Inflammation of the foreskin (posthitis) – causes, symptoms & therapy

Inflammation of the foreskin (posthitis)

Posthitis is an inflammation of the foreskin of the penis, which is why it is popularly known as foreskin inflammation . In most cases, the inflammation is caused by bacteria and poor hygiene. Inflammation of the foreskin usually manifests itself as redness, swelling and pain in the glans or foreskin. Anti-inflammatory drugs can control the infection.

What is foreskin inflammation (posthitis)?

An inflammation of the foreskin (posthitis) is usually accompanied by an additional inflammation of the glans (balanitis) and is then also called balanoposthitis.

Posthitis manifests itself in redness and swelling of the irritated and inflamed foreskin, which is usually accompanied by severe itching , pain and purulent discharge.

Inflammation of the foreskin can occur in boys and men of all ages, but often the causes of inflammation vary with age. In order to effectively prevent posthitis, one should pay attention to conscientious genital hygiene.

causes

Inflammation of the foreskin is usually caused by bacteria or viruses . These can be transmitted not only but mainly sexually. In addition, a lack of hygiene in the genital area, which allows pathogens ideal living conditions, leads to inflammation of the foreskin.

Inflammation of the foreskin is often also promoted by a narrowing of the foreskin , a so-called phimosis, which occurs with a frequency of about 8 percent in small boys and 1 percent in male adolescents. In almost every twentieth boy, the narrowing of the foreskin leads to inflammation of the foreskin, which is usually of an infectious nature.

In young men, foreskin inflammation occurs comparatively frequently through sexual transmission. In most cases, this is due to the sexual activity itself, but also to the comparatively frequent changing of sexual partners.

With age, the foreskin can become thinner and the tissue slightly softer, which also promotes the development of foreskin inflammation, but only in uncircumcised men. In addition to poor hygiene, excessive hygiene can also lead to foreskin inflammation, since soap in particular removes protective fats from the skin and makes it susceptible to pathogens.

Instead of bacteria, fungi can also be the cause of foreskin inflammation. Young men often become infected through sexual interaction with the fungi, which then lead to foreskin inflammation. In some cases, however, no sexual transmission can be named as the cause of foreskin inflammation caused by a fungal infection. In this case, male diabetics are predominantly affected.

In rare cases, in addition to bacteria, viruses or fungi, parasites can also trigger foreskin inflammation. In some cases, a foreskin disease is also subject to a so-called systemic disease, which includes, for example, Reiter’s disease or Behcet’s disease.

symptoms and course

In the case of foreskin inflammation, the foreskin reacts to the inflammation with a typical swelling and reddening. Those affected feel severe itching and pain, which is particularly often felt as a burning sensation.

In many cases, an inflammation of the foreskin is also noticeable through a purulent discharge and the formation of small blisters on the glans that secrete fluid. Without appropriate medical treatment, foreskin inflammation usually gets worse, which in turn increases the inflammatory response.

In addition, many sufferers also experience fever and problems urinating. In the worst case, foreskin inflammation can even lead to blood poisoning .

Diagnose

The diagnosis of an existing inflammation of the foreskin is possible based on the numerous symptoms and also by palpating the lymph nodes in the groin area, which are typically enlarged with inflammation.

It can be secured with a swab, in which a doctor examines samples of the inflammatory secretion for pathogens and identifies them. With the determination of the pathogens, a successful treatment of the foreskin inflammation, tailored to the pathogens, can also be carried out.

treatment and therapy

Due to the serious complications that untreated foreskin inflammation can lead to, it is advisable to see a doctor if you become ill. Chamomile baths or ointments with a disinfecting effect, which are often recommended for treatment on the Internet or in magazines, should by no means replace a visit to the doctor, but should be used as a support.

The safest way to completely heal the inflammation and eliminate all pathogens is to go to the doctor, who will tailor a therapy to the pathogen that promises the greatest possible success.

A doctor can also advise on possible supportive measures and their usefulness.

In the case of foreskin inflammation, the pathogen is usually combated in a targeted manner with appropriate medication. If bacteria are the cause of foreskin inflammation, an antibiotic will usually be prescribed.

Foreskin inflammation caused by fungi is treated with so-called antimycotics, which kill the fungi.

In severe cases, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may also be necessary to eliminate the pathogen. In most cases, the treatment of a patient also requires the partner to be treated as well. If Reiter’s disease, Behcet’s disease or another systemic disease is the cause of the foreskin inflammation, this is usually eliminated as part of the treatment of the systemic diseases.

prevention

Inflammation of the foreskin can be prevented by various measures. Condoms should be used to rule out sexual transmission of pathogens. Even tight foreskin that doesn’t go away on its own should be treated to prevent foreskin inflammation, among other problems.

Sufficient genital hygiene also prevents posthitis, but this should not be done excessively but regularly. In addition, prophylactic chamomile baths or saline rinses can protect against foreskin inflammation.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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