BJU International 2000 86 (6), 754

O. Cole, S. Littlewood* and R. Lemberger

Departments of Urology and *Dermatology, Kingsmill Centre, Mansfield, UK

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Authors 

A 25-year-old man presented to accident and emergency with sudden onset, gross penile oedema. He had developed gradual hand and penile irritation over the previous 10 days, and 24 h earlier had been prescribed Lyclear™ dermal cream after a diagnosis of scabies was made by his GP. Contrary to the instructions, he applied the cream to his penis six times in the evening for continued irritation. The patient awoke, in some distress, at the appearance of his penis the following morning (Fig. 1). Contact dermatitis was diagnosed and the swelling settled over the next 4 days with potassium permanganate soaks and oral prednisolone.

Case report 

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Authors 

The genital area makes up < 1% of body skin surface area, but can be affected by all skin dermatoses and tumours [1]. The clinical appearance of the skin lesions depends not on the disease but the type of skin, and therefore many skin diseases may look different or exaggerated on the penis. Whilst allergic reactions to latex condom urinals are well documented [2], other allergies are less well reported [3]. Non-sensitizing substances, e.g. potassium permanganate, should be used for topical treatment. Oral or intravenous steroids should be used in severe cases, on the advice of a dermatologist.

Case report 

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Authors 

Case report 

Comment 

O. Cole, FRCS, Urology Specialist Registrar.

S. Littlewood, MRCP, Consultant Dermatologist.

R. Lemberger, FRCS, Consultant Urologist.