Infection?
Look guys, there will come a time when you will experience an issue with your genitals.
Be it an infection, erectile or ejaculation issues, it will happen sooner or later.
Today, i would like to discuss infection of the penis and foreskin which can cause inflammation and
lesions which lead to rashes, pain, itchiness and anxiety!
Not all penile infection is caused by an STD.
Let’s take a look at the several causes of penile and foreskin infection.
1)Balanitis/Balanoposthitis
Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans penis (head of the penis).
Balanoposthitis on the other hand causes inflammation of the foreskin of the penis.
The symptoms and signs may include:
- A pink or red rash, which may be smooth or scaly, spotty or patchy
- Redness, swelling and tenderness of the glans and foreskin
- Discharge or oozing
- Itching and discomfort
In severe cases, it may be difficult to retract the foreskin (phimosis).
Balanitis can stem from a number of conditions.
- Fungal:
Infection with Candida albicans is the most common cause.
Candida is a fungal infection and it can affect the penis although is it not dangerous.
- Bacterial:
Bacteria can multiply rapidly in the moist and warm conditions under the foreskin.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs):
Examples include Herpes simplex virus, HPV, and Syphilis.
We will discuss these infections in detail along the way.
Non-infectious conditions can also increase your risk of balanitis/balanoposthitis
Some of these conditions include:
- Eczema
- Injuries and accidents
- Irritation caused by rubbing or scratching
- Irritation from exposure to chemicals (e.g. soaps, detergent)
- Psoriasis
- Reactive arthritis
- Tight foreskin
How is it managed?
To determine which factors are contributing to balanitis or balanoposthitis, a swab may be taken for bacterial and yeast culture. A blood tests might be done as well to rule out STD’s.
Treatment depends on the cause of irritation. Treating the underlying cause often clears up symptoms.
Antibiotic and antifungal creams are common treatments. Corticosteroid creams may also be prescribed.
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Genital Herpes
Genital Herpes is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the Herpes simplex virus. It is transmitted via skin-to-skin contact through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
Symptoms of Genital Herpes, they may include:
- Pain or itching
- Small red bumps or tiny white blisters.
- Ulcers.
- Scabs.
There’s no cure for genital herpes. Treatment with prescription antiviral medications may reduce the duration of the symptoms.
Syphilis
Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a type of bacteria known as Treponema pallidum
The four stages of syphilis are:
Primary – A sore or sores form at the original site of infection. These sores usually occur on
or around the genitals, around the anus or in the oral cavity.
Secondary – You may get a non-itchy rash from two weeks to three months after getting
infected. It usually appears on the chest, stomach, genitals, palms of your
hands and soles of your feet.
Latent – Usually there are no signs or symptoms
Tertiary – Neurological symptoms may develop
Syphilis is treated with antibiotics.
Genital warts are caused by some types of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV can cause cauliflower-shaped growths or pink or brown bumps to appear in the genital region.
Molluscum contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disease, caused by a virus that spreads easily between people. Itis usually harmless. It causes small, shiny bumps on the skin.
Though most common in children, molluscum contagiosum can affect adults as well particularly those with weakened immune systems. In adults with an otherwise normal immune system, molluscum contagiosum involving the genitals is considered a sexually transmitted infection.
When to see a Doctor
If you have a rash or lesion on your penis that gets worse or do not go away by themselves, you should consult a doctor as it could be a sign of an infection. This is particularly important when the person is sexually active.
If the doctor makes a diagnosis of infection, treatment modalities may include antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral medication depending on the cause of the infection.
Sometimes minor surgical removal is warranted especially if it is genital warts or molluscum contagiosum.
Don’t waste time searching the internet of what it may or may not be.
Visit a doctor near you for professional help.