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What Causes Inflammation Glans Penis?
Question: Hi,
When I pull back the foreskin of my penis, there is a patch of skin (about 1cm wide) just under the corona that is slightly red/inflamed. The skin around it also looks slightly swollen/loose. When I touch it with my finger, it seems to hurt a little. I only noticed this today when I was cleaning my penis in the shower after I had masturbated earlier (I clean everyday and did not notice it yesterday). On my own observation, I do not notice any discharge, nor do I see any cuts or openings in the skin - everything seems to be happening under the skin of my penis. My previous and only sexual contact was with a commercial sex worker a little more than 1 month ago (early May) and I ensured that throughout both oral and vaginal sex I wore a condom (1 for oral, and 1 for vaginal). Can this be a formation of a blister of any sort? Or would it be more likely an outcome of my masturbation?
Thanks.
When I pull back the foreskin of my penis, there is a patch of skin (about 1cm wide) just under the corona that is slightly red/inflamed. The skin around it also looks slightly swollen/loose. When I touch it with my finger, it seems to hurt a little. I only noticed this today when I was cleaning my penis in the shower after I had masturbated earlier (I clean everyday and did not notice it yesterday). On my own observation, I do not notice any discharge, nor do I see any cuts or openings in the skin - everything seems to be happening under the skin of my penis. My previous and only sexual contact was with a commercial sex worker a little more than 1 month ago (early May) and I ensured that throughout both oral and vaginal sex I wore a condom (1 for oral, and 1 for vaginal). Can this be a formation of a blister of any sort? Or would it be more likely an outcome of my masturbation?
Thanks.
Brief Answer:
Redness on the glans
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you are having some redness on your glans penis which is slightly sore to the touch.
I have seen the clinical picture you have uploaded.
There are no ulcers. There is only minimal redness. Based on your history, I feel it could be due to mild trauma ( during masturbation).
Another possibility is that of a candidial balanoposthitis. This is an infection of the glans by a fungal yeast. It could occur due to excessive washing and moisture.
I would suggest you to use a cream containing 1% Clotrimozole twice a day for 10-14 days.
Keep the area dry and do not wash excessively.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Redness on the glans
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to healthcare magic.
I understand from your query that you are having some redness on your glans penis which is slightly sore to the touch.
I have seen the clinical picture you have uploaded.
There are no ulcers. There is only minimal redness. Based on your history, I feel it could be due to mild trauma ( during masturbation).
Another possibility is that of a candidial balanoposthitis. This is an infection of the glans by a fungal yeast. It could occur due to excessive washing and moisture.
I would suggest you to use a cream containing 1% Clotrimozole twice a day for 10-14 days.
Keep the area dry and do not wash excessively.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Doctor for your reply.
I am much more relieved now. However, just to put my mind at ease, is it safe to say that what I'm experiencing as mentioned is not STD-related?
If you don't mind, I would like to clarify a couple of things that you've mentioned in your reply:
1) You suggested that it could be mild trauma due to masturbation - does this possibly mean that I've bruised/broken some blood vessels in the process? Can I continue to masturbate, or should I observe a period of time without masturbation to avoid aggravating the area?
2) Regarding the possibility of infection, I have to mention that after washing my penis, I do not specially dry the area under my foreskin. Is this the correct procedure? Or should I always dry the area under my foreskin after I wash it? Furthermore, may I clarify how much is considered as 'excessive' washing (is once/twice a day ok? Once in the morning, and once at night)?
3) As this is only the first day I've experienced this redness on the glans, may I also ask, what are certain symptoms/developments to the area that, if noticed, should send alarm bells ringing and I should see a doctor? Also, if it were either trauma or fungal yeast infection, how long will it take to heal?
Thank you. Apologies for the tirade of questions.
Your expertise and advise is much appreciated.
I am much more relieved now. However, just to put my mind at ease, is it safe to say that what I'm experiencing as mentioned is not STD-related?
If you don't mind, I would like to clarify a couple of things that you've mentioned in your reply:
1) You suggested that it could be mild trauma due to masturbation - does this possibly mean that I've bruised/broken some blood vessels in the process? Can I continue to masturbate, or should I observe a period of time without masturbation to avoid aggravating the area?
2) Regarding the possibility of infection, I have to mention that after washing my penis, I do not specially dry the area under my foreskin. Is this the correct procedure? Or should I always dry the area under my foreskin after I wash it? Furthermore, may I clarify how much is considered as 'excessive' washing (is once/twice a day ok? Once in the morning, and once at night)?
3) As this is only the first day I've experienced this redness on the glans, may I also ask, what are certain symptoms/developments to the area that, if noticed, should send alarm bells ringing and I should see a doctor? Also, if it were either trauma or fungal yeast infection, how long will it take to heal?
Thank you. Apologies for the tirade of questions.
Your expertise and advise is much appreciated.
Brief Answer:
Redness on the glans
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
At present, it does not seem to me that it could be STD related.
1. Trauma during masturbation means that there may be a small bruise on the glans during the process. It is better to avoid masturbation till it heals. ( around 1 week's time)
2.The area under the foreskin has to be completely dried after washing it. Otherwise, there will be build up of moisture which could favour the growth of fungus. You can wash the genitalia once in the morning during bath. Some people are in the habit of washing and not drying the area every time they urinate. This moisture could promote fungal growth.
3. You need to see a doctor to rule our sexually transmitted infections if you see ulcers, erosions, pus discharge from the urethra, burning while passing urine or swelling in the groin folds ( lymph gland swelling).
The lesion which you are currently having may heal in 1 -2 weeks time.
You could use the cream I have suggested in the previous answer.
Hope this clears your doubts.
Take care,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Redness on the glans
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
At present, it does not seem to me that it could be STD related.
1. Trauma during masturbation means that there may be a small bruise on the glans during the process. It is better to avoid masturbation till it heals. ( around 1 week's time)
2.The area under the foreskin has to be completely dried after washing it. Otherwise, there will be build up of moisture which could favour the growth of fungus. You can wash the genitalia once in the morning during bath. Some people are in the habit of washing and not drying the area every time they urinate. This moisture could promote fungal growth.
3. You need to see a doctor to rule our sexually transmitted infections if you see ulcers, erosions, pus discharge from the urethra, burning while passing urine or swelling in the groin folds ( lymph gland swelling).
The lesion which you are currently having may heal in 1 -2 weeks time.
You could use the cream I have suggested in the previous answer.
Hope this clears your doubts.
Take care,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi Doctor,
I will definitely look into getting the cream. Is there a specific name or brand of the cream that I can tell the pharmacist about? Also, do I roll back my foreskin after I apply the cream?
Thank you for your time and advice. I will follow your suggestions, and monitor for the coming 1-2 weeks.
I will definitely look into getting the cream. Is there a specific name or brand of the cream that I can tell the pharmacist about? Also, do I roll back my foreskin after I apply the cream?
Thank you for your time and advice. I will follow your suggestions, and monitor for the coming 1-2 weeks.
Brief Answer:
Redness on the glans
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You could ask the pharmacist for 1% Clotrimazole cream. It is available in most of the countries as an over the counter drug. I see that you are from Singapore. I am sorry I am not sure of the brands available there.
Yes, you need to apply the foreskin after application of the cream. Apply very little amount and rub it in till it gets absorbed into the skin.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Redness on the glans
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
You could ask the pharmacist for 1% Clotrimazole cream. It is available in most of the countries as an over the counter drug. I see that you are from Singapore. I am sorry I am not sure of the brands available there.
Yes, you need to apply the foreskin after application of the cream. Apply very little amount and rub it in till it gets absorbed into the skin.
Hope this helps you.
Regards,
Dr. Johny Chacko
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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