Managing Prepuce Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Q: Managing Prepuce Tears: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

●Q1： Should the glans of a normal person be exposed? My foreskin usually covers the glans, with an opening of about 1 cm in diameter, and it can retract behind the glans during an erection. <br>It seems to be normal. <br> <br>●Q2： I’m not sure if resting for 4-5 days is long enou

What is a tear at the tip of the foreskin?

Hello Doctor: This has not happened to me before, but last year I experienced it for the first time.
I am not sure what caused it, but there were small cracks at the tip of my foreskin that looked like the skin was being stretched.
This occurred only at the very front.
After resting for more than a week and trying to avoid retracting it or masturbating, it eventually healed.
Last week, I noticed that the part of the foreskin ring at the tip seemed to be peeling like regular skin.
After removing the peeling skin, I discovered that after another episode of masturbation, there were 4 to 7 small cracks around the entire foreskin ring.
Now, when the foreskin is retracted over the glans, it is very painful (due to the cracks).
I would like to ask how to handle this situation.
●Q1: Should the glans of a normal person be exposed? Normally, my foreskin covers the glans, with an opening of about 1 cm in diameter, and it can retract behind the glans when erect.
●Q2: I am unsure if resting for 4-5 days was not long enough, which caused the foreskin to crack again when retracted over the glans.
Or could it be that the foreskin is growing, leading to a smaller foreskin ring, which would mean I would continue to have cracks in the future? Is it necessary for me to undergo circumcision, or should I just rest for more days and avoid masturbation during that time?
●Q3: I have read some health information online that generally advises against exposing the area to water, and that it should heal in a few days.
However, I have also read that due to the repeated healing of the wounds, the skin may become tighter, making it easier to crack in the future.
Given that I currently have cracks, should I forcibly retract the foreskin behind the glans (since this creates a larger diameter) to allow the skin to get used to being slightly stretched during the healing process, thereby preventing further cracking once it heals?

Ai Danxin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/02/12

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

●Q1: Should the glans of a normal person be exposed? My foreskin usually covers the glans, with an opening of about 1 cm in diameter, and it can retract behind the glans during an erection.
It seems to be normal.

●Q2: I’m not sure if resting for 4-5 days is long enough, but the foreskin has torn again after retracting behind the glans.
Is it possible that the foreskin is growing, making the opening smaller, which would lead to repeated tearing? Is it necessary to undergo circumcision? Or should I just rest for more days and avoid masturbation or any activities? Once the foreskin has completely healed, I should be able to retract it without the risk of tearing again.
Additionally, I should reduce the use of hot water or any cleaning products for cleaning the glans, as these can cause further damage to the foreskin.
If possible, after cleaning, I can use baby oil or petroleum jelly for maintenance.

●Q3: I’ve read some health information online that generally advises against exposing the area to water, and that it will heal in a few days.
However, it also mentions that due to repeated healing of the wound, the skin may become tighter, making it easier to tear in the future.
Now that I have a tear, should I forcibly retract the foreskin behind the glans (since that creates a larger diameter) to allow the skin to get used to being slightly stretched during the healing process, thus preventing tearing again once it retracts? There’s no need to forcibly stretch it; I should wait until the wound is completely healed before addressing it.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion.

Director of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Hsu Wei-Kai.

Reply Date: 2010/02/12

More Info

Managing prepuce tears can be a concerning issue, and it’s important to understand the underlying causes, symptoms, and treatment options available. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing recurrent tears at the tip of the foreskin, which can be painful and distressing.

Causes of Prepuce Tears
Prepuce tears can occur for several reasons, including:
1. Friction: Activities such as masturbation or sexual intercourse can cause friction that leads to tears, especially if there is insufficient lubrication.

2. Skin Conditions: Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can affect the skin of the penis, making it more prone to tearing.

3. Infections: Fungal or bacterial infections can lead to inflammation and sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of tearing.

4. Tight Foreskin (Phimosis): If the foreskin is too tight and does not retract easily, it can lead to tears when attempting to pull it back.

5. Hygiene Issues: Poor hygiene can lead to irritation and infections, which may contribute to tearing.

Symptoms
The symptoms you are experiencing include:
- Pain during retraction of the foreskin or during sexual activities.

- Visible cracks or tears at the tip of the foreskin.

- Possible redness or swelling around the affected area.

- Discomfort or pain when the foreskin is pulled back.

Treatment Options
1. Rest and Avoidance: As you have already done, resting the area and avoiding activities that may cause further irritation (like masturbation) is crucial. Allowing time for healing is essential.

2. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream may help reduce inflammation and promote healing. However, consult with a healthcare provider before applying any medication.

3. Proper Hygiene: Keeping the area clean and dry is important. Gently wash with mild soap and water, and avoid harsh soaps or chemicals that may irritate the skin.

4. Lubrication: When engaging in sexual activities, using a water-based lubricant can help reduce friction and prevent further tearing.

5. Consultation with a Specialist: If the problem persists, it is advisable to consult a urologist. They can assess whether there is an underlying condition such as phimosis that may require treatment.

Addressing Your Questions
Q1: Should the glans be exposed?
In a normal anatomical situation, the glans (head of the penis) is typically covered by the foreskin in uncircumcised males. During an erection, the foreskin should retract to expose the glans. If you have a tight foreskin, it may not retract fully, which can lead to issues like tearing.

Q2: Is more rest necessary, or is circumcision needed?
If the tearing is recurrent, it may indicate that the foreskin is too tight. While resting may help, if you find that the tears keep occurring, it might be worth discussing circumcision with your doctor. Circumcision can eliminate the risk of tearing by removing the tight foreskin.

Q3: Should I keep the foreskin retracted during healing?
Keeping the foreskin retracted can help prevent the skin from healing too tightly, which may lead to further tearing. However, this should be done gently and without causing pain. If it causes discomfort, it’s best to allow the foreskin to cover the glans during the healing process.

Conclusion
In summary, managing prepuce tears involves a combination of rest, proper hygiene, and possibly medical intervention if the problem persists. It’s essential to listen to your body and seek professional advice if you experience ongoing issues. A urologist can provide tailored recommendations based on your specific situation and help you determine the best course of action to prevent future tears.

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