What causes redness and itching of the foreskin?
Nov 11, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cao Zhiqiang
Introduction
In general, redness and itching of the foreskin may be related to factors such as poor local hygiene, excessive friction, localized allergies, balanoposthitis, or genital herpes. It is recommended that patients maintain good personal hygiene, regulate the frequency of sexual activity, or use medications such as erythromycin ointment, azithromycin tablets, or valacyclovir hydrochloride granules under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.
Normally, redness and itching of the foreskin may be related to poor local hygiene, excessive friction, local allergies, balanoposthitis, and genital herpes. Patients are advised to maintain personal hygiene, control the frequency of sexual activity, or use medications such as erythromycin ointment, azithromycin tablets, and valacyclovir hydrochloride granules under a doctor's guidance to relieve symptoms. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Poor local hygiene: Failure to clean the genital area for extended periods or inadequate cleaning can lead to the accumulation of dirt, promoting bacterial growth and causing inflammation and irritation of the foreskin, accompanied by symptoms such as itching and swelling. It is recommended to maintain good personal hygiene by washing daily with warm water and keeping the area clean and dry.
2. Excessive friction: Over masturbation or frequent and vigorous sexual activity may cause local injury to the foreskin, resulting in redness, itching, pain, and swelling. It is advised to moderately control the frequency and intensity of sexual activity to allow the affected area to rest and recover.
3. Local allergy: Patients may experience allergic reactions to materials such as underwear fabric, detergents, or condoms, leading to symptoms like foreskin redness, swelling, itching, and rashes. Avoid contact with allergens and follow medical advice to use medications such as compound ketoconazole ointment, erythromycin ointment, or podophyllotoxin ointment to alleviate symptoms.
4. Balanoposthitis: Viral infections can cause inflammation in the genital area, potentially leading to symptoms including foreskin redness, itching, pain, and increased discharge. Patients should take medications such as levofloxacin tablets, azithromycin tablets, or cefuroxime axetil tablets as recommended by their doctor to aid recovery.
5. Genital herpes: Conditions such as phimosis, accumulation of smegma, or bacterial infection may lead to balanitis, causing redness and itching of the foreskin, along with pain and skin lesions. Patients should use medications such as valacyclovir hydrochloride tablets, valacyclovir hydrochloride granules, or acyclovir cream under medical guidance to aid recovery.
In daily life, it is important to develop healthy habits, avoid long-term smoking, refrain from unsafe sexual practices, and maintain genital cleanliness and hygiene.
