“Foreskin infection or problems makes a man miserable as it can lead to irritation, pain, swelling, and other minor but sensitive problems. Taking proper care of your foreskin with hygiene will help the future risks of these infections”.
The foreskin is the thin upper layer of tissue that envelops the head of the male reproductive organ, the penis. Us’ually, after a small baby boy is born, the doctor removes the foreskin from the base near the middle of the penis shaft as early as possible. The overlapping of the foreskin on the glans then restricts the ejaculation of semen when a boy turns into an adult.
Foreskin infection increases the risk of urinary tract infections across the penis, which can result.
Painful swelling is extremely distressing for the sufferer. Men in India also suffer from a foreskin disorder that causes difficulty in retracting the foreskin of the penis, a condition known as phimosis. This can make cleaning the penis more challenging and lead to an accumulation of smegma, an unpleasant, cottage cheese-like substance secreted by the penis. Also, if this condition goes unchecked, it can further progress to what is called balanitis, an uncomfortable and persistent inflammation of the glans of the penis. In extreme cases, it can also increase the risk of penile cancer. Maintaining your foreskin can also put you at risk for frenulum breve.
What is Foreskin?
Foreskins are present on the penises of all mammals, though, for some species, it is “penile sheaths” when the penis retracts into the body while flaccid. Or put a skin that covers a sensitive sexual organ. Although it’s superficially a continuation of the skin on the shaft of the penis, it’s actually a double-layered amalgamation of skin, neurons, smooth muscle tissue, blood vessels, and mucosal membrane, developed over millions of years of evolution.
The foreskin is the fold of skin that covers the glans penis (head of the penis). At birth, the foreskin and the glans penis are lightly joined. In most boys, by about five years of age, the foreskin can be at least partly retracted (pulled back), and by puberty, it is fully retractable in about nine out of ten boys.
Structure of Foreskin
The inside of the foreskin houses the all-important mucous membranes, similar to the inside of the mouth or the eyelid – this contains the glans penis, colloquially known as the head. It also serves to protect the urinary meatus – which is the opening at the end of the urethra, sometimes colloquially called the “Peehole.”
Foreskin
Of course, not everybody has foreskin problems. However, it is important to realize having a penis doesn’t necessarily mean you have a foreskin. Some people have their foreskin removed for medical reasons, but a decent portion of the population was circumcised during their infancy.
This is likely because they’re part of a group that practices religion or culture.
Circumcision
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend routine circumcisions at birth and leaves that decision up to the baby’s parents. But the organization does list some medical benefits that support performing the procedure. These include:
- lower risk of HIV;
- slightly lower risk of sexually transmitted diseases;
- slightly lower risk of urinary tract infections and penile cancer (even though they’re both rare in all males); and
- help prevent balanitis, balanoposthitis, paraphimosis, and phimosis.
While circumcision can avert some of the disadvantages of the foreskin, it can come with its own risks. We know that circumcised people experience higher degrees of erectile dysfunction than those who still have foreskins, according to some studies, and losing your foreskin is even said to increase your chance of developing a psychological disorder known as alexithymia by sixty percent.
What is Foreskin Infection?
A foreskin infection or tract creates irritation, swelling, and foul smell in the penile region. And if men do not circumcise the foreskin at the right time, various problems can shoot up, causing severe complications that only medical treatment can cure.
Foreskin problems can be treated by surgery in Jaipur, India. And the best treatment for foreskin diseases like phimosis and paraphimosis is circumcision surgery.
Common foreskin problems are as follows:
BALANITIS
Balanitis is widespread inflammation of the glans penis that can affect males at any age. Having balanitis is twice as common in uncircumcised compared to circumcised men. Men with balanitis may have the following symptoms:
- Not Able To Pull Back The Foreskin
- Itchiness Or Rash
- Sore Or Tender Glans Penis
- Redness Or Swelling
- Discharge From The Penis.
PHIMOSIS
Phimosis is when the foreskin is too tight, or the tip of the foreskin narrows and is unable to be pulled back to expose the head of the penis. Severe phimosis can cause pain when urinating, urinary retention (when the bladder is not completely emptied on urination), urinary tract infections, and skin infection of the penis.
Older men with severe phimosis have a higher risk of developing penis cancer. Phimosis can cause severe pain with erections and sexual intercourse, causing injury to the foreskin with minor bleeding and infection. In these situations, circumcision is usually necessary. CIRCUMCISION is the best way to treat this problem.
And phimosis treatment is available in Jaipur by circumcision surgery. In the circumcision surgery process, the entire foreskin is removed or part of the foreskin. IASH Jaipur provides a phimosis specialist in Jaipur at a very reasonable cost. We also use the latest circumcision in Jaipur by our Phimosis specialist.
FRENULUM BREVE/ SHORT FRENULUM
Frenulum breve, or a short frenulum, is where the frenulum of the penis (a band of tissue on the underside of the glans penis that connects to the foreskin) is too short and restricts the movement of the foreskin. This can cause pain inside penis during sexual intercourse. Frenuloplasty is an operation in which a cut is made in the frenulum so that it can be stretched to make it longer and the cut is then stitched closed.
PARAPHIMOSIS
Paraphimosis happens when the foreskin has been retracted behind the head of the penis and cannot go back to its original position. If the foreskin stays in this position, it can cause pain and swelling and can stop blood flow to the penis. This is a severe medical problem and must be treated immediately, or there can be long-term damage to the penis, including gangrene. It is essential to apply ice to lessen any swelling and then try to move the foreskin forward, using lubricant gel, to its usual position. Other ways to reduce foreskin swelling include injecting certain medicines. If the foreskin does not go back to its normal position, a surgeon may have to cut the foreskin to release it, or an urgent circumcision may be needed. IASH Jaipur provides the best circumcision surgery in Jaipur at a low cost.
Causes of Foreskin Infection
“A person must take care of his penile region to the utmost because if that is not healthy, you can’t be physically healthy.” Any factor that gives rise to foreskin retraction can lead to a rise in paraphimosis. Some of the common causes causing foreskin problems are:
- If a man has a filthy circumcised penis.
- Insertion of bladder catheters frequently.
- Excessive masturbation or sexual activity
- Men who forget to return the foreskin to its normal position after retraction.
- Sexually transmitted diseases and fungal infection
Symptoms of Foreskin Infection
A man needs to diagnose the cause of infection at the initial stage. Only by doing that can you treat your condition with no complications and better success rates. People usually get an idea if they face any such issue, but it is not applicable every time. Sometimes the problem is minor in the beginning and it becomes impossible to find out if you do have a foreskin infection. Experiencing pain, bleeding, and being uncomfortable while urinating are the major symptoms of foreskin problems. The other main symptoms are:
1. Inflammation
Inflammation is generally seen as red or sore skin at the upper part of the glans of the penis. When you see that your penile region is getting red or its color changes due to any minor injury, it is inflammation.
- Rashes and bumpiness in the area
- Itchy skin
- Dryness in the prostate area.
- Observing grey, and brown patches on the skin.
- Red and brown skin
- Fluid blisters
Treatment for Inflammation
- Avoid using harsh, hard soaps and bubble bath lotions in the intimate area.
- Use mild soaps or intimate wash only. Gently wash the area under the foreskin.
- Medicines like nappy rash cream or hydrocortisone ointment will be beneficial to inflammation.
- Take a cold and damp towel and cover the area for around 20 minutes to relieve the pain and swelling. Do it more than 2-3 times a day.
2. Swelling
Swelling is also a result of foreskin problems, and it can also cause paraphimosis. In this problem, a man can’t pull his foreskin back over the head of the penis once it is retracted. Further, it leads to swelling and sometimes prevents circulation either. It is a severe medical condition.
Treatment for Swelling
Generally, swelling occurs when a doctor doesn’t move the foreskin back after retraction ( for any exam or test). It also involves any infection and injury or tight foreskin. It is advised to visit a doctor immediately if a man experiences a such type of swelling or infection.
3. Tightness
If your foreskin is tight, you can’t move it without experiencing any pain or discomfort. In addition, tightness will make it hard for a doctor to pull your foreskin back or retract it.
Tightness is also a sign of phimosis. Usually, a man experiences this type of foreskin infection due to any bacterial and fungal infection.
Treatment for Tightness
- Dr. Chirag Bhandari recommends unique treatments for treating such types of foreskin problems.
- Antibiotics for infections and antifungal lotions are suggested.
- Foreskin removal by a sexologist is also a way to treat tightness. By using injections and medications, you can resolve this issue.
Foreskin Infections treated by Dr. Chirag Bhandari
Dr. Chirag Bhandari is a renowned sexologist and the originator of the best sexual health center- IASH, Jaipur. Dr. Chirag has experience treating foreskin infections and skin problems like inflammation, swelling, and tightness in the penile region. With expertise in offering treatment with the best success rates, he can solve any foreskin problem accurately and precisely.
There are several infections that a man faces in the penis or foreskin. Balanitis is the inflammation in the foreskin and the glans. On the other hand, posthitis is the inflammation of both glans and the foreskin.
The other infections are
- Gonorrhea
- Yeast Infection
- Primary or secondary syphilis
- Herpes Simplex
- Chancroid
- Fungal Infections
And different skin-related infections.
Symptoms
- Dryness in the prostate area.
- Itchiness
- Getting burning sensation
- Thickened skin
- Bad odour
Treatment
Any fungal repair cream or anti-inflammatory lotions will help you get over these infections quickly. Make sure to keep the area hygienic and wash it daily for freshness. Avoid using harsh soaps and clean as well.
When to See a Doctor
If you notice any of the following symptoms of a foreskin infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, pain or difficulty urinating, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible. Doctors can evaluate your infection and determine if you need other treatment with medication or, in severe cases, surgical intervention. Skin infections such as posthitis or hardening of the skin usually clear up with mild treatment or a few days of self-care if you have recurring foreskin infections or symptoms that don’t improve with treatment. In this situation, you must consult a doctor.
Foreskin care for Men and Teenagers
Taking care of the foreskin must be a habit not needed. If you want to be free from any foreskin infection, all you need is to be a little hygienic for your intimate area and take proper care of that.
- Using mild soaps and gentle washes is always helpful in keeping the area hygienic.
- Proper cleaning of the area regularly is a must. If you do not have good hygiene, you will start seeing a whitish, yellow substance called “‘smegma.” Smegma is pus that occurs in the penile area.
- Consulting a sexologist, Dr. Chirag Bhandari, will help you understand your issue better and help to cure that in the best way possible.
Like any other issue, the Foreskin problem is treated at IASH with the methodologies and treatments. Under professional sexual health experts’ and doctors’ guidance, they also offer unique exercise guides and plans for the patients to help them overcome foreskin problems.
Institute of Andrology and Sexual Health is a well-renowned and Jaipur’s best male reproductive health and wellness clinic that offers treatments and guidance for all types of sexual health issues under a single roof. Dr. Chirag Bhandari is the best sexologist in Jaipur and the director of IASH, Jaipur which offers the world’s best treatments with the latest technology and methods.
As of 2021, no laws have been made in India that schools’ sex education taught in schools is medically accurate. Comprehensive youth sex education is sadly lacking across the country. After all, it isn’t all about the birds and the bees – it’s also about a better understanding of your own body.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why is my foreskin red and sore?
Ans. Penis irritation may occur on the glans (head) of the penis, the foreskin, or elsewhere. Boys experience penis irritation as well as men. Penis irritation can be caused by a range of medical conditions, such as a fungal infection, dermatitis (eczema), psoriasis, or certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Q2. Is Vaseline good for balanitis?
Ans. How is balanitis treated? The first step in treating non-specific balanitis is to clean and dry the glans penis after washing or going to the toilet. Applying soft white paraffin ointment (Vaseline® ointment) under the foreskin helps to heal genital skin. Try to avoid contact with irritants of the genital skin.
Q3. Can balanitis go away by itself?
Ans. Balanitis generally is not a serious condition and can be treated with antibiotic creams and pills. Most occurrences of balanitis clear up within three to five days of starting treatment. Left untreated, however, it can become more painful or cause other health problems.