Why is the foreskin red and swollen?

Foreskin redness and swelling may be caused by balanitis, allergic reaction, trauma, poor hygiene, urinary tract infection, etc., and can be relieved by local cleaning, anti-infective treatment, anti-allergic treatment, surgical intervention, etc. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to determine the cause of the disease and avoid self-medication that may delay the condition.

1. Balanitis

Balanitis is the most common cause of redness and swelling of the foreskin, mostly caused by bacterial or fungal infection. Candida albicans infection may cause a white discharge on the inside of the foreskin, along with itching and burning. Bacterial infection may accompany localized erosions or ulcers. Treatment requires the use of topical drugs such as clotrimazole cream and erythromycin ointment as directed by the doctor. In severe cases, oral fluconazole capsules are required. It is necessary to keep the perineum dry and clean every day and avoid using irritating lotions.

2. Allergic reaction

Contact with detergents, condoms or underwear materials may cause contact dermatitis, which manifests as redness, swelling and rash on the foreskin. Some patients are allergic to semen or female vaginal secretions and experience immediate allergic reactions after sexual intercourse. You can take loratadine tablets as directed by your doctor to relieve symptoms, and apply hydrocortisone cream topically. It is recommended to change underwear made of hypoallergenic materials and avoid using fragrance-containing bath products.

3. Mechanical damage

Excessive sexual intercourse, friction with clothing, or foreskin incarceration may cause damage to the foreskin mucosa. It manifests as local congestion and edema, and in severe cases, laceration or hematoma. In the acute stage, cold compress can be used to reduce swelling and sexual intercourse should be avoided. If foreskin incarceration occurs, immediate medical treatment is required for repositioning. Circumcision is recommended for recurrent episodes. In daily life, you should move gently and wear loose cotton underwear.

4. Poor hygiene

Long-term accumulation of smegma will irritate the mucosa and induce non-specific inflammation. It is common in patients with phimosis or those with insufficient cleansing. It manifests as flushing of the inner plate of the foreskin with an odor. The foreskin needs to be turned over every day and washed gently with warm water. Topical mupirocin ointment can be used in case of combined infection. Patients with phimosis are recommended to consider surgical treatment after the inflammation is controlled to completely solve the cleansing problem.

5. Urinary tract infection

Ascending infection by pathogens such as E. coli may spread to the foreskin, especially in people with diabetes or low immunity. It may be accompanied by urethral irritation symptoms such as frequent urination and painful urination. Routine urine examination is required. After diagnosis, antibiotics such as levofloxacin tablets and cefixime dispersible tablets can be taken as directed by the doctor. Diabetic patients need to strictly control their blood sugar and drink plenty of water daily to promote urination and flush the urethra.

You should avoid sexual intercourse while the foreskin is red and swollen, and wear breathable cotton underwear to reduce friction. Wash the perineum daily with warm water and dry completely after washing. The diet should be light and spicy foods should be limited. If the redness and swelling last for more than 3 days or symptoms such as suppuration and fever appear, you must seek medical attention immediately. Patients with phimosis have recurrent inflammation, and circumcision may be considered to prevent recurrence after the acute phase. After surgery, the dressing needs to be changed regularly according to the doctor's instructions and the wound must be kept clean and dry.