UP man gets diagnosed with rare penile allergy by doctors in Hyderabad

A 32-year-old married male from Gaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been suffering with this medical condition in silence for the past 7-years, till doctors from Hyderabad made the right diagnosis and initiated the treatment.

Hyderabad: A rare and startling medical condition of penile allergy characterized by inflammation or swelling of glans penis and foreskin due to allergic reaction has come to light in Hyderabad.

A 32-year-old married male from Gaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been suffering with this medical condition in silence for the past 7-years, till doctors from Hyderabad made the right diagnosis and initiated the treatment.

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“The condition, though not widely reported, is a serious concern that can cause chronic discomfort, pain, and emotional distress if left untreated. The patient had been experiencing recurring episodes of genital itching, swelling, and rashes, accompanied by respiratory distress, fatigue, and general weakness, loss of sex drive for the past 7 years,” said Dr.Vyakarnam Nageshwar, Chief Allergist and Immunologist at Aswini Allergy Centre, who made the diagnosis.

Despite seeking medical attention multiple times, initial diagnoses missed to recognize an underlying allergic etiology. He was given different antibiotic therapies, which only provided temporary relief.

“A deep dive into patient’s history revealed that he is allergic to seafoods like prawns, crabs, fish, nuts for the past 10-years. Without any prescription, on advise, he purchased some cream through online for penile swelling and to increase his sex drive. After applying on penis, he developed rashes on body, penile swelling, lip swelling, extreme discomfort and weakness,” Dr Vyakarnam says.

On undertaking the modified allergen skin prick tests for food and environmental allergens revealed very high histamine in the patient. The patient also tested positive for allergy to ground nut, crab, prawn, fish, almonds and coconut. He also tested positive for allergy for house dust mites, cockroach, fungal spores, and pollens.

Symptoms of Allergic Balanoposthitis (penile allergy)

• Persistent itching, redness, swelling, and rashes on the genital area

• Pain or discomfort during urination or sexual activity

• Burning sensation or peeling of the skin

• General fatigue and weakness

• Sneezing, coughing, or shortness of breath

What causes penile allergy?

• Can be caused by contact allergens like latex, lubricants, soaps, and medications

• Contact with systemic allergens like food or environmental triggers

Treatment:

• Patient was put on antihistamines, immune modulators

• Administered with advanced allergen specific immunotherapy