Recurrent Red Spots on the Glans: Causes and Care Tips

Q: Recurrent Red Spots on the Glans: Causes and Care Tips

Hello： <br>1. <br>Is it sufficient to just rinse off in the shower every day without scrubbing? I feel like I scrub quite hard, thinking that’s the only way to clean properly, but I notice that my condition keeps recurring. <br>If I don’t scrub, it feels unclean… Is it enough to

Glansitis with red spots?

Hello, doctor.
For the past two years, I've been experiencing recurring red spots on the glans and have been considering circumcision.
However, after previous evaluations, it was noted that one-third of the glans is exposed when not erect, and it fully emerges when erect, so the physician suggested that circumcision might not be necessary to avoid potential tightness issues.
Despite this, I have been noticing red spots every ten days.
Although they are not painful or itchy, they do feel concerning psychologically.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Is it sufficient to just rinse during daily showers without scrubbing? I have noticed that I tend to scrub quite vigorously, and I feel that this might be contributing to the recurring issue.
Does simply rinsing with warm water for a longer duration suffice? I have observed that the red spots tend to appear after showering, so I wonder if scrubbing too hard is the cause.
2.
For drying, I use tissue paper to pat dry.
Is this acceptable?
3.
Regarding medication, I have visited two or three clinics, and some doctors advised that the medication should be applied for a full week to prevent recurrence, while others suggested stopping once it seems to improve.
I understand that each physician has a different perspective; what is your recommendation?

A Tai, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/11/24

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello:
1.
Is it sufficient to just rinse off in the shower every day without scrubbing? I feel like I scrub quite hard, thinking that’s the only way to clean properly, but I notice that my condition keeps recurring.
If I don’t scrub, it feels unclean… Is it enough to just rinse with warm water for a longer time? I’ve noticed that my issues appear after showering… Could it be that I’m scrubbing too hard? --> Rinsing with plain water is sufficient; using soap or body wash is not always necessary.
Just dry off afterward (a towel is fine, but of course, the towel should be changed regularly).
2.
For drying off, I usually use tissue paper to absorb the moisture.
Is that okay? --> Yes, that is acceptable.
3.
Regarding medication, I have visited a couple of clinics, and some doctors said the medication should be applied for a full week to prevent recurrence, while others said to stop once it looks better.
I understand that each doctor has a different perspective.
What is your recommendation? --> Personally, I suggest that once the skin has healed, you can stop applying the medication after 1-2 days.
The main concern is ongoing maintenance; it should not be kept moist and warm.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2022/11/24

More Info

Understanding recurrent red spots on the glans can be concerning, and it's important to approach this issue with care and proper hygiene practices. Here are some insights and recommendations based on your questions:
1. Hygiene Practices: It’s crucial to maintain proper hygiene without being overly aggressive. Washing the area with warm water is generally sufficient. You do not need to scrub or rub the glans vigorously, as this can irritate the sensitive skin and potentially lead to inflammation or the recurrence of red spots. Instead, gently rinse the area and allow it to air dry. If you feel the need to clean more thoroughly, consider using a mild, unscented soap, but avoid scrubbing.

2. Drying Technique: Using a clean tissue or soft cloth to pat the area dry is acceptable. However, be gentle to avoid irritation. It’s best to let the area air dry as much as possible after washing. If you notice that the red spots appear after bathing, it could be a sign that the washing technique or drying method is contributing to the irritation.

3. Medication Use: The advice regarding medication can vary among healthcare providers. If a doctor has prescribed a topical treatment, it’s generally advisable to follow their instructions regarding the duration of use. If a doctor has suggested that you stop using the medication once the symptoms improve, it may be based on their assessment of your condition. If you have been experiencing recurrent symptoms, it might be beneficial to continue using the medication for the full course as prescribed, unless you experience adverse effects. Consistency in treatment can help prevent recurrence.

4. Underlying Causes: The recurrent red spots could be due to several factors, including irritation from friction, allergic reactions to soaps or laundry detergents, or even infections. If the spots are not painful or itchy, they may be less concerning, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Conditions such as balanitis (inflammation of the glans) can occur, and if you suspect this, it’s important to seek medical advice.

5. When to Seek Help: If the red spots persist despite good hygiene practices, or if you notice any changes such as pain, itching, or discharge, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend further testing or a different treatment approach.

6. Consideration of Circumcision: Since you mentioned considering circumcision, it’s worth discussing this option further with a urologist. Circumcision can sometimes help with recurrent infections or irritation, but it’s not always necessary, especially if the glans is adequately exposed during an erection. A urologist can provide personalized advice based on your specific anatomy and symptoms.

In summary, maintaining gentle hygiene practices, using medications as directed, and monitoring your symptoms are key steps in managing recurrent red spots on the glans. If issues persist, don’t hesitate to seek further medical evaluation to ensure appropriate care and treatment.

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