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Should I Seek Medical Care For Redness And Small Swelling At The Tip Of My Penis?

Posted on Thu, 17 Nov 2022

Question: Hi Dr.,

I am writing because I have just noticed redness and small swelling (the area is raised higher than usual) at the tip of my penis, right at the bottom of the opening of my urethra. There is a small amount of pain and irritation when touched, but not really any pain when left alone. I recently went swimming in a public pool about 2 hours ago, where I wore swim shorts with mesh lining. I am not sure if it is just irritated from the friction with the mesh lining, or if it is some kind of infection. Would there be more signs? Should I apply any healing ointment or neosporin? Any length of time before I should seek medical care if it does not improve?

To assist your advice, I can also tell you I have not had unprotected sex with anyone other than my wife (which the last time was 2 weeks ago), so it would not be an STD.

Thank you in advance.

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Please upload photograph of your penis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Based on the facts that you have posted the redness and swelling at the tip of the penis that you have developed after swimming could be due to friction of inner wares or infection due to contaminated water ,However the precise nature of the same could be opined either on examination of penis in person or by viewing photograph.

I shall be able to make comments and suggestions if you upload photograph of your penis. In the mean time you can start taking broad spectrum antibiotic like Cefixime along with anti inflammatory drug like Diclofenac twice daily.along with topical antibiotic ointment like Neosporin twice daily.
Ensure to wash your genitals with warm water twice daily.

Hope I have answered your query, please feel free to ask if you have more questions, I shall be happy to help you.

Thanks and Regards.
Dr. Patil

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (55 minutes later)

I have uploaded a picture, as you requested. Being in the US, I can only retain antibiotics with a prescription from a doctor, which means I would have to seek medical treatment at an urgent care facility. Please let me know after reviewing the picture if this is something in which I should seek the care of a physician, or if it is something just to watch closely to see if it improves on its own. Thank you again.

Answered by Dr. Dr. P. T. Patil (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You have inflammation of terminal part of urethra.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for uploading photograph which shows inflammation of external urinary meatus. You can take Nitrofurantoin and topical antibiotic ointment Neosporin twice daily which is available over the counter. It should get cured within a week

Thanks and Regards.
Dr. Patil

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar