What causes swelling and blisters on the foreskin and glans?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
In general, swelling of the foreskin with blisters on the glans may be caused by friction, excessive cleaning, contact dermatitis, genital herpes, fixed drug eruption, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital are recommended. In daily life, avoid using irritating cleansers and rinse thoroughly with water after sexual activity. Perform a small-area test before using any new medication, and discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if redness or swelling occurs.
Under normal circumstances, swelling of the foreskin with blisters on the glans may be caused by factors such as foreskin friction, excessive cleaning, contact dermatitis, genital herpes, or fixed drug eruption. If discomfort occurs, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Foreskin Friction
Frequent sexual activity or wearing tight underwear can lead to repeated friction between the foreskin and glans, causing local tissue fluid exudation and formation of small blisters. Switching to loose, cotton underwear, abstaining from sexual activity for 2–3 days, and gently washing with warm water followed by thorough drying usually resolves the issue.
2. Excessive Cleaning
Using highly alkaline soaps or shower gels can disrupt the skin's lipid layer and damage the epidermal barrier, leading to redness, swelling, and blistering. Switch to rinsing with plain water no more than once daily. After washing, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to help repair the skin.
3. Contact Dermatitis
Allergic reactions to latex in condoms or ingredients in lubricants can cause rapid onset of red patches, tense blisters, and itching on the foreskin. Discontinue use of the suspected product immediately. Apply cold compresses for 10 minutes. If needed, follow medical advice to take oral antihistamines such as cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, fexofenadine hydrochloride tablets, or loratadine capsules to relieve itching.
4. Genital Herpes
Caused by infection with HSV-2 virus, this condition presents with clusters of tiny, easily ruptured blisters on the foreskin, accompanied by a burning pain. Within 72 hours of onset, follow doctor’s instructions to take oral acyclovir tablets, valacyclovir tablets, or famciclovir capsules for five consecutive days. Keep the affected area dry and avoid sexual contact.
5. Fixed Drug Eruption
An allergic reaction triggered by sulfonamide drugs or antipyretic-analgesics, characterized by recurrent dark purplish-red patches and large-tension blisters at the same site. Immediately discontinue the suspected medication. Follow medical guidance to take oral prednisone acetate tablets, olopatadine hydrochloride tablets, or compound glycyrrhizin capsules. Large blisters should undergo sterile puncture and drainage. Afterward, apply mupirocin ointment externally to prevent infection.
Routinely avoid using irritating cleansers; rinse thoroughly with water after sexual activity. Before using any new medication, perform a patch test on a small skin area—discontinue immediately and seek medical attention if redness or swelling develops.
