Center City Dermatology, LLC

I waited 6 years to write this review I had a very small flesh colored bump on my penis that had no pain, redness, or irritation but I wanted to get it checked out just to be safe. I went here during covid, late spring 2020. This place had a less than 3 star review at the time but was the only dermatologist office in the area seeing patients in-person. My appointment was with Samantha, the doctors personal assistant. She looked at my penis and said it was hpv. From all of the photos and research I saw online this did not look like or resemble hpv to me. She also said another part of my penis that had some irritation on it was hpv as well, which I know for a fact was contact dermatitis from a lotion I used (red flag right there). I was skeptical with the diagnosis and voiced my concerns. Samantha adamantly doubled down on her diagnosis of hpv despite my doubts. She said “I see this all the time. It’s definitely hpv!” She said the ONLY remedy was to freeze my penis with dry ice and then apply imiquimod to the areas where she applied the dry ice. After the dry ice was applied my penis immediately became red, swollen, and disfigured. Within 20 minutes of applying the imiquimod I developed several red, pink, and plaque like bumps all over the head of my penis accompanied by an immensely burning and stinging sensation in the exact spots the imiquimod was applied to. I stopped the imiquimod after 2 uses because the pain and irritation was unbearable. I made another appointment a week later and saw the actual doctor this time, Dr.Hess. When Dr.Hess saw my penis he said it was not hpv and when I told him Samantha prescribed me imiquimod and applied dry ice to it he looked at me with the wide-eyed, open-mouth, shocked face. He then said he was sorry she prescribed me that and to stop using the imiquimod immediately. He said if it was his penis he would just leave it alone and I pretty much just have to live with the side effects at this point. I have since been to 7 other dermatologists in the area who all have the same wide-eyed, open-mouth, shocked face reaction when I tell them about applying imiquimod to my penis and they all agree I do not and did not have hpv. It has been determined from a biopsy that I have now developed Lichen Planus on my penis as a direct side effect from the imiquimod prescribed to me by Samantha. Lichen planus is an autoimmune disease that causes red, purple, plaque-like bumps on the skin and also changes the texture of the skin to a rough, crinkled-paper like texture that deteriorates the affected skin over time. Any type of friction causes further irritation so I can no longer masturbate and rarely have sex anymore. Other dermatologists have recommended clobetasol, which is an extremely strong steroid ointment, to apply to the affected skin. Clobetasol is known to thin the skin over time which can cause rips and tears in my penis. I went in with a small, benign, flesh-colored bump and left out with a forever damaged penis which has only gotten worse over the last 6 years. I have been depressed and embarrassed ever since. I rarely have sex now and can no longer even masturbate. Despite the misdiagnosis, Dr. Hess seemed to be honest an apologetic. However, my penis is severely damaged now with no solution in sight.

23ryandrew • February 28th, 2026

This was my second or 3rd appointment at CCD. I switched from my prior dermatologist as I felt as though the focus was shifted to primarily plastic surgery patients. I have been pleased with my practitioner, Rylee (not sure of spelling of her name) as well as with the assistant who was present at my last appointment. My issues were some slight ecxema which had greatly improved since my prior visit plus scalp dryness. Rylee is well-informed, professional, and has an excellent manner. I am so pleased with this practice.

Ellen Wolfson • January 14th, 2026

Dawg here sent by the Shaman Matt McCusker. Samantha is wonderful:)

Matt Kurinyj • March 2nd, 2026