QUESTION:
Dear Dr.

I have been diagnosed as having Scleroderma (the joint kind) and I have been taking a number of anti inflammatory as well as colchicine, imuran and azathioprine.

However, now my penis is turning blue around the rim of the head, and the head appears whitish a lot of the time. It appears that there is a lack of blood supply. I have not had a full erection in months. Who should I see...or what should I do????

Thank you,

ANSWER:
I'm sorry you're having this problem.

It would be best to get to the hospital right away as you don't want to lose blood flow to a body part or it will die and have to be removed.

The hospital will direct you to the proper type of physician. May be a rheumatologist, cardiologist, hematologist or all three or yet another.

There may be many causes for the lack of blood flow.

A naturopathic physician may have loads of ideas to help increase the blood flow to the area.

For now, get to the hospital and get checked out.

Applying a very warm towel to the area may help increase blood flow to the area. Doing that followed by a cold towel for about 20 seconds may help pump the blood into the area. So alternating hot towels (3 minutes) with cold (30 seconds) and finishing with cold - not freezing - just cold. Ask your doctor if this is a good idea or not - it may be and it also may not be. Depends on what the situation is.

Gingko biloba, Crataegus (Hawthorne), Bromelain, Boswellia, Turmeric, Proteolytic enzymes, Ginger, Castor oil topically are some possible things which may help but must be administered by a physician as dosages may need to be very high to get anywhere.

Laser treatment to the area may help as well.

A naturopathic physician can be a big help to you only after you get to your main physician and get evaluated.

Disclaimer: This is purely information and absolutely not a medical prescription or medical advice. One must see a physician and not self-treat as serious harm may occur.

Keep me posted how you are doing - and please - don't delay. Get to the doc.

In health,
Dr Ben

Labels: blood flow, erectile dysfunction, scleroderma