my family stayed in a nice AirBNB this weekend but on day two I started noticing an intense itch around my penis shaft and head. At first nothing visible but itch got progressively worse . At night of Day two there were small red marks, and by day 3 the foreskin (or what's left of it since i am circumsized) is completely swollen. I went to the doctor and after a very quick look he determined its balinitis and prescribed the appropriate creams. Now it is day 4 and the swelling is much worse. An area on the shaft that looked like bug bites is now even more swollen. its really grotesque looking and crazy uncomfortable. What makes me wonder about the diagnosis is- I have also started having a rash and bumps on my forehead and around twenty bug bites up my side. It just seems like such peculiar timing! Could it be bed bug bites from the Rental house that I'm having a bad reaction to? I can't figure out how to attach a photo, but it looks like- a huge transparent sack that wraps all the way around the head of the penis, and another sack halfway down the shaft that also looks like a "bag" of clear fluid. the skin around this swelling isnt so thin as if I could pop it like a blister. just underneath the shaft around the center of my testicles there are also some bumps that probably create the most itching. I have an appt for a second opinion tomorrow. I feel like i need some antibiotics for this bc it keeps getting worse. please help!
Without photos it is very difficult to make any meaningful comment. You need the right medical professional help to deal with what is going on, hopefully you will achieve this with the second opinion you have arranged
Dear ustx,
It sounds like you’re on the right track with regard to this being an insect or bed bug problem. An infestation that has a propensity for genital lesions is SCABIES. Google “scabies Dermnet NZ” for a good description and look for suspicious lesions elsewhere on your body, esp. between your fingers and toe webs, armpits, in the natal cleft, umbilicus, elbows and knees. If you’re seeing your doctor again, ask them to check for scabies.
Did you share the Air BnB bed with anyone else? As a precaution I would advise ALL family members to get treated simultaneously if your doctor confirms the diagnosis.
Adhari