Introduction
Red patches on the glans can be the expression of various diseases and have a different disease value. The causes can be of infectious or non-infectious nature, not infrequently sexually transmitted pathogens play a role. In general, however, every man can suffer from it.
In most cases, red spots on the glans are no cause for concern, but nevertheless they should be examined by a doctor for optimal treatment. Red patches on the glans can be roughly divided into two categories: with or without itching. In the following, the most important information on this is presented, taking this subdivision into account.
Red spots on the glans – with itching
Red patches on the glans are often accompanied by severe itching. There are a number of possible causes, which can be an expression of an infection or a symptom of an allergic reaction. The most common cause of red patches on the glans with itching is an inflammation of the glans, known as balanitis (more on this topic under Causes of an inflamed glans).
Usually the foreskin is also affected, so this is called balanoposthitis. Inflammation of the glans can be seen as a symptom of various causes. Besides infections, an allergic reaction can also cause red spots on the glans with itching.
An allergy to the ingredients of shower and care products or to plastics in condoms, especially latex (see Latex allergy), may be present. Rarely are systemic diseases responsible for red spots on the glans.
- Viral causes: Herpes genitalis is one of the most common causes here, causing red spots on the glans with itching.
The pathogen is usually the herpes virus type 1 or 2, which is transmitted through direct contact, especially during sexual intercourse.
- Bacterial causes: Bacteria can also cause red spots on the glans in the context of balanitis, which are accompanied by itching. Bacterial infections here are usually caused by a lack of hygiene. However, excessive genital hygiene, in which the natural protective film on the glans is damaged, can also lead to irritation-related inflammation of the glans with red spots and itching.
- Fungal diseases: Finally, fungal diseases are also a not uncommon cause of red spots with itching on the glans.
Red patches on the glans, which are accompanied by itching, can present themselves in different ways.
First, however, red patches on the glans with itching are relatively unspecific and must be objectified by further diagnostics.
- Herpes genitalis: These are small red spots in small groups that change into fluid-filled blisters and cause pain. Severe itching is typical here.
- Bacterial causes: Such cases may also show symptoms of severe inflammation, which may include pus in addition to pain and redness.
Sometimes the inflammation can also cause pain when urinating.
- Allergies: Allergically caused red spots on the glans with itching usually occur in temporal relation to the exposure to the triggering substance.
In order to clarify red spots on the glans with itching, swabs can be used to detect the pathogen. In this way viruses, bacteria and fungi can be detected. Of course, the anamnesis is also in the foreground in order to check habits during sexual intercourse and accompanying symptoms or to get indications of an allergy.
The important question for red spots on the glans with itching is: What can you do? That depends on the cause, of course. For example, if the symptoms do not disappear after a short time, you should have them clarified by a doctor.
If you have red spots on the glans with itching, you can use daily baths that are mixed with breastfeeding and pain-relieving substances such as chamomile.
- Herpes infection: In this case, you can wait for spontaneous healing, the therapy may be accompanied by an itch-killing ointment. If the symptoms persist, antiviral medication should be used for a few days as an ointment or in tablet form.
- Fungal infection: Here, an ointment with special antimycotic active ingredients, which is applied daily, is also suitable.
- Bacterial infection: Here antibiotics are used.
- allergies: Here one should pay attention to avoid the triggering substances.
For example, latex-free condoms and hypoallergenic shower gel can be used. If necessary, a cortisone ointment can also be used.
In most cases, red spots on the glans with itching are no cause for concern, although they can be very unpleasant. In most cases these are self-limiting diseases.
Nevertheless, a medical examination should be carried out if the symptoms persist or worsen. As a prophylaxis, appropriate genital care plays a major role, but without irritating the sensitive skin too much. Warm water without shampoo should be sufficient here. You can effectively protect yourself against sexually transmitted diseases, which include genital herpes and fungal infections, by using a condom. It is also important to inform your sexual partner if red spots appear on the glans with itching, so that he or she can be treated as well.
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