Redness under foreskin

[crandy]

hi,
I'm a 28 yr old male,over the past few months I have developed some redness under my penis foreskin. It hurts while masturbation. I also sleep without my undies in just pyjama shorts and in the morning it hurts again..it is around the tip of the penis and around the base of the head. Its not truly red but it just hurts to touch..can you help?

[crandy]

Thanks Rowena,

I had a fungal infection on my pennis arnd 3 yrs ago after using a masturbator my GF sent me :)..i applied a cream called canestan and the redness and pain went away..this one looks a bit like that.. i went to the local GP..he gave me a cream called hydroxole..have been using it for 2 days now but not enuff help. I generally wash my undies and socks to gether..can u see any link between all this...I haven't been sexually active for over 2 yrs nw

Thanks

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

This could be balanitis or inflammation of the glans.This may present with redness, swelling and tenderness of the glans, rash, or discharge.This may be due to  dermatitis, infection. possible sexually transmitted diseases or other skin conditions such as scabies. Nonspecific balanitis appears to be an irritant reaction related to proliferation of bacteria and yeasts.It usually affects uncircumcised men or infrequent or over-frequent washing, chemical irritants such as lubricating jelly or medicated creams, minor trauma or obesity.

It is important to keep the head of the penis and foreskin clean and dry. Daily showering with particular attention to cleaning this area is necessary. Wash with warm water; and avoid using soap as this may irritate the area.  If it persists, it would be best to have this evaluated further by your doctor for proper management.. A swab may be taken for bacterial and yeast culture.

Take care and keep us posted.