[ ARC forum 2 ]
Off we go . . .
As an answer to: Michael again written by Michael at 02 Nov 2002 09:00:04:
> here it is again anyway,with some questions I felt I needed to ask
Not a problem.
> I just recently developed this phimotic ring problem,and it isn't that bad, but I dont want it to get any worse thatn it was last month,when I had extreme difficulty retracting in the shower.
OK, well the operative word here is recently, and two things follow from that. One is that you want to know a cause for it happening (the most likely is "Thrush" - a yeast infection also called Candida Albicans) and you need to treat that cause. Look back and tell - what was the initial problem like? Also mention whether this is all around the foreskin, or localised to one spot.
> I am able to fully retract my foreskin while soft, and I'm almost back to the original state ... because I'm using the Triamcinolone Acetonide cream,and it seems to have worked so far.
That's the second one - if this is a recent problem, then there is a degree of inflammation and scarring (don't be afraid of that suggestion - it is readily reversible using the cream) so you are more likely to need the cream (though as you must have read by now, I always point out that the ointment is preferable, and that you must put it only on the tight skin).
> I don't have a proper prescription for it,though,and I hope I can get one through an understanding physician.
You intrigue me here. You will not need more than one tube in any case, as you only use the tiniest amount, about twice a day.
> The first guy I went to was the only Dermatologist in town,and he had the bedside manner of a warthog.
Ah well, people do vary! Truth is, not all doctors are helpful - much like everyone else in fact! Various specialists do seem to have such a reputation.
> He suggested circumcision,and I ain't gunna DO THAT.
Good thinking.
> After that,it all went downhill.
After that, it was down the hill!
- > Is this cream application going to have to be an "all-my-life" process, or can I expect (at some point) to be able to finally consider my foreskin "healed"?
As long as you treat the cause, and keep that under control, then at worst, you would only need this treatment occasionally. I presume the cause to be Candida, treatable with clotrimazole (Canesten, Lotrimin) or miconazole (Daktarin), including of course your wife, or if that fails, perhaps resort to ketoconazole (Nizoral) by mouth or even fluconazole (Diflucan). Those latter two require prescriptions. If you catch this early, then the steroid should not actually be required.
Cleaning your teeth every day is lifelong - and probably takes longer than whatever is required to avoid Candida. Something the subject of a heated discussion elsewhere, but, do be careful, as using soap on this area is liable to do more harm than good.
- > How do you go about stretching the foreskin? Is masturbation efficient for this purpose?
Well, it's fun, and it's a good start, but as I mentioned in the link, direct stretching with two (little) finger(tip)s inside the foreskin is probably going to be more practical.
The "resident heckler" loves to poke fun at the following suggestion, but a nice smooth plastic object, which may include a film canister or a bottle cap (the "filing down" to which he always refers, relates to boring through the end so you can pee without removing it and having to replace it), can be "worn" inside the (tight part of) the foreskin throughout the day to provide gentle but persistent stretching for the fastest results.
I mention this as one possible option for those who felt they can master the idea. Those not comfortable with it should not try it!
- > How long after the steroidal cream is applied does it remain effective in the skin (In other words,can I apply the cream at 2 p.m.,and stretch the skin at say,4 p.m., and still expect the cream to be in effect?)
Whilst the steroid assists in stretching, the effect is not instant, but a much slower and more continuous process of causing resorbtion of the fibrous tissue. If you apply it twice a day, that is sufficient. A good time would be after stretching so you do not spread it beyond the exact area that needs to be stretched.
- > What happens if I use the Hydrocortisone? Anything?
It may well help. It has the advantage that since it is nowhere near as potent, it is most unlikely to have any untoward effects, except that all the steroids actually increase susceptibility to the Candida (and other infections), as they "calm down" or inhibit the immune system (locally).
- > Also,if possible,I'd like to know what the success ratios are between Triamcinolone (Kenalog) vs. Betamethasone cream.
It's not something that has been subjected to clinical trials - even small ones AFAIK. In general, triamcinolone acetonide and betamethasone valerate (or dipropionate) are regarded as pretty much equivalent. So what you've got should do fine, though the ointment or the "OV" ("Optimised Vehicle" - the version recommended by my dermatologist fellow for this purpose) would be the very best.
Two final thoughts that came to mind. Firstly, you must be checked for diabetes - this requires a blood test (or finger prick).
Secondly, one has to muse - presumably a warthog's mate must look and behave similarly? It's always intrigued me. 
- Re:Off we go.... Michael 11/02/2002 23:31
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- My pleasure. Paul B. 11/03/2002 11:50
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- I think you may be correct(of course) Michael 11/03/2002 19:26
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- Extermination Paul B. 11/03/2002 21:54
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- Re: Extermination Jim 11/04/2002 16:48
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- Re: Extermination Jim 11/04/2002 16:48
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- Extermination Paul B. 11/03/2002 21:54
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- I think you may be correct(of course) Michael 11/03/2002 19:26
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- My pleasure. Paul B. 11/03/2002 11:50
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