What is the cause of a color change on the penile shaft with itching and a tentacle-like appearance?

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Differential Diagnosis for Color Change on Penile Shaft with Itching

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Tinea cruris (Jock itch): A fungal infection that can cause color change, itching, and a tentacle-like or ring-shaped rash on the penile shaft. It's a common condition, especially in warm and humid environments.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Contact dermatitis: An allergic or irritant reaction to soaps, lotions, or other substances that can cause itching, redness, and color change on the penile shaft.
    • Eczema (atopic dermatitis): A chronic skin condition that can cause itching, redness, and color change, and may appear on the penile shaft.
    • Psoriasis: An autoimmune condition that can cause red, scaly patches on the skin, including the penile shaft, and may be accompanied by itching.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that can cause color change and itching on the penile shaft, although it's relatively rare.
    • Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV): A sexually transmitted infection that can cause itching, redness, and color change on the penile shaft, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
    • Syphilis: A sexually transmitted infection that can cause a variety of skin symptoms, including color change and itching on the penile shaft, and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Pemphigus: A rare autoimmune condition that can cause blistering and color change on the skin, including the penile shaft.
    • Fixed drug eruption: A rare condition that can cause color change and itching on the skin, including the penile shaft, in response to certain medications.
    • Mycobacterial infections: Rare infections that can cause color change and itching on the skin, including the penile shaft, such as Leprosy or Mycobacterium avium complex.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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