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What Causes Penis Inflammation?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

Penis inflammation is a relatively common problem, although many men may find it a bit embarrassing and may be hesitant to visit a doctor regarding the condition. There are three basic types of inflammation. These are known as balanitis, posthitis, and balanoposthitis, depending on the portion of the penis affected. Inflammation of the penis can be caused by factors such as infections, scabies, or sexually transmitted diseases. Treatment typically involves the use of oral medications such as antibiotics or medicated creams or ointments, although surgical intervention may sometimes become necessary.

Balanitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the foreskin and the head of the penis. This type of penis inflammation is most common among men who have not been circumcised and is often caused by poor personal hygiene, although some medical conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the chances of developing this condition. An infection may develop due to improper washing, the use of harsh soaps, or the failure to completely wash off the soap after bathing. In addition to penis inflammation, symptoms may include pain, redness, or a foul-smelling discharge. Treatment may involve oral antibiotics or medicated creams, although circumcision may be recommended in some cases.

Diabetic males are at a higher risk of developing balanitis.
Diabetic males are at a higher risk of developing balanitis.

Posthitis is a form of penis swelling that involves the foreskin. This condition often develops as a result of balanitis, so the symptoms and treatment options are largely the same. Certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, may also lead to the development of posthitis. In these cases, steroid creams may sometimes be used to try to clear up the originating cause of the penis inflammation.

Improper hygiene may cause penis inflammation.
Improper hygiene may cause penis inflammation.

Balanoposthitis typically begins as inflammation of the head of the penis, later involving the foreskin as well. There is a greater risk of developing this condition if the foreskin is particularly tight or if the patient is diabetic. Penile cancer risks are somewhat greater in men who have been diagnosed with balanoposthitis.

Any form of penis inflammation can involve the presence of an infection. Bacterial infections are often treated with oral antibiotics or antibiotic creams. If there are no signs of infection, a steroid cream or ointment may be used to help reduce the inflammation. If the condition does not respond to treatment or if the problem recurs frequently, prescription-strength ointments or surgical intervention may be considered as possible treatment methods. If the patient has not been circumcised, surgery to remove the foreskin of the penis may be the best option.

Discussion Comments

anon945430

I have the same condition due to what was thought was diabetes which required circumcision. But now the symptoms are back, only there isn't enough tissue to cover the head any longer. The skin around the head is still swollen and painful. Do I have to have more tissue removed or what?

anon240089

I am suffering from premature ejaculation and sometimes my penis gland is painful, like a "pinching pain" or like ant/insect bite pain in the gland area. Even if there are no rashes or infection, where can I get cured? I need proper help, please.

geekish

It is great to know that things such as inflammation and rashes on the penis are common, because I believe it will help people seek out help for these issues.

When it comes to those personal and private areas on men or women it is no fun to wonder what might be going on down there; but sometimes it can seem worse to have it checked out because that involves someone else knowing about your inflammation, red itchy bumps on skin, or sometimes just skin rashes that itch and that (having someone else know about these things) can just be too much too handle.

But in knowing that the doctor has probably already seen these issues already this week, would make me feel better about going.

Another thing I do when I am trying to relieve myself of a little paranoia about bumps or rashes or other medical concerns I try to compare pictures on the internet to what I have and that usually helps while I wait for a doctor's appointment.

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    • Diabetic males are at a higher risk of developing balanitis.
      By: Monkey Business
      Diabetic males are at a higher risk of developing balanitis.
    • Improper hygiene may cause penis inflammation.
      By: LukaTDB
      Improper hygiene may cause penis inflammation.
    • Penis inflammation may occur as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.
      By: michaeljung
      Penis inflammation may occur as a result of a sexually transmitted disease.
    • A tube of steroid cream, which can sometimes help with penis inflammation.
      By: picsfive
      A tube of steroid cream, which can sometimes help with penis inflammation.
    • Penis inflammation can include balanitis, posthitis and balanoposthitis.
      By: nerthuz
      Penis inflammation can include balanitis, posthitis and balanoposthitis.
    • Any form of penis inflammation can involve the presence of an infection.
      By: Burlingham
      Any form of penis inflammation can involve the presence of an infection.
    • Penis inflammation might be caused by an allergic reaction to condoms.
      By: MarieC
      Penis inflammation might be caused by an allergic reaction to condoms.