Balanoposthitis treatment. Inflammation of the foreskin in men: the main methods of treatment

Inflammation of the foreskin in a child or an adult male in medicine is called fasting, and if the process also affects the head of the penis, then balanoposthitis. Moreover, in children, it is diagnosed much more often than in adults. The cause of the pathological process is various pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, etc.). The disease can take place in acute or chronic form. How is the inflammatory process formed? What is dangerous inflammation of the foreskin and how to treat it?

It is impossible to open the head of the penis to the baby. This condition is called congenital phimosis. Over time, a cavity begins to appear under the fold of the foreskin, in which smegma collects. Phimosis is considered normal up to 5 years (very rarely up to 10-11 years), after which the foreskin gradually opens and the cavities are cleaned.

From the video with the candidate of medical sciences Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky, you will learn about phimosis - one of the causes of the disease:

When urinating, urine can enter the cavity. In children who are not eating properly, there may be various salts in the urine that can settle on the mucous membrane of the head of the penis. If the hygiene of the genital organs is violated, then the cleaning of the cavity is disturbed and bacteria and other pathogenic microorganisms begin to develop here, since smegma can be an ideal habitat for them. And this provokes inflammation of the foreskin in boys.

Predisposing factors for the development of the disease are:

Diabetes. In patients with this diagnosis, the urine contains a high level of sugar, which is a favorable environment for the reproduction of bacteria.
Avitaminosis. For the normal functioning of the body, especially its immune system, certain vitamins are necessary. If they are not enough in the body, it can be difficult for the immune system to cope with the pathogenic microflora on its own.

Obesity. Excessive body weight not only makes it difficult to carry out hygiene procedures. Excess weight often causes a decrease in immunity and metabolism in the body.
Frequent injuries, including microtrauma of the foreskin. For example, low-quality underwear can become the cause of such microtraumas.
Hypothermia of the body, which provokes a sharp decrease in immune defenses, after which it is easier for bacteria to attack the human body.

Symptoms

The intensity of damage to the skin and mucous membranes located on the head and foreskin may have a different character and intensity. Symptoms of inflammation of the foreskin will depend on the stage of the disease. Usually inflammation of the foreskin in men and young boys has the following symptoms:

Unpleasant sensations when touching the organ. This causes itching, soreness and other discomfort in this area.
Redness and swelling, which leads to the inability to open the head of the penis.
The appearance of cracks and sores on the skin, which sometimes bleed.

Urethritis - inflammation in the urethra

The appearance of pus that accumulates under the foreskin. If the inflammation spreads to the urethra, then pus discharge from the urethra is also noted.
The development of urethritis, which makes it difficult to urinate.

Violation of the quality of sexual life. Inflammation of the foreskin in men can cause premature ejaculation, a decrease in the duration of sexual intercourse and the appearance of discomfort during sex.

Types of inflammation

There are several varieties of balanoposthitis:

Simple - characterized by inflammation and swelling of the foreskin and head of the penis. Erosions may appear and pus may be released. The patient notes itching and burning sensation of the skin.
Erosive. In this case, small white spots appear on the skin - this is keratinized epithelium. Over time, they become red ulcers with clear boundaries, from which pus is released. Sometimes puffiness provokes phimosis. The patient has enlarged lymph nodes in the groin area.
Gangrenous - is considered the most severe. The foreskin becomes edematous and hyperemic. Necrotic ulcers can be noted on the skin. The patient's body temperature rises and general weakness occurs. Such ulcers will regenerate very slowly.

The urologist Oleg Aleksandrovich Junker will tell about the disease:

If sexual infections become the cause of the disease, it arose against the background of diabetes mellitus, or treatment was not started on time, then the inflammation becomes chronic.

Diagnostics

The urologist is engaged in the treatment of inflammation of the foreskin in men. At the same time, it is very important for an adult man to exclude the development of syphilis. To do this, he will be prescribed a blood test and sowing of purulent discharge.

In children, the diagnosis consists in a visual examination of the organ.

Treatment

Treatment of inflammation of the foreskin consists in the use of antibacterial drugs that can stop the development of pathogens. When diagnosing candidal balanoposthitis, the doctor will prescribe antifungal drugs ("Clotrimazole"). For the treatment of a simple form in men or the treatment of inflammation in a boy, there are enough folk remedies with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that help restore the mucous membrane and skin.

The main course of therapy looks like this:

Regularly you need to do warm baths with a solution that has a disinfectant property (furatsilina, potassium permanganate) or a decoction of chamomile, which have an antibacterial effect. This allows you to eliminate pathogenic microflora and remove the remnants of secretions. If it is not possible to make a bath, then the glans penis and the foreskin covering it are treated with hydrogen peroxide.
After the bath, you need to lubricate those areas that become inflamed with any ointments or creams with an antiseptic effect (Levomekol, Streptomycin, etc.).

"Levomekol" relieves inflammation and draws out pus. The ointment is intended for the treatment of adult patients and children over 3 years of age. The average price for a tube of 40 grams is 120 rubles

If some time after the start of such treatment, there is no positive dynamics, you need to urgently consult a doctor, since in this case it is hardly possible to do without antibacterial agents.
When the condition improves, it is important to continue treatment (baths and ointment treatment) until the symptoms of postitis disappear completely.

In some cases, inflammation of the foreskin can lead to blockage of the urethra, resulting in acute urinary retention. This condition requires immediate medical attention.

It is important not to confuse urinary retention with the child's reluctance to urinate because of the possible pain that occurs due to irritation of the inflamed skin by substances contained in the urine. Therefore, young children may refuse to go to the toilet, even when they feel the urge. Warm baths with a decoction of chamomile or oak bark can help the boy, which relieve pain and improve the general condition of the child.

Successful treatment and effective removal of the inflammatory process depends on proper care and personal hygiene. It is important to follow these rules:

Do not forcibly open the glans penis.
It is important for a baby to change diapers regularly and to wash the genital area after a bowel movement or when changing clothes with warm soapy water.
Once every few weeks, the child needs to do prophylactic baths with a decoction of chamomile, string or celandine.

How to treat inflammation in a child tells the candidate of medical sciences Evgeny Olegovich Komarovsky:

During the treatment period, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, which will help flush the urethra and relieve the inflammatory process.
The treatment of primary balanoposthitis must be taken responsibly, since the disease can become chronic, when it will be much more difficult to get rid of it.
If a relapse occurs, it is necessary to consult a doctor, avoiding self-treatment.

A good effect in the treatment of postitis, balanoposthitis or inflammation of the frenulum is given by traditional medicine:

Compress from crushed aloe leaf.
Plantain leaf compress.
Infusion of calendula flowers in olive oil.
Blackcurrant leaf tea.

The aloe plant accumulates a maximum of useful substances by the age of five. The lower and middle leaves are subject to harvesting.

For the entire period of treatment for inflammation of the foreskin, doctors recommend that men refrain from sex, arguing that:

The inflammatory process can be caused by pathogens that can infect a woman.
Mechanical impact on the affected tissues further exacerbates the process of inflammation.

Prevention

Since the main cause of inflammation of the foreskin in babies is the forced opening of the head, parents are categorically not recommended to do this. It is equally important to follow the rules for caring for the penis and not touch it unnecessarily.

In cases where the inflammation is caused by an allergic reaction, it is important to identify and remove the allergen. In this case, you need to change the brand of diapers, washing powder and cosmetics for body care. Linen should be chosen from high-quality natural fabrics. In the case of a food allergy, you need to stop eating the products to which the reaction occurs.

If the causes of relapses are physiological in nature, you need to consult a doctor and subsequently strictly follow his recommendations.

(its inner layer or leaf) is called postite. As medical practice shows, fasting often occurs along with inflammatory processes, which is called balanitis.

Did you notice something wrong? Don't delay your treatment!

Therefore, inflammation of the foreskin in men is called balanoposthitis.

Classification

There are different forms of this disease.

The first includes a simple form of balanoposthitis. It is characterized by diffuse inflammation and redness. With this form, erosions of various sizes are formed with purulent secretions. The patient feels itching and burning.
The second form includes the erosive form. With this form, swollen areas of the dead upper layer of the skin appear. As a result, painful bright erosions appear. A rim of maceration runs along the edges of the erosions. This process can be complicated by phimosis. With timely treatment for erosion, no scars remain.
The most severe form of the disease is gangrenous. Accompanied by high fever, necrotic ulcers that hurt unbearably. The glans and foreskin are edematous and perforated. With this form, ulcers heal very slowly and leave scars.

Causes

Poor hygiene

Most often, inflammation of the foreskin occurs in men who do not observe personal hygiene. Under the foreskin (on its inner surface) a specific substance called smegma accumulates.

This substance serves as a fertile ground for the reproduction of pathological microorganisms that infect tissues.

phimosis

Balanoposthitis can often occur in men suffering from phimosis disease. It is also called the narrowing of the foreskin. This is one of the most common factors of the disease.

External stimuli

Inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis can also occur when they are irritated by urine, detergents, hygiene products, lubricants on condoms.

Allergy

Contributing factors for the development of the disease are allergic diseases (to food), injuries and infection with various bacteria (staphylococcus, enterococcus, streptococcus, etc.), viruses and Trichomonas.

Other diseases

The causes of the chronic course of the disease can be diabetes mellitus, sexually transmitted diseases, the herpes virus, mycoses (fungal diseases) and decaying tumors of the penis.

Manifestation

At the onset of the disease, a man develops a burning sensation, which may be accompanied by unbearable itching of the head of the penis (especially during urination or contact with detergents). The foreskin may be swollen and cause an uncomfortable pulling sensation.

Inflammation causes a lot of discomfort

Over time, burning and unpleasant itching turn into pain. The head and foreskin become inflamed, redness appears. It is difficult for the patient to pull the foreskin and open the head.

If the cause of inflammation of the foreskin is phimosis, then smegma and pus with an unpleasant odor may be released. If the disease is not treated, then the general condition may worsen. Weakness appears, body temperature rises, signs of intoxication of the body appear. If the cause of the disease is a fungal infection, curdled discharge and plaque appear.

Since the head of the penis is in constant irritation, men have sexual excitability.

Complications

If inflammation of the foreskin is not treated, complications can occur. Significantly reduced head sensitivity. At the same time, dryness and cracks appear on the foreskin, ulcers appear.

In the future, the disease is manifested by the narrowing of the foreskin. The appearance of ulcers interferes with a normal life. In men, pain occurs during sexual intercourse, irritation with urine, and also when walking.

Inflammation can move up the urethra, causing urethritis. In advanced cases, there may be cystitis. Inguinal nodes increase in size and become inflamed. Patients develop lymphadenitis. There is inflammation of the lymphatic vessels in the penis.

Inflamed red stripes appear along the vessels on the penis. In the most difficult and advanced cases, balanoposthitis can turn into gangrene. In some cases, inflammation of the foreskin in men can turn into oncological diseases (cancer).

Fight against disease

Diagnostics

At the first signs of inflammation of the foreskin, you should consult a urologist:

the doctor examines, takes a swab from the head of the penis;
the patient examines the preputial sac;
in order to identify the causative agent of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment, examine the discharge of the urethra;
carry out bacteriological culture of the discharge and microscopy of smears;
conduct a differential diagnosis to exclude syphilis.

Treatment

When a diagnosis of balanoposthitis is established, treatment is carried out. If the disease has just begun and the signs of inflammation are insignificant, the treatment consists in the hygiene of the penis with the use of antiseptics (furatsilina solution or a weak solution of hydrogen peroxide).

Hydrogen peroxide is a classic antiseptic.

With obvious signs of inflammation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial creams and ointments are prescribed. Depending on the cause of the disease, antifungal and antiallergic ointments are prescribed. Hygiene of the penis is carried out with solutions of medicinal herbs (chamomile or oak bark).

In severe advanced cases, a course of antibiotics, vitamins, detoxification drugs is prescribed. In some cases, immunomodulatory drugs (immunotherapy) are prescribed. Phimosis is treated surgically (dissection of the foreskin in the acute phase). After the process of inflammation subsides, a circumcision operation is performed.

Prevention

Inflammation of the foreskin can be prevented. To do this, it is necessary to carry out a permanent toilet of the genital organs (in particular, the foreskin).

With or phimosis, you must consult a doctor. Phimosis is not always an indication for circumcision, so you should not be afraid to go to the doctor. This disease can be corrected with conservative treatment.

In medicine, inflammation of the foreskin of the penis is called balanoposthitis.

Sometimes, on the foreskin in men, an ulcerative lesion appears.

Together with the foreskin, the head of the penis is also involved in the inflammatory process.

Causes of the disease

The causes of balanoposthitis usually have a polymicrobial etiology.

The development of the disease takes place when mixed infections are included:

yeast fungi;
fusospiriple symbiosis;
staphylococci;
streptococci.

Sometimes the inflammatory process can manifest itself when a monoinfection (gadnerella) is connected.

From practice it can be seen that the main cause of balanoposthitis is sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

The infection enters the body during unprotected sexual contact.

In addition, the infection of the patient has a certain effect:

religious practices;
ethnic structure of the population;
health system laws;
standards of living;
culture level.

Inflammation of the foreskin in men is almost never found in persons who have not been circumcised (circumcisio).

Quite often, balanoposthitis can occur on the basis of the following diseases:

diabetes;
avitaminosis;
anemia;
allergic diseases;
psoriasis;
flat red lichen;
vesicle and others.

The physiological and anatomical structure of the genital organs is another reason for the development of the disease.

In addition, the development of balanoposthitis is provoked by various local factors:

narrow foreskin;
hygiene violations;
purulent discharge from the urinary canal;
phimosis.

No less often, the disease can be provoked by such pathogens:

trichomonas;
candida;
gardnerella;
genital herpes;
papillomavirus and so on.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of inflammatory processes include:

damaged areas of inflamed skin;
moisture and redness on the foreskin and head of the penis;
irritation;
soreness;
rash;
plaque on the foreskin;
cracks on the bridle;
bad smell;
back pain and urination.

These symptoms should:

seriously alert a man;
force him to see a doctor;
undergo the prescribed treatment.

Launched balanoposthitis can lead to extremely serious complications and consequences.

Treatment of inflammation of the foreskin in men

Drug treatment of this disease is carried out by the adoption of broader measures provided for hygiene procedures of the penis.

A more accurate treatment of balanoposthitis is prescribed when the underlying cause of the disease is identified.

If the infection of the body is of a bacterial origin, antibiotic treatment is prescribed.

Treatment with steroid creams and ointments helps relieve or reduce the inflammatory response.

Maintenance therapy is carried out on the basis of:

regular hand washing;
use of personal hygiene products.

These hygiene procedures help get rid of various harmful microorganisms and stop inflammation.

Antifungal therapy drugs act to slow down the conduction processes of substances used to reproduce the microorganisms of the cell membrane, as well as to change its potentials.

The drugs with a wide range of antifungal, anti-infectious and antimicrobial action include:

clotrimazole;
mucelex;
fomisol 7;
lotrimin.

These drugs lead to 100% death of fungal cells.

Antibacterial therapy is carried out with metronidazole in combination with midazol, which reduces the reproduction of:

mushrooms;
the simplest organisms;
anaerobic bacteria.

Traditional medicine

Folk recipes offer the following treatment for balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin in men):

as an anti-inflammatory agent, it should be applied to the inflamed part, twice a day, thoroughly washed in fresh running water, leaves of pharmacy aloe. Remember to remove the skin from one half of the leaf before use. Use in the form of applications, applying an aloe leaf to the inflamed area;
infusion for washing and bathing. Take a leaf and flowers of Hypericum perforatum (5 grams). Grind into powder. Pour this powder with a glass of boiling water. Settle for infusion in a closed container for 30 minutes. Strain. You can use a warm infusion for rubbing (rubbing) and when bathing;
a decoction of oak bark has a good anti-inflammatory effect. The decoction is made from a young oak bark of a light brown or green hue. Washed plantain leaves are added to the oak bark, then the mixture is kneaded and used for lotions. Keep the lotion should be at least half an hour. The procedure should be carried out at least twice a day (or more). The duration of the treatment course is until complete recovery.

Take care of yourself.

Be healthy!

Video: Three questions to the urologist

Inflammation of the foreskin in men (balanoposthitis) is a common disease of the genital organs. This is caused by infections located in the internal intimate areas. Often these are STDs caused by trichomoniasis, chlamydia, herpes, gonorrhea (gonorrhea).

Pathogens (viruses, fungi, bacteria) give rise to periostitis of the foreskin. Edema, redness can cause not only illness, but also neglect of personal hygiene. How to avoid inflammation, what you need to know about infection, prevention - our article is about this and many other things.

Causes of inflammation

The foreskin and the head of the penis form a preputial sac, where excretions, waste products such as urine residues, sebaceous glands, sweat - smegma are collected during the whole day.

By itself, it does not cause irritation, but becomes the basis for the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.

The following reasons may contribute to this:

Improper hygiene behind the intimate part of a man. Daily care of the preputial sac is the key to health. Do not abuse this procedure, you can harm yourself.
When hygienic manipulations, it is necessary to use means that do not cause irritation, some lead to inflammatory consequences.
The use of high-quality condoms will prevent negative processes.
Allergic dermatitis, urticaria.
STD.
Viruses, fungi (candidiasis, herpes, papilloma).
Increased sugar in the urine causes irritation of the foreskin, wounds, ulcers.
Underdevelopment, defects of the penis.

stages

Primary, unpleasant sensations develop, redness of the head, burning, pain. Small rashes and sores may appear.

Erosive, when ulcers appear on the penis with high edges, dead epithelium, edema appears. With timely treatment, it does not scar.

Gangrenous, when deep necrotic ulcers appear on the head, foreskin, leaving keloid scars, the sensitivity of the organ disappears. May lead to neoplasms.

Treatment

At various stages, differential therapy is prescribed. When the first signs appear, local ointments, antibacterial drugs are used. Tests are given to determine the infection that provoked the inflammation.

At the erosive stage, when ulcers appeared, there is a danger of infringement of the head, stagnation of lymph in the groin area, swelling of the penis. Various therapies are used. Drugs are prescribed to improve blood circulation, antibiotics, medical procedures.

When pus appears, the general condition worsens, intoxication begins. Depending on this, urgent treatment is prescribed. The disease spreads rapidly, affecting other organs. There is a narrowing of the foreskin, possibly surgery.

High-quality implementation of hygiene procedures.
Rinse the head of the penis with decoctions of herbs, a solution of manganese, hydrogen peroxide.
The use of external anti-inflammatory ointments.
Drink drugs to strengthen the immune system, vitamin complexes.
Lead a healthy lifestyle, stop drinking alcohol, smoking.
When infected with a fungal infection, use ointments (clotrimazole).
Sexual relations are limited during treatment.
With a strong lesion, antibiotics are prescribed (after finding out the cause of the infection).
When the temperature rises, paracetamol is used.
In the purulent stage of the disease, long-term use of antibacterial drugs, compresses on lesions with ointments, and thorough hygiene procedures are needed.
Mandatory delivery of repeated tests to avoid relapses.

Alternative medicine

Folk remedies are very effective. You can get rid of the disease without antibiotics and drugs.

But before starting treatment, we must remember that many plants have contraindications. To do this, you can use the following recipes:

Aloe leaves are considered wound healing, bactericidal. Apply the cleaned layer on the inflamed area several times a day, changing it until the symptoms disappear completely.

Sage tincture is used for washes, applications (10-15). 2st.l/0.5st. boiling water insist 20 min.

The infusion of St. John's wort 1st.l / 1st hot water helps well. You can do applications, baths, just rinse during the day.

A good effect for healing wounds, sores has oak bark. Due to tannins, it tightens well on the mucous membrane of the genital organs. To do this, boil a spoonful of bark in a glass of water for 20 minutes, insist, rinse or do baths 1 time per day.

Plantain has anti-inflammatory properties. Its leaves can be applied to the affected areas, after washing well in hot water, slightly crushing so that the juice appears.

Apply the bandage for half an hour, change every 4 hours. You can use decoctions of chamomile, calendula. They have an anti-inflammatory effect.

Consequences

With untimely treatment, a mild form can turn into a severe one with serious consequences, while the man experiences discomfort. Why you need to see a doctor:

If left untreated, the infection will spread to the internal organs, causing cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis.
Unpleasant sensations in the groin, itching, burning during the outflow of urine.
Cracks, ulcers, swelling can lead to serious infections.
Inability to lead a full sexual life.
Nervous breakdowns, depressive states, aggressiveness.
Severe cases lead to cancer.
Inflammation of the foreskin of the head of the penis may be the result of diseases of the urogenital area.

At the first sign, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause. Self-medication can lead to complications.

Redness on the head of the penis and foreskin is a sign of inflammation. The process can occur due to bacterial, viral or fungal diseases, as well as mechanical or chemical irritation of the skin and mucous membranes. Redness is often accompanied by itching in the genital area, pain, burning and rash, and discharge of different colors and textures can be observed.

There are several major diseases that show similar symptoms:

balanitis - inflammation of the head of the penis;
postitis - inflammation of the foreskin;
balanoposthitis - combines signs of two diseases at the same time.

The symptom can manifest itself in both adults and children. It is not necessarily caused by sexually transmitted infections. To understand what factors provoked the development of the disease, it is worth contacting a urologist. Treatment is based on test results.

One of the causes of redness of the head and foreskin is infectious diseases. Infection can occur through sexual, household or contact routes, depending on the type of pathogen. Some types of infection persist in human blood and manifest themselves with a decrease in immunity. In addition to inflammation and hyperemia (redness), they are often accompanied by other characteristic symptoms that must be taken into account when making a diagnosis.

Candidiasis

Candidiasis is also called thrush. The disease develops when the organs of the genitourinary tract are affected by a yeast-like fungus of the genus Candida. The causative agent is widespread in nature - it can be on the surface of objects and food. The sexual route of infection is not excluded.

The disease can be identified by characteristic features:

first, the head of the penis and the foreskin are affected, then the skin of the penis and inguinal folds, the scrotum last;
foci of hyperemia appear, swelling develops;
there are areas with films and a light coating, when removed, erosion opens;
pain is felt when the foreskin is stretched, cracks may appear on it.

Candidiasis can occur in acute or chronic forms. The disease manifests itself most intensively if during the period of infection the body is weakened by infection or other factors. Sluggish candidiasis is expressed in a slight reddening of the mucosa and the accumulation of cheesy masses under the inner leaf of the foreskin.

Venereal diseases and those caused by opportunistic microflora

Sexually transmitted diseases are those that are transmitted primarily through sexual contact. They are of bacterial origin. These diseases are combined into a separate category due to the high degree of contagiousness and long-term severe course with complications.

Syphilis

Syphilis is caused by a bacterium called pale triponema. It is poorly preserved in the external environment, so the risk of domestic infection is minimal. In the highest concentrations, it is found in the biological fluids of the body, as well as in the contents of the rashes.

The first signs of the disease appear 6-7 weeks after the bacteria enters the body of a man, but the incubation period may decrease in the presence of concomitant diseases.

Symptoms of syphilis are divided into primary, secondary and tertiary. Primary develop immediately at the end of the incubation period:

the appearance of a hard chancre - ulcers with a smooth bottom and clear edges;
enlargement of local lymph nodes;
dense swelling of the penis.

Secondary syphilis develops 2-3 months after the onset of the first symptoms of the disease and lasts for several years. It is manifested by a rash, a general deterioration in the patient's condition, the appearance of wide warts, baldness and damage to the nail plate. Rashes during this period have characteristic signs:

located not only in the genital area, but also on the skin and mucous membranes throughout the body;
dense, with clear edges and rounded shape;
not prone to peeling;
painless, do not itch and can disappear on their own;
in complicated forms may differ.

Tertiary syphilis is a generalized course of the disease that occurs with damage to the skin, mucous membranes, joints and internal organs. It is rarely recorded if there is no treatment for 5-15 years. The most characteristic signs are papules and gummas.

The first are dense blisters located deep in the skin. When they break down, ulcers form. Gummas are dense knots. After maturation, they open up, a sticky mass comes to the surface, and long-term non-healing ulcers remain at their bottom.

Gonorrhea

The causative agent of gonorrhea is gonococcus. This is a microorganism that can be transmitted during sexual intercourse, as well as in everyday life through household items. The disease is characterized by a short incubation period, on average, it ranges from 2 to 15 days.

Herpes

Genital herpes is a viral disease. Its causative agent is the human herpes simplex virus (HPV) of the second, less often of the first type. Infection can occur by household, sexual or contact routes, often even at preschool age. The virus remains in the patient's blood and appears only during periods of immunodeficiency.

The main manifestation of genital herpes in men is rash in the genital area. It can occur not only on the head and foreskin, but also spread to the skin of the scrotum, perineum and perianal region. In the process of development of the disease, it is transformed:

on the 8-10th day - vesicles filled with colorless contents;
up to the 15th day - a rash filled with pus;
up to the 20th day - the vesicles open, ulcers appear in their place and become covered with crusts;
up to the 30th day - healing of ulcers, scarring is possible.

According to statistics, men are less likely to suffer from genital manifestations of herpes. The danger of the disease lies in the fact that its pathogen remains in the blood. With a decrease in immunity, the likelihood of relapse increases.

Inflammation of a non-infectious nature

Redness on the foreskin and head is not always associated with an infection. Such diseases are not contagious - transmission does not occur either through sexual contact or in everyday life. They appear with hypothermia, local irritation of the skin and mucous membranes, and also due to allergic reactions. The clinical manifestations of non-infectious balanoposthitis are similar to the symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases, so it is important to be diagnosed and tested.

Lichen planus

Lichen planus is a pathology of allergic origin, but its exact cause remains unclear. It appears as purple or white rashes around the glans penis. They do not cause pain and discomfort, and the disease can be mistaken for candidiasis. Lichen planus should be distinguished from other forms of lichen that are contagious.

Eczema, psoriasis

Eczema is a complex disease that can develop for several reasons. It occurs as a result of allergic reactions, diseases of internal organs and endocrine glands, including diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, pathologies of the stomach and intestines. Its manifestation can be provoked by non-compliance with the rules of hygiene, wearing tight underwear made of synthetic fabrics. A small rash appears on the skin of the penis, which then bursts and forms ulcers.

Psoriasis is a chronic pathology, during which there are periods of remission and relapse. Including it manifests itself in the genital area in men in the form of a small rash. At different stages of the disease, the rash will differ:

stearin stain - painful redness, prone to peeling;
terminal film - a transparent coating that appears when the scales are removed;
bloody dew is a sign of damage to the film.

The disease can spread to the inguinal and gluteal regions. Patients complain of pain in the vulva and urethra. It is aggravated by urination and ejaculation. The skin swells, it may itch and pinch.

Allergy

Allergy is another reason why irritation may appear on the genitals in men. It is a pathological reaction of the human immune system to contact with any substances. Depending on the type of stimulus, there are several types of it:

contact - occurs directly at the point of contact with the allergen (including intimate hygiene products, some types of tissues);
drug - develops after taking certain medications.

Contact allergies go away on their own after the exclusion of the irritant. However, if a painful itchy rash has appeared on the skin or mucous membranes, it must be treated with external means.

Dermatitis as a symptom of systemic diseases

Many systemic diseases have a wide range of symptoms. Including they are manifested by dermatitis in various parts of the body and on the genitals. Patients also complain of a general deterioration in their health and additional symptoms characteristic of a particular disease.

Dermatitis caused by systemic diseases is a sign of an allergic reaction of the body to helminth toxins or metabolic disorders. Poisonous compounds are not excreted, but accumulate in the tissues, which is manifested by their itching and irritation.

One of the diseases that is manifested by itching and rash on any part of the body, including the genitals, is atopic dermatitis. It has an autoimmune origin, that is, it is a pathological reaction of the immune system to its own organs and tissues. The process is exacerbated by stress, against the background of infectious diseases and other factors.

Mechanical and chemical impact

Irritation on the head without itching may be a symptom of a mechanical or chemical effect on the skin or mucous membrane. There is always the possibility of rubbing a penis during prolonged sex or getting irritated by aggressive detergents. A painful swelling appears on the skin, a rash does not form. There may be dryness and redness in the head and frenulum of the penis, the mucous membrane begins to crack. Another reason is diaper rash during the hot season when wearing underwear made of synthetic fabrics. They are accompanied by discomfort and aching pain, which increases with movement.

Diagnostics

The doctor can determine the exact cause of balanoposthitis. During the initial consultation, the patient is examined and interviewed. The specialist must be informed about cases of unprotected sex, the presence of allergies to any substances, concomitant diseases. On the day before the examination, do not wash the genitals with water and detergents, as this may lead to a change in the test results.