Photo Quiz
Contributing editor is Marc S. Berger, M.D., C.M.

A Lesion That Should Raise Suspicion

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 2.

During a particularly hot and humid period in July, a five-year-old boy presented to the office with a three-day history of erythema, swelling and tenderness of the penis. No dysuria, hematuria, abdominal pain or fever was present. During the previous weeks, the patient had frequently played in a swimming pool. The physical examination demonstrated maceration of the coronal edge of the glans penis (Figure 1) and adjacent erythema and swelling of the penile shaft (Figure 2).

Question Given the history and physical examination, which one of the following is the cause of this lesion? A. Paraphimosis. B. Strangulating hair. C. Noncandidal balanitis. D.Candidal rash.

Discussion

The answer is B: strangulating hair. Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin is retracted beyond the coronal ridge and cannot be moved forward, which can lead to penile edema. It would not, however, be expected to cause a fissure. The history and physical examination were inconsistent with the diagnosis of noncandidal balanitis, which is associated with allergic contact dermatides, such as those caused by poison ivy and neomycin.

A diagnosis of candidal rash might be contemplated because of the macerated penis and the history of a moist environment. However, this is less common in children and Figure 2 provides a clue to the actual cause, which is something other than a fungus.

The end of a fine hair may be identified in the area of the swelling (see arrow, Figure 2). The hair was wrapped circumferentially along the corona sulcus, slowly strangulating the glans of the penis.

Gently tugging on the hair could not remove it. A small suture scissors was used to "fish" for the deeply embedded hair. The hair was successfully cut, and the swelling and erythema quickly improved over three days. Some cases have required more invasive surgery to find and remove the embedded hair.

RONALD B. POHLMAN, M.D.
Dorset Family Care
998 S. Dorset, Ste. 301
Troy, OH 45373

The editors of AFP welcome submission of photographs and material for the Photo Quiz department. Contributing editor is Marc S. Berger, M.D., C.M. Send photograph and discussion to Marc S. Berger, M.D., C.M., P.O. Box 219, Crystal Beach, FL 34681-0219.

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