What could cause irritation of the glans penis?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query, and I can understand your concern.

It would be more accurate if you could attach a clinical image to arrive at a clear diagnosis so that I may suggest the appropriate treatment.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Hello,

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Glad to have you back.

I saw the attached images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity). It is a condition known as circinate balanitis. This disorder develops as a result of poor hygiene, scratching or rubbing, atopy or allergy, or irritating exposure with possible skin irritation. Here are some of the suggestions that might help you overcome it:

1. Maintain proper hygiene and practice safe sex.
2. Get a swab test to rule out any potential causes.
3. For ten days, use 1 % Hydrocortisone gel at night.
4. Avoid using perfumed soaps or lotions.
5. After retracting the foreskin, always wipe the glans.
6. After washing, dry the area. Pat dry gently.
7. For one month, wash the region with neutral soap or Episoft cleanser (Triethanolamine and Cetearyl alcohol).

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Based on the image (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), it appears to be an allergic reaction due to chemical product usage. Stop using steroids, as it has flared up. Use gentle soap or cleanser to clean the affected area for one month. Do not scratch or rub the lesions. Take the tablet Loratadine 10 mg once after breakfast for ten days. Avoid scented soaps and usage of lubricants. Do you have a fever or burning sensation during urination? Are you sexually active?

Please answer the queries so that I can guide you further.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suggest you follow a few instructions as mentioned below:

1. Avoid known triggers or provoking factors.
2. Do not use soap cleanser for one month.
3. Maintain proper genital hygiene.
4. Do not scratch or rub the lesion.
5. Avoid friction.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

Please attach a recent image so that I can assess any improvements (if any) and provide appropriate guidance.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Based on the attached images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), it appears to be balanitis, which is inflammation of the glans penis along with the foreskin. Swelling is also noted. There are several risk factors and possible triggering factors, including having an uncircumcised penis, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, use of high-potency steroids, poor hygiene, obesity, excess scratching and rubbing, chronic friction, wearing tight and occlusive clothing, possible infection, and eczema. Not drying the private area after washing and using scented soaps, lotions, or lubricants can also cause irritation to the sensitive penile skin.

The possible diagnosis is Zoon's balanitis. The first-line topical treatment involves using Miconazole or Clotrimazole cream at night for seven days, along with proper antiseptic measures. Additionally, applying 1 % Hydrocortisone gel at night for seven days can help reduce redness. Consult and discuss with your specialist doctor, and take the medicines with their consent. This treatment has a cure rate of 95 %. However, relapse is common if the underlying cause is not identified and treated accordingly. To prevent and treat this condition, maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial. Avoid using scented or harsh soaps on the genitals. After retracting the foreskin, pat dry the penis and glans with a soft towel. Wearing boxers can help keep the genitals cool and dry. It is essential to monitor and control sugar levels in case of diabetes.

Please follow up with your healthcare provider and keep them updated with any reports or changes in the condition.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your query and concern.

Yes, you have to keep a check on sugar levels, as sometimes, during micturition, the urine dribbles, and due to not drying the area properly, it may cause balanitis and other symptoms. So, it is necessary to keep a check on sugar levels.

Hope this clarifies your query.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

From the attached images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), I noticed that the lesions have worsened, which means that it is allergic dermatitis (rash) due to the use of harsh topicals. I suggest you do the following:

1. Avoid exposure to topical chemicals.
2. Avoid fragrance-based lotions or cosmetics.
3. Avoid possible irritants.
4. Take the tablet Fexofenadine (Allegra) 180 mg once a day after dinner for five days if the lesions are itchy.

Stop the treatment mentioned above. You need not worry, as it is a very common problem in middle-aged men. Swab tests, urine tests, blood tests, and urine sensitivity and culture need to be done with serum IgE (immunoglobulin E) levels. Absolute eosinophil count with CBC (complete blood count), ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), and total differential count need to be done to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

Kindly answer the following questions:

1. Do you use latex?
2. Do you have latex allergy?
3. Have you had a history of high-risk exposure?
4. Do you have irritation?
5. Since when did this condition appear?
6. Have you used any scented soaps?
7. Do you have any systemic illness or other symptoms?

Revert with answers.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It appears to be atopy. Avoid known triggers and continue taking the medications mentioned previously. Kindly follow up after two weeks.

I wish you good health.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

From the attached images (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity), I noticed that it is circinate balanitis. Inflammation with swelling is visible on glans penis with Fordyce spots. I suggest you do the following:

1. Apply Eberconazole 2 percent gel at night for two weeks (14 days) or apply Mometasone Furoate (Elica) gel at night for seven to ten days (to reduce inflammation or redness).
2. Avoid friction and tight-fitting clothes.
3. Stay in a well-ventilated room or cool environment.
4. Do not scratch or rub the lesions.
5. In case of cosmetic concerns, a CO2 laser with thermal cautery can be tried.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

An alternative treatment is the Miconazole cream. Another alternative is Clotrimazole cream. Apply either of these creams on the lesions for two weeks. Maintain proper genital hygiene to avoid recurrence.

I hope this has helped you.

Thank you.