Inflammation of the Penis

Inflammation of the penis can be caused by infections, such as yeast infections, sexually transmitted infections Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Sexually transmitted infection (STI) refers to an infection that is passed through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or other body fluids during oral, anal, or genital sex with an infected partner... read more (STIs), and scabies Scabies Infestation Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation caused by mites. Scabies usually spreads from person to person through physical contact. People with scabies have severe itching, even though there are... read more . When secretions become trapped under the foreskin, they may become infected, leading to posthitis.

Noninfectious causes include skin disorders, including allergic reactions Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a particular substance. The rash may be itchy, is confined to a specific area, and often has clearly defined boundaries... read more (for example, to a latex condom or to birth control liquids or gels), lichen planus Lichen planus of the penis Various abnormalities can affect the skin of the penis. Some are bodywide skin disorders that affect the penis as well as other parts of the skin. Examples include psoriasis, lichen planus,... read more , psoriasis Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring disease that causes one or more raised, red patches that have silvery scales and a distinct border between the patch and normal skin. A problem with the immune... read more , seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic Dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is chronic inflammation that causes yellow, greasy scales and dandruff to form on areas of the skin that have a high number of oil glands such as the scalp and face, along... read more , and balanitis xerotica obliterans Balanitis xerotica obliterans Various abnormalities can affect the skin of the penis. Some are bodywide skin disorders that affect the penis as well as other parts of the skin. Examples include psoriasis, lichen planus,... read more .

Balanoposthitis often begins with balanitis. It develops more often if

Inflammation of the penis causes

Often, the symptoms begin within 2 or 3 days after sexual intercourse. Sores on the penis and swollen lymph nodes in the groin can develop.

Doctors usually diagnose penile inflammation by examining the penis and genital area. Doctors may ask about whether the man has used latex condoms.

Blood sugar may be measured to test for diabetes, and tests for yeast infections Candidiasis Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by several species of the yeast Candida, especially Candida albicans. The most common type of candidiasis is a superficial infection of... read more and sexually transmitted infections Overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Sexually transmitted infection (STI) refers to an infection that is passed through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or other body fluids during oral, anal, or genital sex with an infected partner... read more (STIs) may be done.

Sometimes doctors need to cleanse the area under the foreskin and instruct the man in good hygiene practices. The cause of the inflammation is treated. Circumcision may be done if the foreskin remains too tight around the glans.