Urology-Online

Glans reddened

definition

The acorn is used in technical language Glans penis called. During an erection, the glans is usually completely or at least partially exposed, as the foreskin then retracts. When not erect, it is covered by the foreskin in uncircumcised men.
The acorn is very sensitiveas they are good with annoy is supplied. That is why it is one of the most erogenous zones in the male body. She is also with many Sebum glands fitted. In addition, the urethra inside the glans and ends at its tip.
If the glans is reddened, there could be several possible causes. Often it is a Inflammation of the glans, a so-called Balanitis. Since the foreskin rests directly on the glans, inflammation can easily spread from the glans to the foreskin, which is called a Balanoposthitis. It affects uncircumcised men more often than circumcised.

causes

The most common cause of a reddened glans is glansitis. This can be triggered by infection with a certain pathogen or it can have non-infectious causes. So can for example mechanical Irritation causes reddening of the glans and even inflammation. Also, excessive cleaning of the glans and using Disinfectants can lead to glans irritation or inflammation.
A reddening can also be as allergic reaction against detergents or certain Condoms occur. Lack of hygiene can also be the cause of a reddened glans penis. The sebum secretion, the Smegma, accumulate and cause inflammation.
In boys, it often occurs as part of a pre-puberty Constriction of the foreskin (phimosis) inflammation of the glans.
The main infectious causes of glansitis include mushroom- and Bacterial infections. The intestinal bacteria in particular are a common cause. Also in the context of STDs glans can be inflamed. For this are above all Herpes viruses, human papillomavirus (HPV) and Chlamydia responsible. Also syphilis and gonorrhea can be associated with balanitis.
If fluid builds up under the foreskin, for example when the foreskin is narrowed or after an operation to remove the prostate, this can also be the cause of inflammation of the glans penis. One speaks of the so-called Zoon disease. Especially men who attend Diabetes mellitus suffer are often affected.
In addition, various skin diseases can lead to or at least favor inflammation of the foreskin. These include psoriasis and the seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms

In addition to reddening of the glans, accompanying symptoms often occur. The glans may burn, itch, swell or external changes may occur. Depending on the symptoms accompanied by the reddening of the glans, this indicates different diseases.

Burning with reddened glans

A burning sensation often occurs when there is a inflammation the acorn acts. Especially if the problems are mainly with Urination urinary tract involvement should be investigated. Depending on whether changes in the penile skin can also be seen, various pathogens can be the cause.

Swelling with reddened glans

The swelling of the penis is also a right unspecific Symptom and provides little information about the cause of the disease. However, if the glans itself is swollen, this is often accompanied by symptoms. Pulling back the foreskin can be difficult and the severe swelling can cause problems urinating.

Itching with reddened glans

If the penis itches in addition to a reddened glans, this can also have various causes. Step additionally white discoloration and if the penis is reddened, it is probably one Fungal infection responsible for. Also poor intimate hygiene can be the cause of the itching.

White coating on reddened glans

If there is a white coating on the penis or the glans, it can be either dried smega act, which can also be responsible for the inflammation of the glans if there is a lack of hygiene. On the other hand, it can also be Discharge from the penis acting as a result of an inflammation of the glans.
If the white coating appears as a border of local redness, this can be due to the so-called Reiter syndrome indicate. Step here Joint inflammation, Urinary tract infection and a Conjunctivitis at the same time.

Spots with reddened glans

The appearance of the spots on a reddened glans gives information about the most likely cause. At a Herpes infection occur the spots as grouped vesicles in appearance and are often of fever and swollen lymph nodes accompanied in the groin.
At a chronic Glans inflammation, which is mainly caused by a narrowing of the foreskin, can often be avoided smooth red-brown spots with a damp surface observe.
If it is cauliflower-like Growths, so can human papillomavirus (HPV) be the trigger.
Also one Syphilis infection leads to ulcers on the penis. However, these are painful and show you hard edge on.

diagnosis

If there is a suspicion of bacterial inflammation of the glans, a smear can be taken, which is examined in the laboratory for the presence of pathogens.

Diagnosing a Glans inflammation (Balanitis) or an inflammation can be ruled out by a urologist.

After describing the symptoms, the patient is physically examined.
This includes the examination of the penis, which consists of looking at the foreskin and examining it more closely in order to be able to identify any narrowing of the foreskin.

Changes in the color or structure of the penis should also be carefully examined. Palpation of the inguinal lymph nodes is also part of the examination.

A swab of the penis secretion should be taken if an infectious balanitis is suspected. If necessary, a blood test can also be carried out in order to be able to check inflammation levels, which could indicate a spreading infection.

If the course of the glans inflammation is very complicated and protracted, in some cases it may be necessary to take a tissue sample and examine it (biopsy). In this way, a tumor in particular can be excluded.

If the cause of the glans reddening is suspected in the urinary tract, the doctor can do an ultrasound examination and detect any changes there.

therapy

It is important to treat inflammation of the glans correctly and in good time. If this does not happen, the inflammation can spread and increase along the urinary tract Urinary tract infections, Blow- or Prostate inflammation to lead.
The therapy depends on the appearance and cause of the inflammation. In most cases there is one local Treatment sufficient. The most important basis for this is thorough and appropriate intimate hygiene. This includes daily washing with clear water and then thorough drying.
If bacteria are the trigger, it is usually with containing antibiotics Treated ointments. Also ointments with an active ingredient against Mushrooms are available.
If infection is not the cause, it can be cortisone ointment used to treat the inflammation.
If local therapy is insufficient, it may be necessary to take the medication as tablets. This is also recommended if there is diabetes mellitus.
If no improvement can be achieved even through systemic therapy, this can be an indication of a malicious Be illness. In these cases a Tissue extraction be made.
For glans inflammation that occurs again and again, there is often one Narrowing of the foreskin (Phimosis) the cause. Here it is recommended to use a surgical removal of the foreskinto perform a circumcision. After that, no more fluid can accumulate under the foreskin and the susceptibility to infections is reduced.