Just as a man may be worried about how an exposed skin rash can make his face or arms look (and about what message such a rash may send to a potential sensual partner), so is he concerned when a male organ rash rears its ugly head. Often the rash is due to member health issues, sometimes including the ghastly presence of a social disease. But in other cases the rash is simply a dermatological issue, a skin rash that just happens to appear on the manhood. That can be the case with pityriasis lichenoides, a skin eruption that is little-known.

About pityriasis lichenoides

As is often the case, the name pityriasis lichenoides makes it sound more formidable and dangerous than it actually is. “Pityriasis” is from a Greek word meaning “bran,” and it refers to skin that is flaky or scaly. “Lichenoides” refers to the physical appearance of the rash.

Typically, this rash first presents as bright red oval spots, sometimes flat, sometimes raised like a bump. They can vary in size from 2 mm to 10 mm in diameter. But the spots change, turning into blisters with fluid inside, and then into crusty ulcers. The spots often appear in clusters as an identifiable rash, but sometimes there can be “loners” that occupy an area of skin fairly far away from other spots.

A trio

There are three forms of pityriasis lichenoides, all of which are rare. One form is considered serious. The forms are listed below, referred to in the acronym form by which they are frequently known.

• PLEVA is the one most likely to cause a male organ rash, as it tends to occur on the manhood in about 10% of cases (usually while also appearing elsewhere on the body). The rash may cause itching or a slight burning situation, but often it has no noticeable effects. Without treatment, the rash can last for 6 weeks to about 18 months, usually coming and going several times during the lengthier time frames. PLEVA sometimes leaves behind scarring or some skin discoloration.

• PLC is somewhat more common than PLEVA, and less likely to occur as a male organ rash (though still possible). It is milder than PLEVA, with the spots less noticeable and rarely any subsequent scarring.

• FUMHD is the rarest form and considered quite serious. The spots tend to appear as red or black ulcers, and there are usually other symptoms, including a high fever, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, pains in the joints, interference with breathing and variations in mental state. A doctor should be seen right away.

Treatment

PLEVA and PLC are self-resolving, but because it can take months, many people prefer to have a doctor help the process along. Antibiotics help to shorten the length of time the disease is present, and steroids can help to make the rash go away. FUMHD requires hospitalization for treatment.

Although a member rash can be off-putting, pityriasis lichenoides is not known to be contagious.

Pityriasis lichenoides is fortunately a rare source of a male organ rash. The itching and discomfort associated with many a male organ rash can often be alleviated if a man regularly uses a superior member health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Even when a rash is not present, an itchy member is often due to skin that is too dry. Therefore, take care when selecting a crème to be sure it contains both a high-end emollient (such as natural Shea butter) and a powerful hydrator (such as vitamin E). In addition, the presence of vitamin C in the crème is advised. Vitamin C is a prime component of collagen, a tissue in the body that gives skin its tone and elasticity.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male member health issues, tips on improving manhood sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy male organ. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.