Patient's question:
Recently, I've been working outdoors and the weather has been quite hot. Today, I noticed a white layer on my glans and a bit of burning sensation during urination, along with some small spots. I'm not sure if it's inflammation or if I've contracted syphilis. Looking at pictures online, it seems quite like balanitis and syphilis. How can I differentiate between them?Doctor's answer:
There is a white film on the glans, which suggests the need for treatment if there is balanitis. Syphilis is typically characterized by sores on the penis that may rupture. This is not to suggest washing the glans frequently and keeping the lower body dry and clean. Additionally, oral antibiotics should be taken and avoid sexual contact with women to prevent the transmission of gynecological balanitis. If it is balanitis, it may primarily present with redness, itching, and rashes on the glans. Syphilis may potentially cause systemic symptoms. In the early stages, it mainly presents with a hard chancre on the glans. Treatment is relatively straightforward, primarily involving the use of erythromycin ointment, combined with potassium permanganate solution immersion. For syphilis, the treatment course typically requires penicillin.