Why do I have itching and white discharge under my penis?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 60-year-old male, circumcised about 12 years ago. For the past three weeks, I have been experiencing an itchy, stinging sensation on the underside of my penis head. It is red, slightly swollen, and looks like a small cut or irritation. This morning, I noticed a whitish, paste-like substance on the underside of the glans, which comes off easily.

I have not had any sexual activity during this time, and I do not experience pain while urinating. Please note that I am diabetic.

Could you advise me on what might be causing this?
How should it be managed?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern. Thank you for explaining your symptoms clearly. It really helps in understanding your situation. Based on what you describe, redness, itching, stinging, slight swelling, and a whitish paste-like layer under the glans, this most likely points to balanitis, which is inflammation of the head of the penis.

In men with diabetes, this is fairly common because higher blood sugar levels can encourage yeast (Candida) or bacterial growth in that area, even after circumcision. The whitish paste that wipes off easily often indicates a fungal (yeast) infection.

Here is what you can do at home:

Keep the area clean and dry: Wash gently once or twice daily with lukewarm water only. Avoid soaps or antiseptics, as they can further irritate the skin. Pat dry gently after washing.
Use an antifungal cream: Apply Clotrimazole one percent or Miconazole two percent twice daily for seven to 10 days.
Reduce inflammation if needed: If the area is very sore or red, a mild steroid-antifungal combination cream (like Clotrimazole-Hydrocortisone) for three to five days may help.
Manage blood sugar: Well-controlled diabetes reduces the chance of lingering or recurrent infections.
Wear loose, breathable underwear: Avoid tight or synthetic fabrics.

See a doctor, urologist, or dermatologist if:

Redness or swelling worsens or spreads.
There is pain, discharge, or difficulty retracting the skin.
Symptoms do not improve within a week of treatment.
Episodes recur frequently, which may require reviewing your diabetes control and hygiene routine.

With proper care and blood sugar management, most cases of balanitis improve quickly and do not usually cause complications.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.