Check Up: Treating haircuts on penis

Dear Readers,

College student, Rohan, 19, writes about a recurring problem. In recent months, since becoming sexually active, he has noticed fine haircuts to the head of his penis. Sometimes a pinkish rash can also be seen. Rohan asked what is the most likely cause and how can he treat it?

Cuts to the penis can be painful especially if the cause is uncertain! It is important when the cuts occur to note where they are located and what activity involving the genetalia, if any, occurred before seeing the rash. The activity could be related or the rash could be due to some underlying health-related problem.

Some common causes of penile cuts include:

• Latex allergy - Latex, the material out of which the majority of condoms used are constructed, can cause an allergic response which presents with cuts and abrasions to the penis as well as penile soreness. This could require using condoms made from other materials.

• Yeast infections - Symptoms of a yeast infection in a man include burning during sex, a reddish looking penile head and rashes and cuts over the penis. Yeast infections are treated easily with antifungal creams or/and antifungal tablets.

• Sexually transmitted infections (STI) - Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can present a few days to a week after exposure with cuts and abrasions to the penis. These lesions will disappear after a few days, only to recur later at the same spot. It is important to avoid sexual intercourse when these lesions are present to prevent spreading infection. The presence of HSV can be confirmed with a blood test. Treatment to lessen symptoms and delay recurrence can be prescribed. At this time there is no known cure for HSV.

• Phimosis - When the penile foreskin is too tight and cannot easily be retracted, small tears can occur during sex or masturbation. These cuts can heal and recur again, causing fibrosis and further tightening of these tissues. This may require circumcision.

• Balanitis - Infection/inflammation of the penile foreskin can result in small cuts and may require antibiotic therapy.

• Friction during sex - If cuts are seen immediately after sex they could be related to intense rubbing during sex or after fairly aggressive sex. Vitamin E cream or oil, vitamin A cream or a zinc ointment can be applied to soothe and heal the condition .If the cuts become infected, antibiotic cream may be needed.

Write to:

Check Up,

PO BOX 1731,

KGN 8

AJM