Symptoms
Inflammation of the glans initially manifests itself mostly by a reddening of the glans itself. This can occur to varying degrees, itching, wetting or even burning when urinating. In addition, there are often whitish, greasy coatings, the so-called smegma.
Especially in children with phimosis, but also in adults, a purulent discharge can occur. This is often foul-smelling. Pain during sexual intercourse, or when the foreskin is pulled back, can also be an indication of an inflammation of the glans.
If the cause of the inflammation of the glans is more likely to be mechanical irritation, or excessive cleansing with drying soaps or shower gels, the glans may be more likely to be cracked or even scaly. In case of whitish, bluish discolorations and a rather progressive scarring, a systemic skin disease, such as lichen sclerosus or pemphigus vulgaris, should always be excluded. The inflammation of the glans can be treated well in principle.
However, the treatment may take some time until the final success. In the first place, of course, a cause-oriented therapy is the most important thing. If the inflammation of the glans is not infectious, the first priority is to eliminate harmful influences.
In addition, a care of the skin areas and sitz baths with camomile extract or other disinfecting substances can contribute to healing. In the case of clearly non-infectious inflammation, a light cortisone cream can also be used to contain the inflammation itself. Dabbing the acorn with olive oil or other nourishing oils can also provide relief.
This is especially important immediately after urination, as it keeps the urine away from the already irritated skin. In the therapy of an infectious inflammation of the glans one falls back on means, which must be co-ordinated with the respective pathogen. The microbiological diagnostics mentioned above are also important for this.
A bacterial infection can usually be treated well with an antibiotic ointment, such as Refobacin®. In case of infestation with viruses or yeasts, corresponding ointments with antimycotic or antiviral ingredients are available on the market.Especially in the case of an infection, of course, hygiene is an important basis for treatment. The glans should be thoroughly cleaned, as residual smegma provides the ideal breeding ground for the germs.
Sitting baths can also help here, if the glans cannot be cleaned well in any other way, or only with great pain. In more severe cases, but also in case of systemic infections, such as chlamydia or syphilis, local ointment treatment is not sufficient. In this case, after exact detection of the corresponding pathogen, an antibiotic must be taken orally or as an injection.
If an inflammation of the glans is very persistent, circumcision should be considered, especially if the foreskin is rather narrow and difficult to move anyway. Often the inflammation can be treated permanently after circumcision due to the better hygienic conditions and the less humid environment. During the time of the inflammation sexual intercourse should be avoided in any case. This not only protects the glans, but also prevents a possible infection of the partner. With all venereal diseases it should be remembered that the partner should be treated as well, or at least have a checkup by a doctor.
