Red Penis Rash: Pictures Symptoms Diagnosis & Treatment

Red Penis Rash

Red penis rash is common to occur during someones lifetime and varies with age and setting, it can be many things. Balanitis is one of the most common, and is a natural infection under the foreskin, which is the most common reason for a red penis. It is most common in the first years of life. The end of the penis becomes irritated, because of an overgrowth of the bodies natural bacteria and is usually found between the glans and foreskin. It can sometimes be related to the difficulty of keeping the area clean or too much cleanliness, it is therefore important to keep a clean balance.

There are many other common causes to a red penis rash, below you can read more on selected cases with a history, picture and the dermatologists answer.

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1. Psoriasis

Online dermatologist question
Red penis rash and the entire skin around, they do not itch or sting. I have had this for a year now.

Online dermatologist answer
Thanks for the picture! The rash looks like possibly psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease that affects the skin and develops red, scaly patches on the skin, it is nothing dangerous or contagious and there are several individual treatment options.  You can test with a non-prescription Daktacort cream (2/day for 1 week, then 1/day 1 week, then every other day for 1 week), if it is not better a stronger cortisone cream is needed and the treatment plan should be optimized by your family doctor or dermatologist.

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2. Corona glandis penis

Online dermatologist question
23 year old male. I have had this red rash on the penis for a year now. Itches sometimes usually no trouble. I have tried to self medicate with anti-fungal cream now for two weeks and it has possibly gotten a little better, but I do not know for sure.
Looks like fungus and several bumps, may even turn red on the foreskin sometimes.

Online dermatologist answer
Thanks for the picture! The small bumps are completely normal, called CORONA GLANDIS PENIS and are normal sebaceous glands. Based on the images it looks completely normal. You may have had possible a Balanitis: irritation eczema or Inflammation of the glans penis/foreskin that causes itching. Recommended treatment can be to test with Daktacort cream, which is a combination ointment with mild cortisone and anti-fungal properties  2 times/day for one week, then one a day for a week. Do not wash with soap, use only lukewarm water. I also recommend daily moisturizer cream especially after water contact. If it does not get better see your family physician or a dermatologist.

3. Balanitis

Online dermatologist question

I am 23 year old. I had unprotected sex about 6 month ago with an unknown girl… I freaked out right after and washed my penis  feverishly with both soap and shampoo for a period… I have been tested for chlamydia but I had nothing. I also self-treated with an anti-fungal cream for a week and then it was temporarily gone, but it came back again… After reading on the internet I only wash with lukewarm water and a washing oil from the pharmacy… This has calmed it a bit, but it has come back… Anything else I can do?

Online dermatologist answer

Thanks. From your history and images this looks like Balanitis an irritated eczema or inflammation of the skin on the glans penis and/or foreskin. It may be itchy, stinging and some cuts may happen.Treatment with topical steroids (eg hydrocortisone 1%, over-the-counter) twice daily for 1 week, then once daily for 1 week, then once every 2 days for 2 weeks is recommended. To avoid recurrences use moisturizing cream several times daily. Also avoid exaggerated hygiene which dries out the skin, use a mild soap and only luke warm water when washing. During sex or masturbation, apply lubricant to avoid friction. If it does not get better see your family doctor or a dermatologist in person.

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4. Eczema

Online dermatologist question

Normally pink red as in the picture but peels sometimes too. The red patch on the scrotum is round an inch in diameter and the one the penis root is oval. Then I have a blemish in the groin that also itches. It is a bit darker and an inch in diameter.

Online dermatologist answer

Thanks for sending in your query. Based on the information and images submitted this looks like eczema, an inflammation, dry and irritated skin, it is very common. You can treat this with OTC hydrocortisone ointment morning and evening 1 a week, then once daily for a week. Important with daily moisturizer, especially after water contact (shower or bath). If no improvement see your family doctor for further assessment.