Pain and Burning sensation

[M800]

Hello,

My problem started 3 days back.
Normally, I rinse my penis (both before and after retracting foreskin) with water and diluted dettol each day. However, 3 days back I did the same but with undiluted dettol (at first the shaft and glans went numb). That night I had a burning feeling, and now after 3 days even though the burning feeling has reduced, I find the following changes:
1. The foreskin has been thick and curled in folds inside. Retracting the foreskin even in flaccid is painful and almost impossible now. Previously it could be done but not while erect (probably I have phimosis)
2. Pain while touching the tip of the foreskin and glans underneath, however there is no pain in the shaft.
3. Can't mention if the colour or the natural moistness of the glans is same or not since can't retract the foreskin, however it has been normal before this event.
4. While peeing, there is an itching and burning feeling
5. Attaining erection is also painful

I read somewhere that using warm water with salt is beneficial (however the amount to be used is not sure), therefore I do this whenever it pains or burns and it helps.

What could have gone wrong and how this can be cured? Will it be natural healing or some immediate step has to be taken? Please any advice.

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

Dettol is used (off label) for many things but usually it is heavily diluted when applied to skin. I think that you basically developed a chemical burn by using it full strength. At this point, I think that you should leave your penis alone and give it time to recover (heal). Do not attempt to retract your foreskin nor should you manipulate your penis (including not having sexual intercourse).
If the skin breaks down or blisters, apply an antibiotic ointment such as bacitracin. Keeping the shaft elevated towards your umbilicus (belly button) may help to reduce the swelling.
If healing results in a  tighter foreskin that you cannot retract, you may have to have a circumcision. No decision can be made this early.
In the future, wash your penis with mild soap and water daily and be sure to rinse it well afterwards. You do not need to apply any antiseptic chemicals.
Good luck.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.

[dranurag]

This was very wrong to use undiluted dettol on genital skin. Don't need to wash daily with undiluted one even. Now it may be a case of chemical burn . It will take time. Apply neosporin ointment and simply wash.

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

By the way, warm saline was a good idea as a soak. You can add 1/2 teaspoon of table salt to 8 oz. of warm water and soak your penis a few times per day to make it feel better.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.