Foreskin inflammation - specialists and information

Foreskin inflammation (posthitis) is an inflammatory disease of the skin around the glans of the male penis.

Below you will find further information and selected specialists for the treatment of foreskin inflammation.

Causes of foreskin inflammation

Causes of the rapid inflammation are

• Bacterial infestation
• Other microorganisms (including fungal infection with Candida albicans)
• Skin-irritating substances such as toxic or allergenic substances (e.g. in the case of a contact allergy to intimate jewelry, condoms or detergents)

An infection is usually caused by unprotected sexual intercourse or poor or excessive hygiene. Diseases such as diabetes mellitus (diabetes) or phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin) also promote foreskin inflammation.

For example, a narrowing of the foreskin is the most common cause of posthitis in pre-school boys. Foreskin inflammation is often accompanied by inflammation of the glans (balanitis). When the glans is involved, doctors call the inflammation balanoposthitis.

Foreskin inflammation (posthitis) is an inflammation of the foreskin of the penis @ icedmocha /AdobeStock

Symptoms of inflammation of the foreskin

The characteristic symptoms of foreskin inflammation include

• Swelling, redness and pain in the area of the foreskin and possibly the glans
• Itching and burning in the inflamed area
• Pain when urinating
• Yellow, purulent and foul-smelling discharge
• Possible whitish coating and blister formation
• Pain in the groin area with swelling of the adjacent lymph nodes in the groin area

In addition, punctiform or weeping skin changes may occur. In rare cases, ulcers may also occur. As the disease progresses, a general feeling of illness and fever may develop as signs of blood poisoning.

This is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency medical treatment.

Diagnosis of foreskin inflammation

Foreskin inflammation is diagnosed on the basis of the characteristic symptoms. The doctor also clarifies whether the inflammation is due to diabetes, allergy or mechanical or chemical irritation.

During the physical examination, the doctor examines

• the limb
• the inflamed area and
• the adjacent lymph nodes in the groin area

He looks to see if there is any swelling.

To confirm a possible infection, he takes a swab of the inflamed foreskin with a cotton swab. He then sends the sample to a laboratory, which examines the swab for the presence of specific pathogens. Once the pathogen has been identified, the doctor can plan a targeted therapy.

In some cases, a urinalysis is necessary. If a contact allergy is suspected, an allergy test is also useful.

Treatment of inflammation of the foreskin

The therapeutic measures depend on the cause of the inflammation:

• If the inflammation is bacterial, treatment with antibiotics is advisable.
• In the case of fungal infections, an antimycotic (fungicidal agent) is used. As a rule, the patient does not have to take this orally in the form of tablets. In most cases, an ointment containing the active ingredient is sufficient. The patient applies this to the inflamed area.
• If the inflammation has a non-infectious cause, as in the case of a contact allergy, preparations containing cortisone are recommended. It is also advisable to avoid the allergen in future (e.g. by changing detergent). If the inflammation spreads further, oral antibiotics or antimycotics or immunotherapy may be considered.

Sexually active sufferers should also have their partner treated in the event of an infection.

Home remedies for foreskin inflammation

Patients can treatmild irritation with disinfectant sitz baths containing an antiseptic solution.

The use of camomile is also recommended. Tea tree oil or baking soda can also be used if you are allergic to camomile.

Disinfectant baths also have a supportive effect as part of drug therapy. Rinsing with saline solution is also often helpful.

Ointments (e.g. with dexpanthenol) can also reduce the symptoms.

As foreskin inflammation can also be the result of excessive genital hygiene, thorough hygiene is recommended. However, avoid aggressive and alkaline soaps and disinfectants.

With frequent use, these soaps strip the skin of its protective oils. You are then more susceptible to pathogens. In addition, you should only use low-fat lotions for skin care.

Circumcision for chronic inflammation due to foreskin constriction

If there is a narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) that repeatedly leads to inflammation, partial or complete removal of the foreskin (circumcision) is recommended.

The removal should be carried out during an infection-free period. Circumcision can also be beneficial for diabetics, as they are often affected by inflammation of the foreskin.

Sketch of a circumcision @ Nena /AdobeStock

Complications and prognosis for foreskin inflammation

With consistent use of the prescribed medication and subsequent treatment, foreskin inflammation usually heals without any problems.

If left untreated,inflammation in the area of the tip of the penis can lead to cicatricial phimosis, a particular form of foreskin constriction.

In this case, the inflammation causes small wounds that later become scars that constrict the foreskin. An infection can also travel up into the urinary system and lead to additional foci of inflammation there.

This can result in inflammation of the following areas:

• Urinary bladder
• urethra
• prostate and/or
• epididymis

In the worst case, the infection can spread to the blood system and cause life-threatening blood poisoning.