and Treating Penile Skin Issues: A Guide for Patients - Urology

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Genital (abrasions) oral sex issues glans problems?


Hello, Director Du.
I have a situation where I suspect that during unprotected oral sex with my girlfriend, I may have sucked too hard, leading to redness and swelling on the left side of my glans.
Two days later, the glans developed a small tear.
I visited a clinic and a military hospital, but the doctors only took a quick look and assumed it was either balanitis or posthitis.
However, I am certain that I do not have either condition, as I do not experience redness, swelling, or itching due to my regular hygiene practices.
At the time, I didn’t think much of it and applied the ointment prescribed by the doctor (tetracycline eye ointment), which caused a stinging sensation.
Soon after, I noticed increased redness and swelling.
I thought this was a normal reaction, but the next day it worsened.
Because of work, I only expose the glans while sleeping (to keep it dry), and during the day, the foreskin covers the glans, which meant the ointment was trapped between the glans and the foreskin.
Unfortunately, my concerns came true—the foreskin became damaged, almost as if it had been burned, and the right side of the glans also tore.
What started as a small wound has now resulted in almost the entire area being damaged.
I was on the verge of a breakdown! I immediately washed off the tetracycline eye ointment with saline solution (but it was too late).
I felt like I had injured the dermis, and there was still a stinging pain.
Later, a friend recommended a product called Furuankang, which is non-irritating.
After applying it for two days, I noticed some healing in the previously damaged area, but it was slow.
When I returned to the clinic, I asked the doctor about my condition.
The doctor apologized for the misdiagnosis (and refunded me), stating that it was simply a skin tear and not posthitis or balanitis, as I had no redness, swelling, or itching! He advised me to continue rinsing with saline solution (to disinfect) and to soak the area for about 10 minutes whenever possible.
He said the wound would heal naturally without the need for ointment (the doctor did not prescribe any further medication).
At this point, I was feeling quite distressed.
What started as a small wound had escalated to almost complete skin damage.
I visited several pharmacies to inquire about medications specifically for skin repair (most recommended tetracycline eye ointment).
I immediately declined, as I had also researched that tetracycline eye ointment is not incorrect (since the original wound did show some healing), but the areas that were not initially injured became damaged due to the ointment, which was counterproductive...
I later found out that a side effect of tetracycline eye ointment is a burning sensation, but I did not expect it to cause skin tearing.
Could this be due to a drug allergy? In summary (thank you for your patience), I am currently feeling extremely distressed about this simple skin tear that has worsened due to incorrect medication.
What should I do now? Is it okay to clean with saline solution morning and night and apply Furuankang ointment twice daily? I feel it is effective, but the healing is slow.
At night, I expose the glans to keep it dry, but at work, I cannot do so because the glans and foreskin wound keeps rubbing against my pants.
I asked the doctor (at the clinic) if I should use gauze to separate the glans and foreskin to keep it dry, but the doctor said it was unnecessary.
He advised me to use a cotton swab to keep the area dry before covering it with the foreskin and to just go to work (the clinic doctor did not prescribe any further medication).
However, I feel that not applying ointment will slow the healing process.
My mind is quite confused, seeing what was once a small wound now in this terrible state.
I am currently continuing to use Furuankang, which is very gentle and completely painless.
Some areas are slowly healing, but others still feel red and stinging (I would like to ask) if there is a specific ointment for the skin recovery of the glans and foreskin that I can inquire about at the pharmacy.

LXW, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/09/13

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology


Hello: If the wound is not red, just keep it clean and dry; no additional medication is needed.
However, if it gets wet from urination or other reasons, use a sterile cotton swab to dry it, as moisture is not conducive to healing.
Additionally, please refrain from sexual activity for now.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2023/09/13

More Info


When dealing with penile skin issues, particularly after experiencing trauma or irritation, it's crucial to approach the situation with care and proper knowledge. Based on your description, it seems you have experienced a significant skin injury on the glans (head of the penis) and surrounding areas, likely exacerbated by the application of a topical medication that may not have been suitable for your condition.

Firstly, it's important to understand that the skin on the penis is sensitive and can react adversely to various substances, including medications. In your case, the use of a tetracycline ointment (like the one you mentioned) may have caused irritation or an allergic reaction, leading to the worsening of your condition. This is not uncommon, as some individuals may have sensitivities to certain topical agents, which can result in burning sensations or skin breakdown.

Given your current situation, here are some recommendations for managing your penile skin issues:
1. Gentle Cleansing: Continue using saline solution for cleaning the affected area. Saline is effective for maintaining cleanliness without causing further irritation. Avoid using soap or any harsh cleansers that could exacerbate the sensitivity.

2. Moisturization: Since you mentioned using a product called "膚潤康" (Furun-Kang), which is known for its gentle, non-irritating properties, continue applying it as directed. This type of product can help in the healing process by providing moisture and creating a barrier against further irritation.

3. Avoid Irritants: It's crucial to avoid any products that may contain fragrances, alcohol, or other irritants. Stick to hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended products.

4. Keep the Area Dry: While it’s important to keep the area clean, it’s equally vital to ensure it remains dry. If you find that the skin is still irritated when covered, consider using a soft, breathable fabric to minimize friction and allow for air circulation.

5. Monitor for Infection: Keep an eye on the affected area for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly.

6. Consult a Dermatologist or Urologist: Since your condition has not improved significantly and you have concerns about the healing process, it would be wise to consult a specialist. A dermatologist or urologist can provide a thorough examination and may prescribe a more suitable topical treatment or oral medication if necessary.

7. Avoid Self-Medicating: While it’s understandable to seek over-the-counter remedies, be cautious about self-medicating without professional guidance. Not all products are suitable for sensitive areas, and some may worsen the condition.

8. Consider Protective Measures: If you are concerned about friction from clothing, you might consider using a soft, breathable gauze or a similar protective covering during the day, especially if you are active or in a situation where the area may be irritated.

In summary, while it’s encouraging that you are seeing some improvement with the current treatment, it’s essential to continue monitoring the situation closely. If the redness and discomfort persist, or if you have any new symptoms, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice. Healing can take time, especially in sensitive areas, but with proper care and attention, you should see gradual improvement.

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