What topical ointment is recommended for a circumcised man with minor skin irritations or wounds?

From the Guidelines

For minor skin irritations or wounds on a circumcised penis, clobetasol propionate 0.05% (CP 0.05%) ointment is recommended, as suggested by the British Association of Dermatologists guidelines for the management of lichen sclerosus, 2018 1.

Recommended Treatment

• Apply a thin layer of clobetasol propionate 0.05% ointment to the affected area once daily for 1-3 months.
• Use an emollient as a soap substitute and as a barrier preparation.
• Discuss the amount of topical treatment to be used, the site of application, and the safe use of an ultrapotent topical steroid with the patient 1.

Important Considerations

• If the disease is still active at the time of surgery, continue topical corticosteroids following the surgery to prevent Koebnerization and further scarring, particularly around the coronal sulcus 1.
• Consider a repeat course of topical treatment for 1-3 months in those who relapse 1.
• If the irritation persists beyond a week, worsens, or is accompanied by discharge, unusual odor, or significant pain, consult a healthcare provider as this may indicate a more serious condition requiring different treatment.

Additional Guidance

• For many patients, circumcision may cure their disease, and they can be discharged after the postoperative follow-up visit 1.
• Patients with active ongoing disease will require long-term follow-up, and symptoms, particularly urinary and sexual, should be assessed at each review 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Uses temporarily relieves itching associated with minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes due to: eczema psoriasis poison ivy, oak, sumac insect bites detergents jewelry cosmetics soaps seborrheic dermatitis temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching Purpose Anti-itch

For a circumcised man with minor skin irritations or wounds, a topical ointment containing hydrocortisone is recommended, as it temporarily relieves itching associated with these conditions 2. The anti-itch property of hydrocortisone makes it a suitable option for such cases 2.

• Key uses: minor skin irritations, inflammation, and rashes
• Specific benefits: temporarily relieves external anal and genital itching It is essential to note that other uses of this product should only be under the advice and supervision of a doctor 2.

From the Research

Topical Ointments for Circumcised Men

For a circumcised man with minor skin irritations or wounds, the recommended topical ointment is not explicitly stated in the provided studies. However, the studies discuss the use of topical corticosteroids for treating phimosis in boys, which may be relevant for minor skin irritations.

• The studies suggest that topical corticosteroids, such as steroid topical cream, may be effective in treating minor skin irritations or wounds 3, 4, 5.
• Topical corticosteroids have been shown to increase the complete resolution of phimosis after four to eight weeks of treatment, and may also increase partial resolution of phimosis 4.
• The use of topical corticosteroids may have few or no adverse effects, although the certainty of the evidence is limited by poor reporting of methods in the studies and serious imprecision in the results 4.

Considerations for Topical Ointments

When considering topical ointments for minor skin irritations or wounds in circumcised men, the following factors should be taken into account:

• The type and severity of the skin irritation or wound
• The individual's medical history and any allergies or sensitivities
• The potential risks and benefits of using topical corticosteroids, including the risk of skin irritation or other adverse effects 4
• The need for further medical evaluation or treatment if the skin irritation or wound does not improve with topical ointment use 6, 7