I have a rash and white layers over the head of the penis. Is it due to HIV?

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

I have gone through the attachment (attachment removed to protect patient identity). This condition is called Balanoposthitis, in which there is inflammation of glans (penis tip) and foreskin. Most often, it is caused by candida (fungus). It is contagious, and it spreads from person to person if there is unprotected sexual intercourse when the infection is active.

Please mention about the medicine used for it. Please suggest the history of unprotected sex. You can use topical Clotrimazole 1 % gel or lotion. Apply it to the affected area twice a day after cleaning the area with mild soap and wipe the area with a clean cotton towel. Apply the gel for six to eight weeks. You can take capsule Itraconazole 200 mg one capsule twice a day after food. Always keep the area clean and dry. Avoid using moist inner wear and use a dry one.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

Females have vaginal candidiasis. Please discuss this with your partner if she has any vaginal discharge and itching. It can spread from male to female and female to male. Avoid having sexual contact for three to four weeks until it heals completely. If the problem is in long-term, then check your blood sugar levels soon. High blood sugar is one of the risk factors for having a candidal infection, and it takes a longer duration to heal.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus)can only be diagnosed by blood tests. People with HIV can have fungal infections, in fact, they can have any infection as their immunity will be low. It does not mean that fungal infections are HIV related. If you are worried about HIV, please get your blood test as this is the only way to diagnose HIV.

Currently, what you have is a fungal infection, that can be cured with antifungal medication. This is a common infection, and it is related to hygiene. Smegma (secretions of glands of the penis) can collect under the foreskin that attracts fungus. Wash the genitals with warm water and soap by retracting the foreskin.

Sexual contact especially unprotected sexual contact with a person having fungal infections can be the reason. There are no restrictions for marriage but avoid unprotected sexual intercourse until the infection is gone.

You have been treated with good antifungal medicines by other doctors. But, I do not recommend using Surfaz SN cream (Beclometasone + Clotrimazole) as it contains steroids along with antifungal. Steroids can make the infection grow. Stop using Surfaz SN if you are still using it. Please complete the course of medicine as suggested, it should help to cure the infection, Cure of an infection depends on medication and other measures like hygiene and avoiding unprotected sexual contact. If these measures are not followed infection will be recurrent.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

I would suggest you use Clotrimazole 1% gel or lotion and Itraconazole capsules as I have mentioned in your initial queries.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.