the spot, which you complained about earlier. Use it for only a week or 10 days, by which time it should resolve

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Kakkar (21 hours later)

I really appreciate all your help so far. I have one last question and I will close the discussion. Can you take a look at the pictures I just added and look closely at the back of my penis head area and tell me if anything looks like i should be worried about it because today everything was a bit more irritated and there seemed to be a little burning when I peed

Answered by Dr. Dr. Kakkar (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Its normal

Detailed Answer:
Hi.

Yes, I do notice some redness at corona (rim of glsns) but not something I would worry about. Its quite normal. I would suggest you to leave it alone and it should get ok on its own. Anyways, glans of penis is a very vascular area and on somedays it can appear more pink or red or purplish red in color depending on ambient temperature.

Regards

Note: Consult a Sexual Diseases Specialist online for further follow up- Click here.

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