pain with erection

[steph300]

Hi,
My 4 year old son complains that his penis is "bothering" him during erection.  He hits at it trying to make it smaller. I told him to leave it alone, that it would go away.  Yesterday he told me that he wishes he could be a girl so that he doesn't have to feel it bother him.  With that worrysome remark, I started asking more questions.  He is complaining that there is pain where the foreskin meets the head of the pennis.  He is circumsized, however, the skin was left too long and the head of the pennis is completely covered by the foreskin when it is not erect.  Pulling back the skin, all the way, reveals a very red ring around the head where it meets the foreskin, and the head has a purpleish tinge just above the redness.  I have made an appointment with a urologist but I'm looking for your thoughts

Thanks,
s

[steph300]

thank you so much

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi.

There may be pain or itchiness present here. Has your son explained why this bothers him?

Has he mentioned of pain, irritation or any discomfort in the area?

With redness over the head or the glans penis, this may be a fungal infection or a dermatitis. Itchiness or a burning sensation may accompany these two conditions. This may not be something that may require urgent intervention. Your physician may give topical medications for this.

Just refrain from unnecessarily touching the area as this may further irritate the skin. Also, avoid tight underpants. A loose underwear of light material may be preferrable. Wash only with a mild cleanser such as Cetaphil. Gently pull back the foreskin when cleansing. The area beneath the foreskin should always be cleaned.