From the Guidelines
Treatment for contact dermatitis of the penis should prioritize identifying and avoiding the irritant or allergen, gentle cleansing, and topical medications, with a focus on reducing inflammation and itching, as recommended by the British Association of Dermatologists' guidelines for the management of contact dermatitis 2017 1. To manage contact dermatitis of the penis, it is essential to discontinue use of any potential irritants like harsh soaps, lubricants, spermicides, or latex condoms. The area should be washed gently with warm water only or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser.
- Apply a low-potency topical corticosteroid such as 1% hydrocortisone cream twice daily for 7-10 days to reduce inflammation and itching.
- For more severe cases, a medium-potency steroid like triamcinolone 0.1% may be prescribed for short-term use (3-5 days).
- Calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus 0.1% ointment can be used as steroid-sparing alternatives, especially for prolonged treatment.
- Taking an oral antihistamine like cetirizine 10mg daily can help control itching.
- Apply cool compresses for 10-15 minutes several times daily to soothe the area.
- Wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoid tight clothing until symptoms resolve. It is crucial to note that the guidelines for managing lichen sclerosus, as outlined in the British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus 2018 2, may not be directly applicable to contact dermatitis of the penis, but they do emphasize the importance of topical treatments and gentle skin care. If symptoms worsen or don't improve within 1-2 weeks, or if there are signs of infection (increased pain, warmth, discharge), seek medical attention. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune response, while antihistamines block histamine receptors that trigger itching sensations.
From the Research
Contact Dermatitis of Penis Treatment
- The treatment of contact dermatitis, including on the penis, involves avoiding the suspected irritants or allergens and restoring the skin barrier through multiple treatments 3.
- Topical corticosteroids are an essential tool for treating inflammatory skin conditions, including contact dermatitis, but their use on the genitals should be cautious due to the risk of adverse effects such as atrophy, striae, and telangiectasias 4.
- When prescribing topical corticosteroids for use on the genitals, lower potencies and shorter durations should be used to minimize the risk of adverse effects 4.
- The diagnosis of contact dermatitis is crucial for effective treatment, and patch testing, photopatch test, skin tests, and serum allergen-specific IgE test can be used to identify the causative allergens 3, 5.
- In some cases, patients may develop an allergic contact dermatitis to topical corticosteroids, and alternative treatments such as triamcinolone may be necessary 6.
- The efficacy of topical corticosteroids in irritant contact dermatitis is controversial, and further research is needed to determine their effectiveness in this common clinical entity 7.