What causes redness and swelling of the glans?
Sep 30, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, redness and swelling of the glans may be caused by friction, sexual stimulation, phimosis, acute superficial balanitis, or candidal infection. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, patients are advised to wear loose-fitting cotton underwear and change clothes regularly. Additionally, appropriate physical exercise can help enhance immunity and promote recovery.
Under normal circumstances, redness and swelling of the glans may be caused by friction irritation, sexual stimulation, long foreskin, acute superficial balanitis, or candidiasis infection. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Friction irritation
If clothing worn is coarse or stiff in texture, it may rub against the glans during movement, causing local redness and swelling. It is recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing and underwear to reduce irritation.
2. Sexual stimulation
Maintain personal hygiene and clean the inner foreskin daily. This condition is often accompanied by mild pain or a burning sensation. It is advisable to reduce the frequency of sexual stimulation and avoid excessive friction.
3. Long foreskin (phimosis)
When the foreskin is too long or when phimosis is present, thorough cleaning becomes difficult, making it easy for dirt and bacteria to accumulate, which can lead to redness and swelling of the glans. It is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene and clean the inner foreskin daily.
4. Acute superficial balanitis
Acute superficial balanitis is usually caused by bacterial infection and manifests as redness, swelling, pain, and itching of the glans, possibly accompanied by patchy rashes. Medications such as erythromycin ointment, mupirocin ointment, or clotrimazole cream may be used under a doctor's guidance.
5. Candidiasis infection
Candidiasis typically affects the inner foreskin and surface of the glans, causing localized inflammatory reactions, often accompanied by redness, swelling, itching, and white discharge. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as ketoconazole cream, gentamicin sulfate tablets, or metronidazole tablets for relief.
In daily life, patients are advised to wear loose cotton underwear and change clothes frequently. Additionally, engaging in moderate physical exercise can help enhance immunity and promote recovery.
