Penile Irritation

I am a 21 year old male:

      I have been constantly worried about an irritation i am having that starts on the inside of my shaft (right above the beginning of my testicles) and ends around the opening of my penis, forming a red circle around the pee hole. Basically, the inside of my shaft has a red line going up it that continues around the opening of my penis. There are no blisters anywhere, however i have small white bumps located on the bottom of the inside part of my shaft. When i squeeze them only a thickish white discharge comes out of them; no bleeding. Around the opening of my penis, it is very red and irritated. It has only hurt to urinate these last few days. There are no bumps or blisters, it is just very red and has caused me slight discomfort. What is it?

[Jasmina Jankicevic, MD, MSc, CCRP]

Welcome to the Dermatology Expert Forum!

Without doubt, your condition should be evaluated by a physician who will take detailed history, discuss risk factors, perform clinical examination and initiate diagnostic process (blood testing, urethral swabs, skin culture, etc.).

Erythema (redness), possible some pustules (“bumps with kind of thick white content”), pain while urinating indicate that yeast infection (candidiasis) and  STD panel have to be investigated (especially gonorrhea), as well as other possible causes of balanoposthitis  (such as bacterial infection, poor hygiene, harsh soaps, improper rinsing of soap while bathing, etc.).  

Overall, there is no reason to be constantly worried, just take necessary action to help yourself. It should all resolve after proper therapy is introduced. You can start by removing some of irritants: keep genital area clean and dry; wear loose underwear made of natural materials (cotton); avoid friction in genital region; etc.

Wishing You Optimal Health,
Dr. Jasmina Jankicevic