and Managing Redness and Discomfort on the Glans

Glans issues?

Dear Dr.
Hsu,
Hello.
After cleaning, I noticed a red area on my glans approximately the size of a thumb.
It hurts when it comes into contact with water, but it does not itch (it looks somewhat inflamed with slight skin peeling).
I suspect it may be due to contact with something unclean, so I washed it with soap at that time.
Since I couldn't find a place to seek medical attention during the holiday, I visited a nearby dermatologist.
The doctor prescribed the following medications: 1.
DCXAMCTHASONC (oral), 2.
ALLCGRA (oral), 3.
STROCAIN (oral), 4.
EP, EPIDREM (topical).

Two days later, the pain in my glans has subsided and I can touch water, but the red area has not yet resolved.
I also noticed that the surface of the glans appears wrinkled, and when I lightly touch the small wrinkled skin, it seems to slightly peel off, and touching the peeling area is uncomfortable.

Could you please advise me on what my symptoms might be and how I can care for myself?
P.S.
I have not engaged in any risky sexual behavior and have never experienced these symptoms before.
Thank you!

WEI, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/10/11

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Hello, you may have balanitis.
For cleaning the glans, it is recommended to avoid using any soap or cleaning products.
It is best to use only cold water.
Additionally, after cleaning, it is advisable to apply petroleum jelly locally.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask, and we can discuss and research together.
Please note that online responses should only be used as a reference; if necessary, you should seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Director of the Urology Department at Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2012/10/11

More Info

Dear Patient,
Thank you for reaching out regarding your concerns about the redness and discomfort on the glans. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a localized inflammatory reaction, which could be due to several factors, including irritation, infection, or an allergic reaction.

Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Redness and Pain: The redness and pain upon contact with water suggest that there may be an inflammatory process occurring. This could be due to contact dermatitis, which is an irritation caused by exposure to soaps, detergents, or other irritants. Alternatively, it could be a sign of a fungal or bacterial infection, especially if there is any associated peeling or flaking of the skin.

2. Wrinkled Appearance and Peeling: The wrinkled appearance of the glans and the slight peeling you describe could indicate a condition known as balanitis, which is inflammation of the glans. This can occur due to poor hygiene, infections, or irritants. The fact that you mentioned the area is not itchy but painful could point towards a non-allergic inflammatory response.

3. Response to Treatment: You mentioned that after taking the prescribed medications, the pain has subsided, which is a positive sign. However, the persistent redness and the appearance of the skin suggest that the underlying issue may not have been fully resolved.

Recommendations for Management
1. Hygiene: Maintain good hygiene by gently washing the area with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh soaps or products that may irritate the skin further. After washing, ensure that the area is dried thoroughly, as moisture can exacerbate fungal infections.

2. Topical Treatments: Since the redness persists, consider applying a mild topical corticosteroid cream (if not contraindicated) to reduce inflammation. However, this should be done under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

3. Avoid Irritants: Identify and avoid any potential irritants that may have caused this reaction. This includes soaps, lotions, or any other products that come into contact with the area.

4. Observation: Monitor the area for any changes. If the redness does not improve or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as discharge, increased pain, or fever, it is essential to seek further medical evaluation.

5. Follow-Up: Since you have already seen a dermatologist, it may be beneficial to follow up with them or a urologist if symptoms persist. They may recommend further diagnostic tests, such as a culture, to rule out any underlying infections.

Conclusion
While your symptoms may be manageable with proper care and hygiene, it is crucial to remain vigilant. If you notice any worsening of your condition or if new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to seek medical attention. Your health and comfort are paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can prevent further complications.

Thank you for your inquiry, and I hope this information helps you in managing your condition effectively. Please take care and feel free to reach out with any further questions or concerns.

Best regards.

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