Symptoms of foreskin inflammation

Foreskin inflammation usually presents with symptoms such as redness, itching, increased secretions, pain during urination, and foreskin adhesions. Foreskin inflammation may be related to factors such as poor hygiene, bacterial infection, fungal infection, allergic reaction, or excessive foreskin. It is recommended to seek medical treatment in time to determine the cause.

1. Redness and swelling

Common early symptoms of foreskin inflammation are redness and swelling of the skin on the foreskin and glans, and the local temperature may increase. Redness and swelling are often caused by bacterial or fungal infections, such as Candida albicans, which can cause damage to the skin barrier. It is necessary to keep the perineum clean and dry daily and avoid scratching. You can use erythromycin ointment or clotrimazole cream and other drugs as directed by your doctor to control infection.

2. Itching

Inflammatory stimulation can cause persistent itching in the foreskin area, which may worsen especially at night. When a fungal infection such as tinea cruris spreads to the foreskin, the itching becomes more obvious. Excessive scratching may cause skin damage and secondary infection. It is recommended to wear breathable cotton underwear and avoid using irritating lotions. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream to relieve symptoms.

3. Increased secretions

White or yellow purulent secretions may appear between the inner plate of the foreskin and the glans, accompanied by a peculiar smell. Bacterial infections such as gonococcal urethritis can produce profuse discharge. Smegma needs to be washed with warm water every day. In severe cases, antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets or cefixime dispersible tablets can be used with a doctor for treatment.

4. Pain during urination

When inflammation involves the urethral opening, burning or stinging during urination may occur, which may be accompanied by frequent urination and urgency. This situation is common in posthitis combined with urinary tract infection, and a routine urine test is required to confirm the type of infection. During treatment, the amount of water consumed should be increased to dilute the urine. The doctor may choose drugs such as azithromycin granules or norfloxacin capsules according to the pathogen.

5. Foreskin adhesion

Long-term chronic inflammation may cause partial or complete adhesion of the foreskin and glans, affecting normal turning. Children with phimosis are more likely to develop this condition. For mild adhesion, you can try applying Vaseline to soften the separation. For severe adhesion, you need to use dexamethasone ointment under the guidance of a doctor. If necessary, consider circumcision.

Daily care should be taken to wash the inside and outside of the foreskin with warm water every day and avoid using alkaline soap. Choose loose, breathable cotton underwear and change them daily, and clean them before and after sex. Reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods in the diet, and supplement the vitamin B family appropriately to enhance skin resistance. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days or fever, swollen lymph nodes, etc. occur, you must seek medical attention immediately to check for specific infections. It is not recommended to use antibiotics or hormonal drugs on your own before the cause is determined, so as not to mask the condition or cause bacterial imbalance.