Why do I have a red patch and odor on my penis?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am deeply concerned about your worries.

Thank you for sharing the photo and details (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity). I can understand why this is concerning.

Based on your description, the most likely diagnosis is balanitis, an inflammation or infection of the glans. This can occur due to several reasons:

1. Irritation from moisture or friction (the initial blister or trauma may have triggered this).

2. Yeast infection (candida), especially if the area remains damp.

3. Bacterial overgrowth or smegma trapped under the foreskin.

4. A lesion from a sexually transmitted infection (if there is a history of unprotected sex, especially with a new or unknown partner).

While it is probably not something serious, given how it looks, you definitely need treatment and further investigation. For the next seven to 10 days, you have to follow these guidelines:

1. Once daily, gently rinse the area with lukewarm water only (do not use soap on the glans).

2. After washing, pat the area dry (do not rub). Keep the foreskin retracted for a short time after drying (only if it can be retracted easily) to allow it to dry thoroughly, then return it to its normal position.

3. Wear loose cotton underwear and avoid sweating and friction.

4. Do not use fragranced body washes, antiseptics, alcohol wipes, powders, deodorants, or any home remedies.

5. Avoid masturbation and sexual activity until it is fully healed.

6. Apply a thin layer of Surfaz SN cream (Beclamethasone, Neomycin, and Clotrimazole) to the red area and under the foreskin twice daily for 10 to 14 days.

Please seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms, such as increasing pain, swelling, warmth, pus-like discharge, burning during urination, or any new urinary symptoms, or ulcers, or if there is no improvement after five to seven days of following your current plan, or if symptoms keep recurring.

I also recommend undergoing several tests, including a urine routine and culture test, an HBA1C (glycated hemoglobin) and fasting blood sugar test, and STI (sexually transmitted infections) tests if there is a history of sexual exposure.

Please help me with the following questions:

1. Are you uncircumcised, and can you fully retract the foreskin?

2. Are you experiencing any itching, burning during urination, or a white cottage cheese-type discharge?

3. Have you had any recent unprotected sex or oral sex, or have you had a new partner?

I hope this helps address your query.

Kindly revert with the answers.

Thank you.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since you are uncircumcised, have had this problem before, have not been sexually active, and notice an unpleasant odor, this likely points to recurrent balanitis or irritation from yeast or bacteria, not a sexually transmitted infection. The area is better but still inflamed, so proper treatment and care are needed.

Cleaning with water is helpful, but sometimes moisture stays trapped under the foreskin and can cause the problem to come back. Here’s what I suggest:

• Keep the area clean and completely dry.
• Wash gently with lukewarm water only (avoid soap, antiseptics, or powders).
• After washing, pat the area dry thoroughly.
• If the foreskin retracts easily, leave it retracted for a few minutes to air dry before returning it to its normal position.
• Apply Surfaz SN cream in a thin layer two times a day for 10 to 14 days.
• Avoid friction, including masturbation, until the area has healed.
• Wear loose, breathable cotton underwear and try to keep the area dry all day.

Please seek an in-person medical evaluation if:

• There is no clear improvement within five to seven days.
• The odor worsens.
• You notice any discharge or pus.
• Swelling increases.
• The foreskin becomes tight or difficult to retract.
• You experience pain during urination.
• The condition continues to recur.

Because this has happened before, it is probably recurrent balanitis. If it keeps coming back, a doctor might check for causes like fungal or bacterial infection, diabetes if it happens often, or tightness of the foreskin called phimosis.

Recurrent balanitis is fairly common in uncircumcised people, but treating it properly is important to avoid ongoing irritation and skin damage.

Please send photos five to seven days after treatment, and I can check whether it is healing as expected.

I hope this clarifies your concern.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions.

Have a great day ahead.