Acorn burns

definition

A burning sensation in the area of ​​the glans, at the tip of the male member, can be permanent or in certain situations. Some men experience the burning sensation for long periods of time in selected situations, but in most cases it is temporary.

The burning sensation is usually intensified by urinating or ejaculation and then subsides again.

causes

The causes of an uncomfortable burning sensation in the glans can be varied.

Often the cause lies in the urethra (urethra). This can be irritated for no apparent cause and be painful when touched. Both when urinating and when men ejaculate, the fluids flow through the urethra and can cause an uncomfortable feeling if the urethra is irritated. If the pain persists for several days when urinating, a doctor should clarify any possible causes.

Inflammation of the glans can also lead to pain. If there is inflammation, the affected area becomes infected with a bacterium or other pathogen. Typical signs of inflammation are redness, swelling, and pain. If there is pain in the glans, the ureter or the glans themselves may be inflamed. A distinction is therefore made between a "Urethritis"And a"Balanitis“.

The main causes of inflammation with pathogens are inadequate hygiene, which can also be caused by a narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis). Sexually transmitted diseases can also cause inflammation in the male member. The most common diseases are chlamydial infections, gonorrhea, thrush, Reiter's disease and, less commonly, syphilis. Condoms, excessive friction on the limb, wounds that bleed easily and diabetes mellitus can all lead to inflammation of the glans penis and urethra.

In rarer cases, excessive penile cleanliness can also cause infections. As the natural skin flora is degreased and damaged by too frequent washing, pathogenic bacteria can settle in the area.

When can it be an STD?

With the so-called STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) there is often a mucosal infection of the urethra (Urethritis). The two main symptoms that lead to a suspected diagnosis are, on the one hand, the burning sensation in the urethra and, on the other hand, the so-called “Bonjour drops”. The latter describe a yellowish-white discharge in the morning.

If you suspect you should see your doctor. Specialists in this subject are either urologists or dermatologists. A swab of the urethra is essential for diagnostic purposes, preferably before taking a urine sample. Cultures can be created from both materials to determine exactly which pathogen is involved.

It is important to note that in the event of a suspicion, the partner must always be treated in order to avoid the so-called “ping-pong effect” (repeated mutual infection with the pathogens).

Concomitant symptoms

The symptoms of urethritis or balanitis can vary widely. It is also quite possible to have a completely asymptomatic course in which the disease remains undetected due to the lack of symptoms.

One of the more common symptoms is a burning sensation when urinating (Alguria). However, it is also possible that the burning sensation or “foreign body-like” sensation occurs permanently, i.e. independently of urination or sexual intercourse.

The so-called “Bonjour drop” (purulent discharge in the morning when urinating) is the first indication of a mostly bacterial infection and is often, but not necessarily, a consequence of unprotected sexual intercourse, during which the transmission takes place.

For balanitis (Glans inflammation) the foreskin or the surrounding tissue is often also affected. The symptoms tend to affect the superficial skin and manifest themselves as redness, swelling and overheating. However, pain is also not uncommon here and also has a burning character.

itching

If itching is added to other symptoms, this can reinforce the suspicion of candida balanitis, also known as genital thrush. There are various options that promote the growth of the yeast fungus. This can come from poor or even excessive hygiene, drugs such as antibiotics, or systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus. The final diagnosis is made by a specialist and usually treated locally with antimycotics.

Glans burn when urinating

A burning pain in the glans that occurs more intensely when urinating, can have various reasons. In medicine, this symptom is called "alguria". The cause can lie with the glans itself, but pain from the penis or the urinary bladder can also be mistakenly perceived as pain in the glans. A typical burning sensation when urinating and the urine being normal in color may indicate inflammation of the lower urinary tract.

A urinary tract or bladder infection occurs when bacteria settle in the mostly sterile environment of the urinary tract. Different bacteria cause different diseases. In the case of urinary tract infections, various pathogens come into question, whereby in addition to bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites are also possible.

The man's urethra is significantly longer than the woman's urethra, which is why this type of infection is much less common in men. An infection does not necessarily have to be traced back to poor hygiene. A typical reason for infection is the presence of a urinary catheter during hospital treatment.

The inflammation can arise in the bladder or penis, but also on the glans itself. In the latter case one speaks of a "balanitis". The painful inflammation causes a sharp burning sensation with every touch from the inside, especially with liquids.

Injuries to the urethra are also conceivable when the glans burns. These can occur for no apparent cause or as a result of external mechanical stress. Mechanical stress can lead to minor injuries to the urethra, especially during sexual intercourse. At the wound site there is pain and especially a burning sensation when urinating. In many cases, the urine is slightly red in color.

If the pain does not subside after a few days, it is advisable to consult a urologist. This can detect an inflammation or injury and treat the cause.

Read more about this under Pain when urinating in men

Acorn burns and is red

Reddening of the glans is a typical sign of inflammation. Typical signs of inflammation are overheating, redness, swelling and pain in the inflamed area. If the glans is swollen and red noticeable from the outside, this indicates a Balanitis or one Balanoposthitis down. “Balanoposthitis” is the inflammation of the glans and foreskin. Bacteria and other pathogens can accumulate under the foreskin. This area must be deliberately cleaned, otherwise these pathogens can cause inflammation there. Balanitis rarely occurs without involvement of the foreskin.

The balanitis rarely only affects the glans, but often spreads to parts of the penis and foreskin. The reddening of the glans is usually the first sign of the onset of inflammation, but it can also only indicate irritation. This can be caused by tight underwear, during or after intercourse (also with other mechanical irritations), but also by allergies. Many men have contact allergies to latex products (latex allergy), intimate jewelry, perfumes or creams, which go unnoticed for a long time because the allergy only manifests itself through reddening.

A urologist should also be consulted in the event of reddening, as in rarer cases it can be a disease that does not heal by itself and requires urgent treatment.

Read more about this under

• Glans reddened
• Swollen glans

Acorn burns and peels

The outer skin of the glans is quite sensitive on the one hand, but regenerative on the other. As the skin is constantly renewed, it sometimes happens that the glans peel and the skin peel off. Various factors can cause irritation and peeling of the glans.

Mechanical stress in particular can irritate the glans. During sexual intercourse, fluid contact and friction cause several factors to irritate the glans. The problem can often be remedied with light skin care lotions or creams that are based on oil. However, creams and lotions can also have an irritating effect on the skin, sometimes even in the form of allergic reactions.

A peeling glans can also be observed during treatments for fungal diseases of the male genitals (genital fungus). If such a disease is suspected, a urologist should be consulted, who will initiate a causal therapy. For this purpose, antifungal ointments are used over long periods of time. Symptoms can still appear even after a while.

Acorn burns and wets

A weeping glans can be due to various causes. In many cases it is inflammatory secretions in the context of balanitis or foreskin inflammation. It almost always occurs with redness, itching, burning sensation when urinating and slight swelling. In addition, the glans constantly wets.

A weeping glans also occurs with the common sexually transmitted diseases. This includes not only bacterial infections, but also fungi and, more rarely, parasites. The typical fungal disease, which is mostly found in the female genitals, can also affect men.
Men with a narrowing of the foreskin or poor hygiene are particularly affected. Circumcised men are almost never affected. For a fungal disease to spread, it has to be warm and humid, which is why the glans is rarely affected in this case.

If the glans gets wet, it is important to keep it dry. Then the glans should not be treated with moisturizers. Underpants that are too tight can also promote warmth and moisture. Towels and underpants should also be cleaned as often and thoroughly as possible. Thus the healing can be accelerated significantly.

Glans burn when ejaculated

Some men experience burning pain in the area of ​​the glans during or after an ejaculation. The pain may be burning during ejaculation. In this case, the discharge is sometimes slightly bloody. The main reason for this pain is found in the prostate. If it is inflamed, this mainly affects the ejaculation. This is called prostatitis. The male ejaculate is made up of only a very small proportion of the sperm. About 30% of the fluid is produced in the prostate. If an ejaculation occurs during an inflammation of the prostate, the prostate function is restricted and pain occurs.

Some men are plagued by ejaculation pain that does not occur until about ten minutes later. The pain manifests itself in a constant, uncomfortable feeling in the penis and glans area, which is accompanied by a feeling of urination. This pain is also often described in connection with alcohol consumption. The cause is not known, but the pain will subside on its own after a while.

Red spots on the glans

Red dots on the glans are not a disease in their own right, but merely an appearance on the skin, which is also known as a "rash" or rash. Red dots can also appear for no apparent reason. They are often a side effect of minor irritation to the glans. Excessive friction, for example on pants or underpants, but also through sexual intercourse, can cause irritation.

In rare cases, red dots are the first sign of a potential sex disease. Especially if there is also a burning sensation or itching. If there is little suspicion of a sexually transmitted disease, a doctor should be consulted so that the cause can be determined as soon as possible, treatment can begin and the sexual partner can also be treated.

There is an urgent need for treatment, especially if, in addition to the local genital symptoms, there are fever, chills and fatigue.

Read more about this under Red spots on the glans

Acorn burns and stinks

A persistent stench of the glans can indicate various diseases. Often the glans smell unpleasant from deposits of sweat and dirt. If this is the case, the stench can be explained by poor hygiene and can be quickly remedied.

However, a lingering stench often indicates inflammation. If the stench only gets stronger when you urinate, there could be a urinary tract infection. The bladder and the urethra are often affected. If the smell is permanent, the inflammation is more external to the genitalia. Many bacterial and viral pathogens can cause sexually transmitted diseases.

Fungi, in particular, can attack the glans in men and cause a stench. In contrast to women, men do not always have further symptoms, which is why the infection often goes undetected or can be ignored.

In any case, if there is an unpleasant odor that cannot be removed by washing, a urologist should be consulted, as a possible infection should be treated early.

Mushroom on the acorn

Medically, the fungus on the acorn is also called "Candida balantis". The fungus is often transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse. Rarer causes are narrowing of the foreskin, poor hygiene, a weak immune system, but also medication such as antibiotics.

Typical symptoms of a fungal disease can vary. The infection may be completely asymptomatic or cause itching, redness, swelling, an unpleasant odor, or oozing.

Read more on this topic under: Penile fungus - Candidiasis in men

therapy

In order to detect an infection of the glans penis or the urinary tract, a skin swab and a urine sample should be taken from a doctor. The exact pathogen causing inflammation can be identified and targeted therapy. This is followed by treatment with antibiotics or anti-fungal drugs called "antimycotics".

Is the cause of poor hygiene or a narrowing of the foreskin (Phimosis), the foreskin can be removed with a short surgical procedure, which creates significantly better hygiene (phimosis surgery).

If the cause of the burning sensation in the glans is irritation or a non-infectious rash, cortisone ointments can relieve symptoms.

Home remedies for burning the glans

It is important to prevent infectious inflammation in the male genitalia hygiene, especially under the foreskin. The risk of sexually transmitted diseases should also be considered in unprotected traffic. The diagnosis and treatment should always be initiated together with the sexual partner.

If the glans is damp as a result of inflammation, it must be ensured that the liquid can drain off and the glans remains dry. A damp environment promotes various inflammations. Moisturizers should be avoided if symptoms affect the glans. Only creams prescribed by a doctor that contain active ingredients can be beneficial for healing.

Duration and forecast

Depending on the underlying cause, the prognoses are quite good. In most cases, suitable drug therapy (e.g. antibiotics) is sufficient. As a rule, such therapy schemes last for 7-14 days. In some cases, the so-called conservative measures, such as hygiene adjustments or changing to more suitable underwear, are often sufficient.

It should be noted that the partner is treated in any case as soon as there is a bacterial infection in the context of a sexually transmitted disease, e.g. deals with gonococci or chlamydia.