November 3, 2020
When the head of the male organ becomes red and swollen, this is an inflammation called balanitis. When the foreskin is also involved in the process, the disease is called balanoposthitis. Redness is accompanied by itching, burning, pain when urinating, and sometimes mucus leaking from the urethra. The disease cannot be neglected; it can spread throughout the genitourinary system, provoke phimosis and lead to necrosis of the head.
Causes of redness and itching of the head in men
Symptoms of inflammation are caused by:
- Fungal infection - occurs in 20% of cases, the spots are characterized by the presence of a specific white lumpy coating, the smell of sauerkraut or fish.
- Sexual infections - chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococci and other microbes can cause plaque on the head in men, redness and swelling of the tissues; Discharge from the urethra does not always occur.
- Dysbacteriosis is a violation of the bacterial microflora, when bacteria that are usually not characteristic of it, for example from the intestines, settle on the scalp.
- Allergies to shower gel, lubricants, synthetic underwear - can only appear on the scalp, without affecting other parts of the body; characterized by red pimples and peeling, the spots are very itchy.
Redness, swelling and other manifestations of inflammation intensify after sexual intercourse and ejaculation.
To identify fungi or bacteria that cause redness of the glans in men, 2 tests are done: PCR and culture of smears from the urethra and the skin of the penis.
When the presence of microbes is not detected, basic immunological tests are performed. If they are rejected, a consultation with an allergist is prescribed.
Treatment
The patient must adhere to the following rules:
- 1During treatment you must abstain from sex.
- 2Regular change of underwear, wearing 100% cotton underwear.
- 3Daily genital hygiene.
The most common cause of balanoposthitis is candidiasis, so initial therapy includes ointments with antifungal components (Clotrimazole). Often, the doctor prescribes a complex product with antimycotic and antibacterial components (for example, Triderm).
For allergic balanoposthitis, the main principle of treatment is to avoid contact with the allergen. Avoid all potential irritants (soaps, shower gels, condoms, lubricants) until symptoms resolve. An allergic reaction can be treated topically with glucocorticosteroid ointments.
If symptoms persist, therapy is adjusted based on the results obtained. Repeated episodes of inflammation, despite compliance with preventive measures, may require surgical treatment - circumcision (circumcision) of the foreskin.
What else are associated with spots on the head in men?
Hyperemia, red pimples, itching on the head of the penis are caused by diabetes mellitus, kidney and liver diseases. For people over 30 years of age who have a family history of diabetes, we check their blood for glucose. If necessary, we determine glycated hemoglobin, perform an ultrasound of the abdominal organs, determination of bile acids and blood nitrogen, and a general examination of blood, urine and feces.
Redness and discomfort on the penis occur with increased sensitivity or dry skin. Tight underwear, stay in a hot climate, and prolonged unsanitary conditions lead to the accumulation of sweat and smegma in the fold of the foreskin. Under these conditions, the usual skin flora - staphylococci and streptococci - are activated. Their increased reproduction will cause inflammation. The same thing happens when intestinal bacteria from the anus get on the foreskin.
Causes of itching and redness of the glans penis
There are several groups of causes that can lead to hyperemia and itching of the glans penis:
- Sexual and non-genital infections, inflammatory processes:
- Balanoposthitis and balanitis. With balanitis, only the head of the penis becomes inflamed, while with balanoposthitis, both the head and the foreskin are affected. In addition to itching and redness, the man will experience acute pain. There may be inflammation and an increase in the size of the lymph nodes located in the groin area, and the body temperature rises. If the inflammatory process is left unattended, then subsequently the places of redness will become covered with erosions, and suppuration may begin. Long-term inflammation leads to necrosis of the scalp. The disease can be caused by improper hygiene when smegma collects under the foreskin. It becomes a favorable environment for the growth of bacteria. In addition, the reasons may lie in sexually transmitted infections, in the anatomical features of the structure of the male genital organs, as well as in general diseases of the body, including diabetes, allergies, vitamin deficiency, etc.
- Gonorrhea and trichomoniasis. Infection with gonococci occurs through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner. When the disease enters an acute phase, the man begins to experience a feeling of discomfort, he is bothered by burning and itching in the area of the head of the penis and along the urethra. Unpleasant sensations intensify during urination. When infected with Trichomonas, itching and burning will occur mainly when trying to empty the bladder. In addition, mucus may be released from the urethra. If you detect even minor discomfort in the genital area, you should contact a urologist, since often a man is a carrier of Trichomonas and does not know about it. The long-term existence of the pathogen in the body can lead to decreased immunity, the development of infertility, chronic prostatitis, etc.
- Chlamydia, ureaplasmosis, urogenital herpes. All these diseases are also sexually transmitted. In addition to the sensation of itching, burning and hyperemia of the glans penis, a man may develop rashes on and near the genitals (mainly due to a herpetic infection), sometimes the body temperature rises, and symptoms of general malaise appear.
- Urethritis. This disease is characterized by an inflammatory process in the urethra. Urethritis occurs either due to the activation of opportunistic microflora, or against the background of sexually transmitted infections. During the acute stage of the disease, the head of the penis swells and itches, and becomes engorged with blood. In addition, the man experiences pain localized in the head of the penis, and rashes may appear in the groin area.
- Candidiasis in men. Redness of the glans penis, severe itching and burning may indicate candidiasis. In this case, an unpleasant smell of sour bread or yeast emanates from the head, and a whitish coating is found on its surface. Pain may occur during urination and sexual intercourse. Candidiasis can be caused by severe stress, body diseases (anemia, diabetes, long-term use of antibiotics, excess body weight) or infection with a fungal colony.
- Damage of various types:
- Mechanical irritation and injury during sexual intercourse
. Having sexual intercourse too often can lead to redness, swelling and itching around the head of the penis. Sometimes painful sensations occur, which intensify when touched and when trying to empty the bladder. If such symptoms occur, then you should abstain from sexual activity for a short period of time. Excessive friction during sexual intercourse against the background of insufficient lubrication in a woman also causes redness, itching and pain of the glans penis.
- Frostbite or burn.
A burn to the head can occur as a result of exposure to chemicals or due to exposure to high temperatures. Most often, such situations result from work-related injuries or accidents. The degree of hyperemia, burning, itching and pain will depend on the severity of the injury. Treatment must be qualified and carried out either in trauma centers or in surgical hospitals.
- Congenital developmental anomalies.
Phimosis of physiological origin affects almost all boys under three years of age. This condition is not regarded as pathological. However, against the background of previous balanoposthitis, it is possible to replace the normal foreskin with scar tissue. As a result, the foreskin loses its ability to stretch. It is not possible to perform intimate hygiene efficiently, and the man begins to experience itching, irritation and hyperemia of the glans penis. An attempt to expose the head will be accompanied by pain of varying degrees of intensity.
- Violations of hygiene rules.
If intimate hygiene conditions are not observed, an unpleasant odor emanates from the perineum and penis. The man himself experiences itching in the corresponding area. If you do not regularly wash the external genitalia, prepuce or smegma will begin to accumulate under the foreskin. Microorganisms multiply in it, which leads to symptoms such as inflammation, itching and redness of the head of the penis. Wearing underwear that is too tight can contribute to burning and itching sensations due to excess friction. Most often, uncomfortable underwear rubs the skin of the groin, but this can also affect the head of the penis. This problem is especially relevant for men who have been circumcised.
- Allergic reactions.
An allergy, which causes redness and itching of the glans penis, most often occurs in response to the use of inappropriate intimate hygiene products. This could be a new soap or shower gel, as well as washing powder used for washing underwear. Also, itching and redness of the scalp can occur as a result of an allergic reaction to condoms or lubricant used during sexual intercourse. Another possible allergen is the dyes contained in underwear fabrics. Taking medications can cause irritation and itching.
Actions for redness of the glans in men: how to treat
The most dangerous tactic is to try to use any ointments or other medications yourself before consulting a doctor. In 90% of cases, this does not help, distorts test results, and makes them false negative. Until the causes are clarified and cured, you need to stop having sex.
When inflammation on the head of the penis does not go away after careful hygiene, changing linen or detergents, contact our clinic. At the Clinic Dr. AkNer you will receive all the necessary tests and expert advice.
Urologist, andrologist Akopyan Nerses Grigorievich.
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Treatment of itching after intercourse
Treatment for a symptom such as itching after sexual intercourse is prescribed by a doctor based on examination data and the cause of the disease or condition that caused it. For example, with menopausal syndrome in women, estrogen deficiency is compensated, which negatively affects the vaginal mucosa. If you are allergic to contraceptives or hygiene products, you must choose hypoallergenic products that will not cause a pathological reaction. Of course, you need to carefully monitor intimate hygiene and wear underwear made from natural fabrics.
If the cause of itching after sexual intercourse is candidiasis, local and systemic antifungal agents are prescribed; Most STDs and bacterial infections of the genitourinary system require antibiotic therapy. At the same time, the immune system is strengthened and vitamin therapy is prescribed.
Due to the availability and accuracy of diagnostic methods, identifying the cause of itching after sexual intercourse is not difficult. To increase the chances of a successful recovery and the absence of dangerous consequences, you should follow all the recommendations of your doctor.
Doctor of the Private Practice clinic, dermatovenerologist, urologist Volokhov E.A. talks about itching after intercourse.
