How should a single rough red spot be treated?
Patient: Me and my girlfriend had unprotected sex, she hadn't been checked and i dont know if she had anything. i stopped seeing her and about 2-3 months after i noticed a single red spot which had a sort of rough look. I try to shower as much as possible but some days i am far to busy to fit one in, sometimes i go 2-3 days not being able to have one. Could this be an std or is it more likely something else and how can i get rid of it? Doctor: Hello,The commonest cause of rough red spots are balanitis, cause due to poor hygiene generally in uncircumcised men. Take showers & wear cotton clothes. Clean the genital area & keep it dry. Fungus & infection spread faster in damp or moist skin. You can apply locally ointment hydrocortisone in the affected area. A course of antifungals or metronidazole can work well.However since you are sexually active. You should get clinically examined by a GP. Get STD tests done to stay on the safer side. If positive results are obtained. You will be treated accordingly.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician