Unidentified Prepuce Condition: A Year of Misdiagnoses and Frustration - Dermatology

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Unidentified preputial disease that multiple physicians are unable to diagnose?


(I apologize, but please allow me to first explain this special feedback from a physician and the response from the Taiwan Dermatological Association, before introducing my symptoms:) I have had symptoms related to my foreskin since March of last year, and it has been over a year.
During this time, I have consulted four dermatologists and one urologist, each providing different diagnoses.
I have been prescribed and advised to use various medications and skincare products, but nothing has resolved the issue.
In fact, during my last visit to a major hospital, the physician examined me and surprisingly stated, "There is no disease; everything looks and feels normal," and added, "I studied medicine at National Taiwan University for seven years and have not learned about this in my further training.
The previous doctors probably haven't seen this either, so I can only randomly assign a diagnosis and prescribe medication to see if it works." He suggested that I consult a urologist instead, but the urologist also said there was no issue...
However, the symptoms are indeed present and have caused long-term inconvenience and discomfort in my daily life.
I determined that continuing to switch doctors randomly was not a solution and would only waste money, so I sought help from the Taiwan Dermatological Association, asking if they could refer my case of an unidentified skin condition that multiple doctors could not diagnose to a dermatology research unit willing to take it on as a study project.
Alternatively, I inquired if there were any better solutions or channels available.
However, the association replied, advising me to search online or continue seeing doctors (hoping for luck)...
But it is precisely because I have seen several doctors over the past year without success, and it is likely an unknown disease, that I had to seek other avenues! If I could resolve this issue by visiting a regular clinic or hospital, who wouldn't want that...
Then I stumbled upon the Taiwan e-Hospital website and decided to give it a try.
—————————————————— *Timeline and Symptoms: At the end of 2018, I began using a silicone masturbation cup heated in a rice cooker for 7 to 8 minutes, then cooled it down with cool water and water-based lubricant before use.
Until March 2019, there were no issues, but one day in March, it seemed that after using it for too long (I usually finish after two ejaculations, but that day I decided to go for three), I experienced a stinging sensation near the opening of the foreskin during the third round.
After resting for half a month, I tried again, but during the second round, the stinging sensation returned before I could finish.
I extended my rest period to one month and noticed that the opening of the foreskin had become very dry and tight; it could only retract below the glans when wet or with oily substances (like petroleum jelly).
After resuming masturbation, the stinging sensation returned, along with redness.
I then consulted the first doctor, who noted small abrasions and a bacterial infection, prescribing tetracycline eye ointment.
After using it for a month, I resumed masturbation, but the symptoms persisted.
He then suggested I try applying horse oil.
After three months of using horse oil without improvement, I consulted the second doctor, who diagnosed a fungal infection and prescribed Miconazole.
However, after applying it and resting for a month, there was still no improvement, and the symptoms had worsened to the point where even without masturbation, the retracted foreskin and the area where it was covered would occasionally feel a "pinching" stinging sensation (ranging from zero to a few times a day, to dozens of times a day).
The problematic foreskin near the opening had a different color and texture compared to the normal foreskin further back: it was darker, had many small, block-like folds, and when stretched flat, it reflected light more brightly.
After showering, it would turn red for a period.
In September, six months after the onset, I consulted the third doctor, who diagnosed seborrheic dermatitis and prescribed salicylic acid, a long-lasting moisturizing repair cream containing triple ceramides, and a soap-free cleanser for sensitive skin, advising me not to wash the foreskin with hot water or regular soap.
After following all instructions for a month, I suspected some improvement, so I tried using the masturbation cup with less force and at a slower pace, increasing the amount of lubricant and using it at room temperature without heating.
The first time, I only experienced mild irritation just before finishing the second ejaculation, and after cleaning and applying the repair cream and salicylic acid, the symptoms ceased to irritate or turn red shortly after.
I thought I had finally found the right treatment, but a few days later, when I masturbated again, the symptoms returned to their previous intensity.
In mid-October, I returned for a follow-up, and the doctor discontinued the salicylic acid, prescribing antifungal medication (I forgot if it was Miconazole).
In December, when I resumed masturbation, I again experienced the situation where "the first time the symptoms were mild, but a few days later, the second time was as severe as before," and this time, even parts of the glans and the urethral opening would turn red and have a different type of irritation (which felt more like sensitivity rather than pain, and was milder).
If I did not wear particularly soft underwear, even slight friction would easily cause sensitivity.
Additionally, if I did not retract the problematic foreskin but allowed it to cover the glans, I would easily experience a burning sensation when it came into contact with the scrotum; washing the foreskin with cool water or applying the repair cream would feel warm and cool in the healthy areas, but the problematic area would feel somewhat burning.
Since then, I have not dared to masturbate again and have continued to apply the repair cream as advised by the third doctor, using only the soap-free cleanser and cool water for washing, but there has been no improvement over the past few months.
I consulted the fourth (the aforementioned doctor from National Taiwan University) and fifth (urologist) doctors, and they both said there was no issue.
—————————————————— *Summary of Symptoms: The anterior foreskin is dry and tight, with many small block-like folds, reflecting light strongly when stretched flat.
It turns noticeably red during washing or masturbation (some areas are slightly red, while others are not), and friction easily causes stinging and sensitivity, with a burning sensation when in contact with cool water or room temperature repair cream.
*Summary of Medications and Products Used: Tetracycline eye ointment, salicylic acid, antifungal medications, pure horse oil, and triple ceramide moisturizing repair cream.
*Additionally, I emphasize: There is no itching, peeling, flaking, discharge, or rashes...
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
If a diagnosis cannot be determined, that is okay, but if possible, I hope you can provide other solutions or channels (such as recommending my case to a medical research unit).
Thank you!

Guo Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/10

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology


Actually, even with all that you've written, I still can't make a judgment because I can't diagnose skin issues without seeing them in person.
If you live in the northern part of the country, I recommend consulting Dr.
Lin Chong.

Reply Date: 2020/05/10

More Info


It sounds like you have been through a challenging and frustrating journey with your prepuce condition. The symptoms you've described, along with the extensive history of consultations with multiple dermatologists and urologists, indicate that you are dealing with a complex issue that has not been easily diagnosed or treated.
From your description, it seems that you have experienced a range of symptoms including tightness, sensitivity, and discomfort in the prepuce area, particularly after sexual activity. The fact that you have seen several specialists who have provided varying diagnoses and treatments without significant improvement can be incredibly disheartening.

Understanding Your Symptoms
The symptoms you describe—tightness, sensitivity, and changes in the appearance of the prepuce—could potentially be related to several conditions, including:
1. Lichen Sclerosus: A chronic skin condition that can cause white patches, tightening of the skin, and discomfort. It often affects the genital area and can lead to scarring if untreated.

2. Balanitis: Inflammation of the glans (the head of the penis) which can be caused by infections, irritants, or skin conditions.

3. Fungal Infections: While you mentioned that antifungal treatments did not yield results, it is still possible that a fungal infection could be contributing to your symptoms, especially if there was an initial response to treatment.

4. Contact Dermatitis: This could arise from irritation due to soaps, lubricants, or other products used in the area.

5. Peyronie's Disease: Although typically associated with curvature of the penis, it can also cause discomfort and changes in the skin.


Recommendations for Further Action
Given the complexity of your case, here are some suggestions for moving forward:
1. Seek a Specialist: If you haven't already, consider consulting a dermatologist who specializes in genital skin disorders or a urologist with a focus on sexual health. They may have more experience with rare or difficult-to-diagnose conditions.

2. Consider a Second Opinion: Sometimes, a fresh set of eyes can make a difference. If possible, seek a second opinion from a different medical institution or a university hospital where specialists may have more resources and experience.

3. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including when they occur, their severity, and any treatments you have tried. This information can be invaluable for any new doctor you consult.

4. Patch Testing: If contact dermatitis is suspected, a dermatologist may recommend patch testing to identify any allergens that could be causing your symptoms.

5. Research Studies: Since you mentioned the possibility of your case being used for research, consider reaching out to academic institutions or dermatology departments that may be interested in unusual cases. They might be able to provide insights or even offer to study your case further.

6. Support Groups: Connecting with others who have similar experiences can provide emotional support and practical advice. Online forums or local support groups may be beneficial.


Conclusion
While it is understandable to feel frustrated after a year of misdiagnoses and ineffective treatments, it is important to remain proactive in seeking the right care. Your symptoms are real, and finding a healthcare provider who takes your concerns seriously is crucial. Keep advocating for yourself, and do not hesitate to seek out specialists who may have more experience with your specific symptoms. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you find the answers you need.

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