Patient's question:
I am already 19 this year. Recently, I've noticed an itchy sensation at the connection between my glans and foreskin for three or four days. The glans is red, and there are small spots on it. When the glans is erect, the spots are very noticeable. The spots are raised and very small. The redness of the glans is localized, and it seems like I might have balanitis. How should I properly treat balanitis?Doctor's answer:
Balanoposthitis can be caused by sexual activity or phimosis, leading to infection with Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Trichomonas, Chlamydia, Mycoplasma, fungi, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, or other bacteria. Alternatively, it may result from insufficient cleaning of the foreskin, allowing smegma (accumulated dirt between the foreskin and glans) to irritate the local foreskin and mucosa, triggering inflammation again. It is recommended to visit the infectious disease department for a definitive diagnosis, which facilitates timely and appropriate treatment.