Lotion irritates Penis...Red, itchy skin with red dot

[MedicalQuestions]

I've been having red, irritated itchy skin on my penis on and off for months. I'm a virgin and haven't had any type of relations with a girl in about 10 months. The problem gets worse when I use lotion to masturbate. The itching will go away..I'll use the lotion again...then the itching will come back. Last time I used the lotion a red dot appeared on the head of my penis.

I used lotion for many years without a problem, but now it seems I have some type of reaction to it. I've also noticed the red skin appears to be in areas where I have callisises on my hand. I'm assuming it's acting like sandpaper and irritating my skin.

I'm just wondering if you think these issues could be caused by the lotion or if you think it's something more serious. Even though I'm a virgin, I'm worried that it's herpes. I have no other pain other than the itchy feeling.

Thank you.

[John Kenyon, CNA]

Hello -

Based on your reported cause-and-effect observation it would seem that you have developed a sensitivity to the lotion you're using. This is hardly unusual, as both sensitivities and actual allergies can take sometimes many years to develop. On the other hand, there could have been a change of some ingredient in the lotion and the new component may be something you would have been sensitive to anyway, but that it wasn't present before (this is also a very common problem with lotions, soaps, etc.). You might try using some different lubricant to see if the same thing happens. At any rate, it seems fairly certain the irritation has something to do with the lotion you are currently using, plus probably some additonal invasion of the skin's surface due to callousing of your hand or hands.

I hope this is helpful. Best of luck to you.