[HELP] Corticosteroid ointment on my penis and it thinned the skin

[Doug4575]

Hello! I need a help urgently. I’m 25 years old and virgin. I am being treated with Roaccutane (isotretinoin) for acne.

4 months ago I had dryness and irritation on my penis due to the medication. I consulted a terrible urologist and he prescribed me a corticosteroid ointment and told me that I should use it repeatedly, as the ointment wouldn't harm me. I had a return appointment 14 days later and he told me to use it for a total of 2 and a half months.

The result was disastrous, my foreskin is thin, especially on the neck of the penis, just below the glans, it is burning and sensitive. I can't masturbate because the skin is too thin. Does anyone know how to recover and if it is possible to recover there?

I'm totally discouraged, I have no desire to live anymore. I'm angry because I trusted the doctor's recommendation, I'm angry with myself for being in this situation. I stopped using the ointment 3 days ago.

Can someone help me? How do I restore the skin on my foreskin?

[Tremcad]

Do not be discouraged: your problem can be cured. Find a mild skin lotion and follow directions on the label or apply it 2 or 3 times each day to the affected area (on the penis head, the foreskin and all along the shaft). It will take time for the skin to feel better. Use the mild lotion to masturbate but don't rub too vigorously. Try to find a better doctor to talk to if you are still worried that the skin isn't healing. Try to take your mind off your anxiety: believe me, problems like this are never as bad as you think. I wish you well. Be kind to yourself.

[Norwich1 Moderator]

if you want, you could see a dermatologist. They, and not urologists, are the experts for skin issues. You really need that issue properly dealt with as breaks in the skin can become infected.

[Omniscient1]

As Tremcad says, these things are never as bad as you think. One of the actions of isotretinoin is to dry out the skin, your lips and hands will also be dry I imagine, and probably quite painful. These will all restore when you come off the medication.But to echo Norwich1 try and see a dermatologist who can see it from both sides of the problem.

[Doug4575 in reply to Omniscient1]

Unfortunately the big problem was the ointment that caused the thinning. I've already been to 2 dermatologists and they said it's unlikely the skin will return to normal, now I'm going to schedule another opinion. I need to have hope! 😓🙏🏼

[Arclight1979]

Yeah, agree. See a dermatologist and good to hear you've stopped the ointment that's causing problems. Skin will restore in time.

[Man7Cut]

Two and a half months was far too long to be using a steroid ointment. My GP said no more than 14 days.But the body is great at healing itself, so only use a mild soap and lotion on the area, a baby product would do. Always rinse and dry your penis after peeing to avoid any infection to the damaged skin.

Hopefully you find a dermatologist who can help

[Doug4575 in reply to Man7Cut]

Unfortunately I was deceived by a terrible doctor! He should go to jail! I hope my penis returns to normal and I can use it again! 😭😭 So, is it important to keep your skin hydrated? how about use cicaplast baume?

[Man7Cut in reply to Doug4575]

I don't know the product but see that someone has recommended and used it. The important thing is to avoid harsh soaps and perfumed products. Keeping your skin clean and moist should help it recover but it may take some time.

[roddythescot in reply to Man7Cut]

Quite right! The doctor should never have prescribed it to be used for so long. If you'd read the leaflet with the medication it should have said not to be used for long periods.

Corticosteroids always thin the skin – which is why they are so commonly prescribed as part of a cure for phimosis. However that cure requires them used for far too long and can cause trouble.

[Captainwinky41]

Larouche Posay Cicaplast Balm B5 , is great for heal skin it’s a thicker ointment I have used on my penis many time when dermatologist did the same to me , side note you may have some permanent thinning that unfortunately is the side effect of the steroid but this will help heal the rawness and pain . I was on 3 very strong steroid ointments and creams so I know 100% your pain . Don’t ever think for one minute life is not worth living because of this , the human body is amazing on what it can do to over come such things. As you stated it is best to not masterbate until healing is complete. But you can explore things such a vibrators to stimulate the balls and penis staying away from the sensitive areas this will help you be able to orgasm and relieve built up stress . Good luck and you got this keep your head up !

[Doug4575 in reply to Captainwinky41]

Do you think the skin can recover again? why mine if I masturbate or have sex, it will definitely hurt a lot. I'm very sad and angry because I was deceived by a terrible doctor! Thank you for the words! Will I be able to use my penis again, without any problems?

[Captainwinky41 in reply to Doug4575]

Yes you will , it just takes time , any form of steroid on the penis can affect skin the reason it raw is the abrasiveness of the steroid ointment is the worst because it stays wet , mine went into a fungal infection because of staying wet do to the ointment and it took a good year and half for skin to get back to normal. Try the cream I suggested by Larouche Posay it works put it on and let it dry key thing is moisturizer but do not let the area stay wet and only apply to the effected area let it dry . Another thing at night before bed I would apply is a thin layer of vitamin E oil to help nourish the skin again not to much as you don’t want it to stay wet . Use this time to explore your body and what gets you off , so many dudes think it’s just masturbation or friction to the shaft . I did the same which made my sex life so much better . I seen your a virgin that’s awesome your time will come and the right person , you got this dude !!!!

[Captainwinky41]

to add one more thing use soaps like Dove or oil of Olay with high moisture content for skin nourishment , this will prevent the skin from drying out do to most soaps stripping moisture from the skin .

[Doug4575 in reply to Captainwinky41]

So is it important to keep your skin hydrated? I'm using cicaplast baume, I'll keep it then. How many days will the redness and burning sensation go away?

[Norwich1 Moderator]

it is impossible to say how long that will take. It may be that a new dermatologist will be able to suggest ways of rebuilding skin thickness and pliability. Until then, concentrate on things that feel good but do not involve friction on the thin skin - vibration around the perineum or direct prostate stimulation?

[Doug4575 in reply to Norwich1]

I understood. I hope I can recover. apparently it doesn't look very bad when flaccid, but when erect it becomes very red and irritated. It's burning all the time. I don't know of any other way that doesn't involve friction. I never stimulated my prostate or perineum.

[Gsanta]

Hey buddy first of all life is precious , I have been through what you are going through now, I had suffered from balanitis and phimosis .Please change your Doctor and trust me get Stapler circumcision done , removal of foreskin wa abest decision I ever took .After removal of foreskin I am completely alright all problems are solved .Trust me buddy In suffered for two years changed multiple Doctors had recurring infections and also resulting thinning of skin as you had.. it will subside once you stop using the steroid , go to a skin specialist and for permeant solution plan for stapler circumcision, you will heal in four to six weeks and then it will be a permeant relief for you .Please get in touch but remember this is from a person who went through more than you are going through that too for two years trust me this will pass and your life is precious !! I am saling absolutely smooth since last 6 months after my surgery !

[Petrus316]

I had a similar problem to yours. Change doctors now! After much hesitation, I had circumcision (low-tight). I'm having better sex now. Since the circumcision I don't use any cream or medication and I am completely healthy . It's been like this for 10 years without any problems.

I highly recommend circumcision. Not in a hospital, but with a doctor who specializes in circumcision.