Glans
05-31-2003, 08:11 AM
Six months ago I was diagnosed as having "non-specific balanitis."
I have had this condition for almost seven years; and I am 34 years old. (I saw a dermatologist regularly over this period, (every few months), but it was not until I sought a second opinion, that I got this aforementioned diagnosis).
The aetiology of this condition was a trauma from the application of a cortico-steroid that was prescribed for atopic dermatitis on my arms and neck; that cleared from my arms and neck almost immediately after application.
The structural damage to the glans penis is that the spongy tissue is no longer smooth, as it used to be, but is now cracked: including linear parallel ridges over a triangular region on top of the glans, (from my perspective, looking down), including a circular region around the urethra. As well, the glans is red and inflamed over the region where the linear parallel ridges are and around the urethra, (identically where I applied the aforementioned corto-steriod: Can this be a coincidence?).
I have not engaged in any form of sexual relations since this condition manifested itself. Needless to say, this is a source of considerable grief.
I have been using Protopic 0.03% (8 weeks), Protopic 0.1% (2 weeks), and 1% hydrocortisone mixed with aquaphor, glycerin, and water (6 months); and have seen little improvement.
QUESTION:
Is there reason to be optimistic about recovery? What is the best that can be expected? And, any suggestions for additional, or other, treatment?
I have had this condition for almost seven years; and I am 34 years old. (I saw a dermatologist regularly over this period, (every few months), but it was not until I sought a second opinion, that I got this aforementioned diagnosis).
The aetiology of this condition was a trauma from the application of a cortico-steroid that was prescribed for atopic dermatitis on my arms and neck; that cleared from my arms and neck almost immediately after application.
The structural damage to the glans penis is that the spongy tissue is no longer smooth, as it used to be, but is now cracked: including linear parallel ridges over a triangular region on top of the glans, (from my perspective, looking down), including a circular region around the urethra. As well, the glans is red and inflamed over the region where the linear parallel ridges are and around the urethra, (identically where I applied the aforementioned corto-steriod: Can this be a coincidence?).
I have not engaged in any form of sexual relations since this condition manifested itself. Needless to say, this is a source of considerable grief.
I have been using Protopic 0.03% (8 weeks), Protopic 0.1% (2 weeks), and 1% hydrocortisone mixed with aquaphor, glycerin, and water (6 months); and have seen little improvement.
QUESTION:
Is there reason to be optimistic about recovery? What is the best that can be expected? And, any suggestions for additional, or other, treatment?