What Causes Itching On Foreskin Of The Penis?

Posted on Mon, 19 May 2014

Question: hi, i woke up yesterday with a slight itch at the foreskin of my penis, and ignored it till the irritation increased. tonight, i looked at the penis to make sure its alright, but it wasnt, a small part of my foreskin ( in the inside area of the foreskin, you know the one which gets retracted and exposed) was a lil inflammated and also, the area of the glans right below it was also a lil swollen ( it wasnt a big area, like a short line ). i got worried and put sanitizer ( a drop over it ) to make sure i have no bacterial growth. and now there is a little relief but there are 2-3 white spots on the glans as well as the foreskin. what is the issue? why is the irritation there and what should i do about it. i have not had sex in about 2 months, i do masturbate but i make it a point to clean up, though the area i have been living in ( for 5 more days) is unhygenic and hot and there insects around, which are hard to control ( in a college dorm in a village). also it feels slightly painful when i try to gently stroke it ( just to check whether it hurts or not). kindly assist me, i am worried sick!

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Needs antibiotic & supportive medicines

Detailed Answer:
HI.

Thanks for your faith in us and query and an elucidate history.

This is called Balanoposthitis. The name is not important , I know.

This has most probably occurred due to the atmosphere around you, particularly the hot (and may be humid) climate, as you have rightly noticed.

It is helpful many times just to clean the area frequently even with plain water keeping it dry and exposed to air can heal-up fast and nicely. On a safer side you can get a course of an appropriate antibiotic, metronidazole and anti-fungal as prescribed by a local Doctor ( you need a prescription for these medicines).
Avoid applying anything topically to the affected area,. Avoid sex/ masturbation till you are cured of the problem

It is always better to check for blood sugar level.

If the foreskin is nicely retractile, further surgical treatment like circumcision is not needed.

Wishing you an early and complete recovery.
Please feel free to ask for more if you have further queries.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (20 hours later)

Doctor,
How long does it usually take to recover naturally?
Also, is it necessary to take the medicines?

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
3 to 5 days / better to take medicines

Detailed Answer:
HI.
I have already noted the need of medicines.
#On a safer side you can get a course of an appropriate antibiotic, metronidazole and anti-fungal as prescribed by a local Doctor ( you need a prescription for these medicines).

It takes 3 to 5 days to recover naturally, if you do not over-treat this.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (41 minutes later)

thank you doctor uncle, i am cleaning it with clear bottled water as of now, not touching it with my hand and i think you should know this, today, the inflammation on the foreskin area was burning when i put water, also those pimple like things on my glans(left to the meatus) became a line,(did not grow, but only combined themselves in the area those pimple like things were in before) the line is the same color as smegma, it feels normal when i touch it, as if there is no feeling.
Alsi when i retract the foreskin, it burns a little bit, the same pain as a paper cut or , when you put perfume on a bruise. I can take the medicines only after the 6th as i am leaving college in ranchi and going home to jaipur where taking the medicines and keeping well would be more comfortable, so i hope it doesnt increase, and uncle, i am worried if this is some kind of serious infection.
Last question, i will not be indulging in any sexual activity till the 19th of may, but am i going to be clear by then or there are risks of stds?
Thank you so much, taking your help was a relief

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You will be clear by 19 th

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.

As per your information the healing has started ; healing may be in patches.
As today is 2 nd, I would still advise to take a course of antibiotic like cefixime, Metronidazole and a single tablet of antifungal. You can see a local Doctor in Ranchi to get a prescription ASAP so that the healing will be faster, certain and earlier.
This is not a kind of a serious infection.

I would advise you to use condom every-time, you can have sex after the complete healing, which certainly is expected far before 19 th of May.

Te risk of STDs is only if you have unprotected sex with a partner who has STDs. So if you have a single partner, please see that she also gets treated simultaneously. Many STDs can occur in a couple who never had sex outside their relation. These occur due to change in the bacterial flora if the gaps between intercourse are larger.

All the best, Feel free to ask more if want any further information or clarification.

Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E