Identifying That Penis Rash as Donovanosis

Penis rash is usually identified by fairly benign skin eruptions, such as bumps, lesions, or simple discoloration. Practicing good penis health requires identifying the penis rash in order to treat it. Sometimes, unfortunately, the rash can be less benign, signifying the presence of an STI. One of the more uncommon of these STIs is Donovanosis, also called granuloma inguinale.

Donovanosis
 
Donovanosis is a bacterial infection that gets its name from the factor that causes it, known as Donovan bodies. It is almost always passed on through sexual contact - and sometimes it isn’t alone, meaning that doctors often find other STIs accompanying it.

The penis rash first appears as lesions, but they fairly quickly evolve into sores, usually a beefy red color. The sores may start out small but they can grow in size fairly quickly. These penis sores are unattractive, and they can appear on the balls and the crotch or thighs as well. From the time the penis is exposed to the Donovan bodies until the time sores develop is usually between 10 and 40 days.

That means that by the time a guy knows he has Donovanosis, it’s had time to establish a beachhead in his body.

Left untreated, these sores are not only sensitive and painful but destructive. They can seriously damage penile tissue and impact the long term health of the organ. At a minimum, scarring is likely to occur.

The "good" news is that Donovanosis doesn’t spread as easily as many other STIs. Typically it takes several exposures in order to develop. That means that, while it certainly is possible for a man to get it from one bout of unprotected sex, usually it takes multiple exposures before it "takes."

The bad news is that Donovanosis is considered chronic. In many cases, it will go away but may recur at a later time, often without any identifiable "trigger."

The tropics
 
Approximately 100 cases of the disease are reported annually in the United States, and in general people who live in temperate zones are pretty safe from Donovanosis. It is much more common in tropical and subtropical zones, and especially in undeveloped countries. In many areas, such as the Caribbean, New Guinea and Southeast Asia, it is considered endemic.

People who visit areas with a high incidence of Donovanosis are advised to take appropriate precautions if they engage in sex with those who make their homes there.

Treatment
 
Because of its relative rareness in the developed world, there have not been many studies focusing on this disease. It is generally understood that a course of antibiotics is necessary to decimate the bacteria that causes the condition. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends use of azithromycin; other recommended treatments involve doxycycline, erythromycin or ciprofloxacin. Three weeks is generally the minimum recommended length of treatment, and longer may be required depending upon the severity of infection.

Monitoring should be conducted periodically, even after sores have disappeared. As mentioned, recurrence is common. Avoiding sexual engagement with an infected person - whether intercourse, oral or manual - is recommended. Use of a condom is vital.

Donovanosis is one penis rash that a man wants to avoid. Maintaining general overall penis health is recommended, simply to maintain the penis appropriately, so using a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is a good idea. The best crème helps build up penile resistance to infection by supplying it with vitamins like A, B5, C and D that can strengthen penis skin, support cellular function and discourage bacterial presences. Also advised is a crème that contains alpha lipoic acid. This potent antioxidant is superb at fighting free radicals, which left on their own can create tremendous oxidative damage to penile cells.

Penis Sores: Is it Donovanosis?

No man likes to find that his favorite body part is covered in penis sores. This unsettling situation can be a sign of a number of issues, one of which is the little-known STI called donovanosis. Maintaining proper penis health, including avoiding unprotected sex, is important for avoiding STIs; but if a man does contract donovanosis, it’s crucial that he knows what steps to take for treatment.

What is it?
 
Penis sores (also often called penis ulcers) can occur for a number of reasons, including an allergic reaction to antibiotics or an infection. Often, however, an STI is the culprit. While herpes, syphilis and chancroid are more well-known causes of penis sores, men still need to be aware that these ulcers may indicate donovanosis. This is especially likely if a man has had sex while traveling to one of the less developed regions of the world. Donovanosis is extremely rare in more developed areas, but much more common in less developed (usually tropical or sub-tropical) countries.

Also known as granuloma inguinale, donovanosis is a bacterial disease which presents with ulcers that are often mistaken for those associated with syphilis. If a man has unprotected sex with a person with this bacteria, he may develop the sores - but not right away. Typically there is a window of between 10 and 40 days after exposure during which the ulcers form. The sores are like open wounds, oozing a pus-like substance. The sores themselves are fairly painless, but the longer they last, the more they spread. As they spread, they damage and may even destroy the penile tissue in the area. Scarring often results due to tissue damage.

Left untreated, the ulcers can spread beyond the penis and into the entire groin area, even spreading to the legs.

Treatment
 
Antibiotics are typically used to treat donovanosis. It’s important to begin treatment as early as possible; the longer that the condition persists, the longer the treatment may need to be. A typical course of treatment runs 3 weeks or longer; the exact length depends upon how stubborn the sores are.

Once sores have been treated and disappear, a man should still monitor closely. Often, the condition will resurface at a later time.

Prevention
 
Since donovanosis can be a recurring condition, it’s advisable to take steps to avoid contamination in the first place. Practicing proper safe sex, including the use of a condom throughout the duration of sexual contact, is strongly advised. It’s also important to avoid sexual contact with a person if there are visible indications that donovanosis (or another STI) may be present.

A man who has donovanosis should avoid having sexual contact with another person until the doctor has determined that the condition is no longer present. This includes all forms of partner-based contact - intercourse, oral sex and manual contact with the genitals.

Donovanosis can be a difficult condition to deal with, and the penis sores that it presents with can be embarrassing and uncomfortable. Once the sores have closed and begun healing, there may be lingering soreness. Using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) may provide some relief from the soreness. A crème that is packed with both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (think vitamin E) is an excellent choice. This combination of ingredients locks in moisture and helps continue the dermatologic healing. Penis sores often contribute to an unpleasant odor, so using a crème with vitamin A is recommended. Vitamin A possesses anti-bacterial properties which help to eliminate persistent penis odor. Man1 Man Oil can boost penis health to a higher level.