Symptoms
In addition to a reddening of the glans, accompanying symptoms often occur. The glans can burn, itch, swell or external changes can occur. Depending on which symptoms accompany the reddening of the glans, this points to different diseases.
A burning sensation often occurs when it is an inflammation of the glans. Especially if the problems are mainly urination problems, an involvement of the urinary tract should be investigated. Depending on whether additional changes in the skin of the penis can be seen, various pathogens can be the cause.
Swelling of the penis is also a rather unspecific symptom and gives little information about the cause of the disease. However, if the glans itself is swollen, this often brings along accompanying symptoms. The retraction of the foreskin can be difficult and due to the severe swelling, problems with urination can occur.
If the penis itches in addition to a reddened glans, this too can have various causes. If white discoloration occurs in addition and the penis is reddened, a fungal infection is probably responsible. A lack of intimate hygiene can also be the cause of itching.
If there is a white coating on the penis or the glans, it can either be dried smega, 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 an outflow from the penis, which occurs as a result of inflammation of the glans. If the white coating appears as a limiting edge of local redness, this may indicate the so-called Reiter syndrome.
Here, joint inflammation, urinary tract inflammation and conjunctivitis occur simultaneously. The appearance of the spots on a reddened glans indicates which cause is most likely. In a herpes infection the spots appear as grouped blisters and are often accompanied by fever and swollen lymph nodes in the groin.In the case of a chronic inflammation of the glans, which is mainly caused by a narrowing of the foreskin, smooth reddish-brown spots with a moist surface can often be observed.
If cauliflower-like growths are involved, human papilloma viruses (HPV) may be the trigger. A syphilis infection also leads to ulcers on the penis. However, these are painful and have a hard edge.
The diagnosis of an inflammation of the glans (balanitis) or the exclusion of an inflammation can be made by a urologist. After describing the symptoms, the patient is physically examined. This includes an examination of the penis, which consists of looking at and closely examining the foreskin in order to be able to detect any narrowing of the foreskin.
Changes in the penis in terms of color or structure should also be closely examined. Palpation of the groin lymph nodes is also part of the examination. A smear of the penis secretion should be taken if infectious balanitis is suspected.
If necessary, a blood test can also be performed to check for inflammation, which may indicate a spreading infection. If the course of the inflammation of the glans is very complicated and protracted, in some cases it may be necessary to take and examine a tissue sample (biopsy). This can especially help to rule out a tumor. If the cause of the acorn redness is suspected in the urinary tract, the doctor can perform an ultrasound examination and detect any changes there.