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What Causes Redness And Soreness Around The Foreskin Of Penis?
Posted on
Wed, 1 Mar 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Wed, 1 Mar 2017
Answered on
Sat, 18 Mar 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi there -
I've got balanitis - the head of my penis is a little bit red and sore - and can't seem to get rid of it (though it comes and goes in intensity, especially after sex). I've tested negative for all STDs and my doctor says I'm not diabetic. However I can't seem to keep it at bay. Have you any advice in managing this condition? I have been thoroughly rinsing under the foreskin every time I shower and applying a mild hydrocortisone cream but it is still persisting. When I don't have sex it becomes milder but is still slightly red. Have you any advice? Many thanks.
I've got balanitis - the head of my penis is a little bit red and sore - and can't seem to get rid of it (though it comes and goes in intensity, especially after sex). I've tested negative for all STDs and my doctor says I'm not diabetic. However I can't seem to keep it at bay. Have you any advice in managing this condition? I have been thoroughly rinsing under the foreskin every time I shower and applying a mild hydrocortisone cream but it is still persisting. When I don't have sex it becomes milder but is still slightly red. Have you any advice? Many thanks.
Brief Answer:
Avoid rigorous rinsing of foreskin and using steroid creams.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to Healthcaremagic.
As an Urologist,i can understand your concern.
To understand your symptoms best,you should send a photo of the penis.
Send two views,one from above and another from the side.
Do you have any itching or any discharge from the penis head.?
Kindly send the reports of all the tests done so far,for an expert opinion.
If not done,do these tests :
1. blood routine,creatinine,RBS,LFT and platelets.
2. HbsAg,VDRL and the HIV reports.
3. A culture swab test,if done.
Kindly follow the advise given below :
1. Maintain good penile hygiene. But don't rinse the foreskin too much.
Avoid moisture over the genitalia.
2. Stop applying steroid creams henceforth.
3. Abstain using chemical coated condoms,or even better,avoid sex for few days.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Avoid rigorous rinsing of foreskin and using steroid creams.
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX and welcome to Healthcaremagic.
As an Urologist,i can understand your concern.
To understand your symptoms best,you should send a photo of the penis.
Send two views,one from above and another from the side.
Do you have any itching or any discharge from the penis head.?
Kindly send the reports of all the tests done so far,for an expert opinion.
If not done,do these tests :
1. blood routine,creatinine,RBS,LFT and platelets.
2. HbsAg,VDRL and the HIV reports.
3. A culture swab test,if done.
Kindly follow the advise given below :
1. Maintain good penile hygiene. But don't rinse the foreskin too much.
Avoid moisture over the genitalia.
2. Stop applying steroid creams henceforth.
3. Abstain using chemical coated condoms,or even better,avoid sex for few days.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Hi Dr XXXXXXX - thank you very much I shall do the above. It is much better today after abstaining from sex for 24 hours. Also I found that bathing it in salty warm water is very soothing. Should I not rinse under the foreskin once a day to remove smegma? Thanks for your help - really appreciate it.
Brief Answer:
No evidence of balanitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
You must maintain penile hygiene,but avoid using salt water.
Use only plain water with soap. All smegma should be removed.
The photo don't show any abnormal changes to suggest balanitis.
Stop the steroid at once.
Send the reports, to clear all doubts of any systemic cause for earlier changes.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
No evidence of balanitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
You must maintain penile hygiene,but avoid using salt water.
Use only plain water with soap. All smegma should be removed.
The photo don't show any abnormal changes to suggest balanitis.
Stop the steroid at once.
Send the reports, to clear all doubts of any systemic cause for earlier changes.
Wish you well.
Dr.Matthew J. Mangat.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Answered by
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