Redness And Itching Of The Glans Penis

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Redness and itching of the glans penis

Redness and itching of the glans penis is a symptom that men of all ages often encounter. This symptom may indicate both minor problems associated with, for example, insufficient hygiene, and serious diseases of the genitourinary system.

The head of the penis is covered with skin - thin and delicate, not the same as on the rest of the body. There are multiple nerve endings in the head, which, even with minor damage and irritation of the skin, send a signal to the brain. This makes the man experience severe discomfort in the genital area.

Causes of itching and redness of the glans penis

There are several groups of reasons that can lead to hyperemia and itching of the glans penis:

1. Sexual and genital infections, inflammatory processes:

   • Balanoposthitis and balanitis. With balanitis, only the head of the penis becomes inflamed, and with balanoposthitis, both the head and the foreskin are affected. In addition to itching and redness, a man will experience acute pain. Inflammation and an increase in the size of the lymph nodes located in the groin area are possible, the body temperature rises. If the inflammatory process is ignored, then subsequently the places of redness will be covered with erosions, suppuration may begin. Long-term ongoing inflammation leads to scalp necrosis. The disease can be caused by improper hygiene, when smegma is collected under the foreskin. It becomes a favorable breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, the reasons may lie in genital infections, in the anatomical features of the structure of the male genital organs, as well as in general diseases of the body, including diabetes mellitus,allergies, vitamin deficiency, etc.
   • Diseases such as gonorrhea and trichomoniasis can provoke itching and flushing of the head. Infection with gonococci occurs during unprotected intercourse with an infected partner. When the disease enters the acute phase, the man begins to experience a feeling of discomfort, he is worried about burning and itching in the area of the head of the penis and along the urethra. The unpleasant sensations intensify during urination. When infected with Trichomonas, itching and burning will occur mainly when trying to empty the bladder. In addition, mucus may be released from the urethra. If you find even a slight discomfort in the genital area, you need to contact a urologist, since often a man is a carrier of Trichomonas and does not know about it. Long-term existence of the pathogen in the body can lead to a decrease in immunity, the development of infertility, chronic prostatitis, etc.

   • Chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, urogenital herpes. All of these diseases are also sexually transmitted. In addition to the sensation of itching, burning and hyperemia of the glans penis, a man may experience rashes on and near the genitals (mainly with herpes infection), sometimes the body temperature rises, symptoms of general malaise appear.
   • Urethritis. This disease is characterized by an inflammatory process in the urethra. Urethritis occurs either due to the activation of opportunistic microflora, or against the background of genital infections. During the acute stage of the disease, the glans penis swells and itches and becomes engorged. In addition, a man experiences painful sensations with localization in the head of the penis, and rashes may appear in the groin area.
   • Candidiasis in men. Redness of the glans penis, its pronounced itching and burning sensation may indicate candidiasis. At the same time, an unpleasant smell of sour bread or yeast emanates from the head, a whitish bloom is found on its surface. Pain may occur during urination and during intercourse. Severe stress, diseases of the body (anemia, diabetes mellitus, prolonged use of antibiotics, overweight) or infection with a fungal colony can lead to candidiasis.

2. Damage of various nature:

   • Mechanical irritation and trauma during intercourse. Too frequent intercourse can lead to redness, swelling and itching around the glans penis. Sometimes painful sensations occur that are aggravated by touch and when trying to empty the bladder. If such symptoms have arisen, then it is worth refraining from sexual activity for a short period of time. Excessive friction during intercourse against the background of insufficient lubrication in a woman also causes redness, itching and pain of the glans penis.
   • Frostbite or burn. A burn of the head can occur as a result of the ingress of chemicals on it, or due to exposure to high temperatures. Most often, such situations are caused by work-related injuries or accidents. The severity of flushing, burning, itching, and pain will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment must be qualified and carried out either in trauma centers or in surgical hospitals.

   • Congenital malformations. Phimosis of physiological origin affects almost all boys under three years of age. This condition is not considered pathological. However, against the background of the transferred balanoposthitis, it is possible to replace the normal foreskin with scar tissue. As a result, the foreskin loses its ability to stretch. It is not possible to perform intimate hygiene qualitatively, and the man begins to experience itching, irritation and flushing of the glans penis. An attempt to bare the head will be accompanied by pain of varying degrees of intensity.
   • Hygiene violations. If the conditions of intimate hygiene are not followed, an unpleasant odor emanates from the perineum and penis. At the same time, the man himself experiences itching in the corresponding area. If you do not regularly wash the external genital organs, then preputial lubricant or smegma will begin to accumulate under the foreskin. Microorganisms multiply in it, which leads to symptoms such as inflammation, itching and redness of the head of the penis. Wearing underwear that is too tight can lead to burning and itching sensations due to excessive friction. Most often, uncomfortable underwear rubs the skin of the groin, but it can also touch the head of the penis. This problem is especially relevant for men who have undergone circumcision.
   • Allergic reactions. Allergies, in which redness and itching of the glans penis occur, most often occurs in response to the use of inappropriate intimate hygiene products. This can be new soap or shower gel, or laundry detergent used to wash your underwear. Also, itching and flushing of the scalp can occur as a result of an allergic reaction to condoms or lubricant used during intercourse. Another possible allergen is dyes found in underwear fabrics. Taking medications can cause irritation and itching.

Treatment of itching and redness of the glans penis

Therapy for itching and redness of the glans penis depends on the cause that caused this symptom:

• Balanitis and balanoposthitis require qualified treatment. The individual therapeutic course is selected by the doctor after the diagnosis. Compliance with hygiene measures is an important condition. To wash the head, soap solutions are used, as well as antiseptic agents - Miramistin, Furacilin, hydrogen peroxide. Ointments such as terbinafine and levomekol help well. With advanced stages of the disease, an antibacterial course is prescribed, both local and general. Surgery may be required. More about ointments for balanoposthitis ➤;
• Gonorrhea, chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, urogenital herpes, trichomoniasis are genital infections and require specific treatment after determining the type of pathogen. Antibacterial drugs are used (Ornidazole, Metronidazole, Tenonitrazole, Clarithromycin, Azithromycin, Hemifloxacin, etc.), in addition, a correction of the immune status of a man, symptomatic therapy aimed at eliminating the symptoms of the disease is necessary. Self-treatment is unacceptable, since there is a risk of the disease becoming a chronic form, the emergence of drug resistance, the development of complications;
• Urethritis therapy is also carried out after identifying the type of pathogen. Bacterial urethritis requires antibiotics, viral urethritis is treated with antiviral agents, for example, taking Gerpevir, Acyclovir, Ribavirin, etc. Antihistamines are prescribed for allergic urethritis. Nonspecific chronic urethritis must be treated with immunostimulating drugs that are selected by a doctor;
• Treatment of both partners will be required to eliminate candidiasis. The most commonly used antimycotic drugs include: Nystatin, Levorin, Pimafucin, Mycozoral, Nizoral, etc. You will also need to follow a diet avoiding spicy, pickled and spicy foods. Taking immunostimulants is not excluded. You can speed up the healing process with the help of local therapy;
• If you receive an injury to the glans penis, you must consult a doctor and perform treatment in accordance with the nature of the damage. If itching and burning sensation occurs after intercourse due to insufficient lubrication from a woman, then it is possible to use special gels to reduce friction during intimacy;
• If itching occurs due to insufficient hygiene, then more thorough and regular washing of the glans penis is necessary;
• When irritation is caused by an allergic reaction, it is important to identify the allergen and rule it out. Do not use products with dyes, fragrances and fragrances for intimate hygiene. You may need to review the diet, exclude allergenic medications. Underwear should be made from natural fabrics and should not be too tight or tight.

Itching and redness of the glans penis cannot be ignored, as this can be a symptom of serious diseases. With the exclusion of reasons associated with inadequate hygiene, allergies and wearing low-quality underwear, itching and redness should go away within three days. If this does not happen, a consultation with a urologist, venereologist, andrologist or other specialist is required. It is important to rule out a sexually transmitted infection or other serious illness, such as diabetes.

Read more: Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus

Author of the article: Lebedev Andrey Sergeevich | Urologist

Education: Diploma in the specialty "Andrology" received after completing residency at the Department of Endoscopic Urology of the Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education in the urological center of the Central Clinical Hospital No. 1 of JSC Russian Railways (2007). Postgraduate studies were completed here by 2010.