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iCliniq / Answers / Urology / Folliculitis / How to treat folliculitis on the penis?

Q. I have something on penis foreskin. Can this be folliculitis?

Answered by
Dr. Karthik Rajan
and medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team.
This is a premium question & answer published on Jul 03, 2018 and last reviewed on: Sep 18, 2019

Hi doctor,

This is on my penis foreskin. What exactly is this? I had tried squeezing it. Is it folliculitis by any chance? Anything to worry and what is the treatment for this?

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
#

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and the photo (attachment removed to protect patient identity). I would like to know a few more details.Is it painful? Did you recently shave or trim your pubic hair? Are you sexually active and did the lesion appear after any sexual contact?

On the image based on the appearance and location, it does appear as folliculitis, although a clinical examination would be necessary to confirm.Folliculitis usually resolves in a few days with just good hygiene although an antibiotic cream like Clindamycin will also help.

For more information consult a urologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/urologist

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Thank you doctor,

Not painful. I trimmed my pubic hair maybe 10 to 12 days back. And no I am not sexually active. Anything to worry? I am applying Neosporin as of now.

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
#

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

That should mostly be the cause, although it is possible for it to happen without it also because of sweating. Neosporin can also be used, it is also equally effective.

For more information consult a urologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/urologist

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Thank you doctor,

This seems to be folliculitis right? Also, what are the white spots on the foreskin? Is that normal?

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
#

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Yes, this does seem to be folliculitis, and I am not able to make out any white spots or the foreskin region in the image that was sent along with the query.

For more information consult a urologist online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/urologist

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Hi doctor. Please find an update after the applying neosporin. Is there an improvement from the previous image and how many days more will it take to resolve?
Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
# Hi, I've gone through your query and the images, it appears that it has not subsided with just topical antibiotics.
It can happen when there is pus formation in the root of hair follicle.
I would advise you to visit your local urologist for a clinical examination, to confirm the diagnosis and to decide whether to continue topical antibiotics or whether you need oral antibiotics.
Hope this email, feel free to revert back with any questions.

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Ok doctor thank you . Nothing to worry right ?
Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
# Hi, it's nothing serious, but better to get it examined in person, as that would be the best way to resolve your symptoms.
Hope this helps, feel free to revert back with any questions.

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Hi doctor I did a stupid thing and as I was frustrated , I squeezed it with my nails and this happened . Can't visit a doctor now as I'm travelling . Should I just let it be as it is and wait for it to go by itself ?
Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
# Hi, from the pictures it looks like you have burst the collection. It has now become an ulcer.
Did any pus drain from it when you squeezed it?
Is it painful to touch or when the penis becomes erect?
The ulcer will heal, but it will take at least a week to become fully healed.
Till then I would suggest you to maintain good hygiene and continue antibiotic ointment.

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Yes some pus and blood drained .Not painful when it becomes erect put slightly painful/burns when I touch the area . Will continue the neosporin and maintain hygiene . Should I put a bandage over it?
Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
# Hi, yes continue Neosporin and maintain good hygiene, applying a bandage won't help to heal faster.
Wearing clean loose fitting underwear will help.

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Hi doctor just an update from my side. Have applied neosporin and kept it hygienic, the wound seems to have healed a bit and does not pain if I touch. Will the rest of the issue resolve by itself over time by applying neosporin? Thanks . Please have a look at the latest image

This is the latest image
Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
# Hi, yes it is healing well, the colour is due to pigmentation which will take time to come back.
You can stop using Neosporin now, but do ensure that you maintain good hygiene.

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Hi doctor , please find an update from my last query to you . Has the healing improved? I hope this is nothing to worryabout . It can't be cancer or anything right ?
Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
# Hi, I would like to know whether you have stopped using Neosporin, as the area around the wound looks wet on the image.
There is still a small area of the ulcer that is yet to heal. Stop using Neosporin and keep the area dry and clean.
This ulcer doesn't look like cancer at all, and the way it is healing shows it is only due to infection.
Follow the instructions and you should be alright.

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I had put some moisturizer by mistake . Won't continue that . Also would you advise Augmentin to help the healing process? I feel part of the folliculitis is still there a little bit .. would like your inputs as I'm travelling for the next one month and i sincerely thank you for all the advise . It will heal naturally right ? And how much time would it take ?
Dr. Karthik Rajan

Dr. Karthik Rajan

Andrology Urology
# Hi, I would not advise on augmentin now. Just keep the area dry and it will heal well. It should take at least a week for the ulcer to heal, but it will heal naturally.

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