Inflammation of the glans and foreskin is one of the most common diseases of the penis. Every 10th adult man visiting a urologist has this problem. Even more often, inflammation of the glans and foreskin affects little boys. The main reason is inadequate hygiene of intimate parts.

Byinflammation of the glans and foreskinalmost every boy aged 2-6 has a problem. As a rule, when he "comes out of the diapers" and delighted with his independence, he pee in the bushes when his mother cannot see. Unfortunately - dirty hands are a source of germs and soon the toddler will find out about it on his own skin. It is under these circumstances that inflammation of the glans and foreskin is most common in children. The experience is painful, but the lesson is for life: don't touch a pee with dirty hands, you have to wash them before and after disposing of it. Those who do not remember will also struggle with this ailment later in life.

But is only proper hygiene enough to protect the man from inflammation of the glans and foreskin? Unfortunately, it's not always that simple.

Other factors causing inflammation of the glans and foreskin

Among other causes of this disease, we distinguish:

  • infections (not resulting from lack of hygiene - you can catch them, for example, from your partner). Most often bacterial (staphylococcus, streptococcus, gonorrhea), also fungal (Candida) or viral - genital herpes.
  • injuries to the tip of the penis or foreskin
  • phimosis
  • allergic to washing liquid / soap or inaccurate washing it
  • using perfumed sprays on the penis
  • reaction to condom spermicide
  • side effect of taking certain medications, e.g. painkillers, sleeping pills, antibiotics

It also happens that inflammation of the glans and foreskin is associated with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus or reactive arthritis.

What is the inflammation of the glans and foreskin?

Men and uncircumcised boys are more likely to develop this disease. Under the foreskin, the so-called mastka, a whitish-yellow substance composed of the remains of urine, sweat, sebum, and in sexually active men also semen. The mastura should be washed regularly, carefully pulling the foreskin away duringbath, otherwise it becomes an excellent medium for various microorganisms, bacteria, viruses and fungi. Inflammation of the glans and foreskin develops on and around the glans penis, the urethra, and on the inside and sometimes outside of the foreskin. It is manifested by redness and pain in these places, as well as:

  • itching and burning
  • urethral discharge
  • tightening the foreskin
  • pain in the skin of the penis and the surrounding area, sometimes up to the groin
  • pain and burning as well as difficulty urinating
  • the appearance of white spots and bubbles on the penis

When the above symptoms occur, you should immediately see a doctor (first contact, urologist, dermatologist). Untreated inflammation of the glans and foreskin, led to a chronic condition, may result in the development of a scrotal rose and penis - it is an acute streptococcal inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue accompanied by fever.

Important

Sometimes it happens that with similar symptoms it is clearly visible that the redness does not extend to the urethra area, moreover, the changes on the skin are of a slightly different nature. They are gray-white lumps the size of a pinhead, which over time turn into red erosions with slightly raised grayish edges resembling wedding rings. We are talking then about circular or annular inflammation of the glans. It is a serious condition that can be bacterial or yeast in nature, but is also characteristic of HIV-infected patients who have overlapping psoriasis and Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis), as well as those who are HLA-B27 antigen carriers.

Treatment of inflammation of the glans and foreskin

Regardless of the cause of inflammation, treatment should begin with the implementation of the principles of proper hygiene of the genital organs. Later, it will simply prevent relapse. The treatment itself, prescribed by a physician, should be aimed at the pathogens causing them. You may be prescribed an antibiotic ointment, very often Pimafucort, which has a bactericidal, antifungal and anti-inflammatory effect, and a penile compress or soaking in Rivanol. Baths in a solution of potassium permanganate are also effective. Usually, such a procedure brings improvement after a few days, and the problem disappears after 1-2 weeks of treatment. However, there are more resistant to treatment cases, then the best solution is to use the drug according to the result of the previously collected smear with culture. If a patient has phimosis, the foreskin incision is sometimes performed to facilitate itdischarge of secretions. Sometimes complete circumcision is also necessary.

Prevention of inflammation of the glans and foreskin

Genital hygiene is essential when it comes to the prevention of any inflammation. First of all, remember to carefully pull the foreskin back during bathing (1-2 times a day) and wash the mastic, especially from the gastric groove, where microorganisms most often develop. Secondly, you need to choose the right cosmetics. Often men do not pay attention to them and wash with whatever is at hand, e.g. 3in1 gels. Meanwhile, appropriate emulsions are intended for intimate hygiene - it happens that ordinary soap dries and irritates the skin, which is extremely delicate on the penis. Another important thing is to rinse the liquid thoroughly and then dry the penis (preferably with a paper towel). If you only take care of that, you don't have to use any additional cosmetics, e.g. deodorants.

The second important issue in preventing inflammation of the glans and foreskin, besides hygiene, is responsible sexual activity. Avoid contact with people you are not sure about your he alth. If not, always use a condom to protect yourself. We should also pay attention to whether the irritation does not arise after using a specific condom - if it is so, it may be worth changing it to a product of a different company. If we have a permanent partner or if we do not want to or do not have to use contraception, we should also remember that both sides should take care of hygiene. And as soon as we notice something disturbing on the genitals, let us stop sexual activity to see a doctor and avoid possible mutual contamination.

About the authorMarta Uler A journalist specializing in he alth, beauty and psychology. She is also a diet therapist by education. Her interests are medicine, herbal medicine, yoga, vegetarian cuisine and cats. I am a mother of two boys - a 10-year-old and a 6-month-old.

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Category:

Male diseases