Patient's question:
On a business trip, I had a ridiculous experience. After coming back, I noticed small red bumps on my penis in no time. I suspected that I might have contracted a bad disease. But I had taken precautions back then. I also didn't dare to tell my wife.Doctor's answer:
Small bumps on the glans may be caused by balanitis, which often leads to redness, swelling, pain, or discharge accompanied by small red spots on the glans. Additionally, factors such as excessive foreskin, unclean sexual intercourse, and infections could contribute to the appearance of small bumps on the glans, or balanitis may also be the cause. It is recommended to pay attention to personal hygiene, maintain a regular lifestyle, and adopt a light diet. If small bumps are found on the glans, it is important to seek medical treatment promptly, undergo examinations to identify the cause, and address the issue effectively.1. Candida Infection
Candida is a conditionally pathogenic fungus, so candidal balanitis often follows diabetes, elderly wasting diseases, or prolonged antibiotic or hormone treatments. It can also be primary, usually transmitted from a partner with candidal vaginitis. The glans and coronal sulcus may develop superficial red erosions and thin-walled pustules, but Candida is often not found locally. This may be due to a local allergic reaction caused by Candida.
2. Non-infectious Factors
These include local trauma, friction, contraceptives, soaps, and cleaning agents, which can cause edema, erythema, erosion, exudation, or even bleeding. If secondary bacterial infection occurs, it may lead to purulent discharge and the formation of ulcers. Patients experience significant pain and difficulty in movement. Clinically, this is referred to as acute superficial balanitis.
3. Trichomonas Infection
This is usually transmitted from a partner with trichomoniasis. The symptoms are relatively mild, primarily red papules and small vesicles on the glans. The lesions are well-defined and gradually expand, with itching commonly reported. Trichomonads can be found in the discharge.
4. Amoebic Infection
Patients often first develop balanitis, which disrupts the normal protective barrier of the foreskin and glans. Subsequently, amoebiasis from the intestine may cause local erosion, ulcers, and significant tissue necrosis. Amoebic trophozoites can be identified in direct smears of the discharge.