Managing Non-Healing Penile Wound: Causes and Treatment Options

Q: Managing Non-Healing Penile Wound: Causes and Treatment Options

Hello： Currently, keep the wound dry and consult a hospital physician to assess whether it can be sutured; otherwise, there will continue to be discharge. <br>Wishing you good health.

Unhealed purulent balanitis?

Hello doctor, two months ago I had 16 beads removed.
A few days later, the wound started leaking a lot of clear fluid, soaking my underwear.
I then bought a powder medication to spray on it, but after a few days, it became infected.
I visited a nearby urology clinic, and the doctor said it was just superficial and prescribed some medication for me to take and apply to the wound.
However, over a month later, one part of the wound remained deep and would not heal.
I went to a larger hospital, and they said it would be fine after stitching.
However, the wound reopened and became infected again, leading to the stitches being removed.
I have been squeezing out pus and taking antibiotics, and now there is no pus left, but there is still some clear fluid that appears slightly yellow.
What should I do about the clear fluid?

Qiu Xiansheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/11/10

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Currently, keep the wound dry and consult a hospital physician to assess whether it can be sutured; otherwise, there will continue to be discharge.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2017/11/10

More Info

Managing a non-healing penile wound can be a complex issue, especially when it has persisted for two months and has undergone various treatments without significant improvement. Based on your description, it seems that the wound may have become infected and has not healed properly, leading to the formation of pus and a discharge that is now yellowish in color.

Possible Causes
1. Infection: The presence of pus and yellow discharge suggests that there may be an ongoing infection. This can occur if the wound was not kept clean or if bacteria entered the wound during the healing process.

2. Poor Wound Care: If the wound was not properly cared for after the initial injury, it could lead to complications. This includes not keeping the area clean and dry, which is crucial for healing.

3. Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes or other immunocompromising diseases can impede healing. If you have any underlying health issues, it’s essential to manage them effectively.

4. Foreign Body Reaction: If there are remnants of the beads or any foreign material left in the wound, this could cause a chronic inflammatory response, preventing healing.

5. Allergic Reaction: If you have used topical treatments that contain allergens or irritants, this could exacerbate the condition.

Treatment Options
1. Wound Care: It is crucial to maintain proper hygiene. Clean the area gently with saline solution or mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or alcohol-based products that can irritate the skin.

2. Topical Antibiotics: Applying a topical antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin or mupirocin, can help prevent further infection. However, if you have previously experienced adverse reactions to certain ingredients, such as Neomycin, avoid those products.

3. Oral Antibiotics: Since you mentioned having taken antibiotics, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider if the wound does not improve. They may need to prescribe a different antibiotic based on culture results or the specific bacteria involved.

4. Avoid Irritation: Wear loose-fitting underwear and avoid any activities that may irritate the area, such as sexual activity, until the wound has healed.

5. Consult a Specialist: If the wound continues to show signs of infection or does not heal, it may be necessary to consult a dermatologist or a urologist who specializes in wound care. They may consider debridement (removal of dead tissue) or other interventions.

6. Monitoring for Complications: Keep an eye out for signs of systemic infection, such as fever, increased redness, swelling, or pain. If these occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Conclusion
In summary, managing a non-healing penile wound requires a multifaceted approach that includes proper wound care, potential use of antibiotics, and possibly further medical evaluation. Given the complexity of your situation, it is advisable to follow up with a healthcare provider who can assess the wound in person and provide tailored treatment options. Remember, healing can take time, and it’s essential to be patient while ensuring that the wound is cared for properly.

Similar Q&A

Managing Penile Wounds: Healing Time and Treatment Options

Hello Dr. Hsu, I have a skin tear on my penis and it bled quite a bit during intercourse. I have two questions: How long will it take for the wound to heal, and what ointment should I apply? If the wound itches during the healing process, what should I do?

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
Mr. Pi: Hello, you are experiencing continuous bleeding, and it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as bleeding indicates that the wound may be deeper and requires further treatment. In severe cases, suturing may be necessary. If you have any further questions ...

Understanding Penile Skin Injuries: Causes, Treatments, and Concerns

Hello, due to work commitments, I am unable to return to Taiwan for a consultation in the short term, and I would like to seek your professional advice. On February 21, I had sexual intercourse without lubrication, which resulted in a foreskin abrasion. From February 25 to Febr...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: Regarding your condition: This facility is unable to provide a diagnosis, as it is mostly due to the presence of wounds and subsequent poor care. Taking ACYCLOVIR before detection will not pose significant issues, unless there is an allergy. The interpretation of the prese...

Managing Skin Issues: Diabetes and Penile Skin Healing Challenges

If a doctor examines the skin on the penis and finds that it is broken and difficult to heal, and suspects diabetes as the underlying cause, the following steps should be taken: 1. Blood Sugar Control: It is crucial to manage blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and me...

Dr. Guo Fengsheng reply Dermatology
It may not just be a diabetes issue; there could be other infections causing the wound to heal poorly. It is recommended to visit a nearby dermatology clinic or hospital for evaluation.

Post-Circumcision Concerns: Managing Excessive Drainage and Care Tips

Dear Dr. Du, I have been following up on my condition after undergoing laser circumcision surgery, which was performed four days ago. On the first night, it seems that nocturnal erections caused some tension on the wound. When the surgeon changed the elastic bandage the next day...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: If the wound is healing well without any unusual redness, swelling, heat, or pain, it can be managed at home. However, if any of the above symptoms occur, or if the wound opens significantly, a follow-up visit is necessary. Wishing you good health. Currently, avoid erectio...