Concerns About Glans Inflammation - 20-Year-Old Male
Hello everyone, I’m a 20-year-old male experiencing a concerning issue that has persisted for about 2 to 4 months. Lately, I've noticed that the glans of my penis appears quite inflamed, exhibiting some raised bumps that occasionally have white tips. The part of my glans that the foreskin no longer covers also shows significant inflammation. Furthermore, I've observed that the right side of the foreskin band turns red after friction, and during an instance of masturbation, the skin in that area began to peel. Thankfully, I do not experience any pain, discomfort, unusual discharge, itchiness, or malodor, and urination remains normal with no tightness in the foreskin. I’ve consulted with my general practitioner on two separate occasions. On the first visit, I was prescribed Canesten, but it had no noticeable effect. Next, I was given hydrocortisone, which minimally reduced the inflammation but did not resolve the issue. My doctor is uncertain about the diagnosis but believes it is neither fungal nor bacterial in nature. Today he took a swab sample for testing and referred me to a dermatologist, suggesting that it may be related to other conditions but thankfully not cancer. I’m curious, based on my symptoms and appearance, could this be dermatitis, an compromised skin barrier, or something more serious like lichen or psoriasis? I have also experimented with various oils and creams, which unfortunately led to an increase in inflammation. After using just Vaseline overnight and washing with lukewarm water, the inflammation seems slightly less severe today. My history includes daily masturbation, and I used to take two hot showers a day, which makes me wonder if that might have contributed to the problem. Additionally, I previously washed with body soap directly on my genitals, but I stopped this practice a couple of months ago. I have been abstaining from masturbation for about two weeks now.
Answers (1)
7/11/2025, 2:20:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's good to hear you're attentive to the changes in your body. The inflammation and raised bumps on your glans may relate to various skin conditions, and it is reassuring that your doctor is taking steps to diagnose it accurately. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and the next steps you might take.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms do not strongly suggest a serious issue like cancer, and your doctor's referral to a dermatologist is a positive step towards an accurate diagnosis.
- Possible conditions could include localized dermatitis or skin irritation, which is often aggravated by irritation or moisture.
Explanation:
-
Possible Conditions:
- Dermatitis: This could be an irritant or allergic reaction, especially if you've used various products that may not be suitable for sensitive areas.
- Lichen Simplex Chronicus or Psoriasis: Both can cause raised bumps and inflammation, though they usually present with additional symptoms like itchiness or scaling.
- Friction or Irritation: Given that the same area reacts to activity such as masturbation, it could be that friction or skin trauma is a contributing factor.
-
Contributing Factors:
- Daily hot showers and the use of soaps on your genital area may have disrupted the normal skin barrier, leading to dryness or irritation.
- Experimenting with oils and creams (apart from Vaseline) has also triggered increased inflammation, indicating hypersensitivity.
Next Steps:
-
Observe and Record: Keep a diary noting any changes in the appearance of the glans and foreskin, any products you use, as well as changes in activities like masturbation and bathing habits. This may help identify triggers.
-
Gentle Care: Continue using Vaseline as a moisturizer. Avoid any harsh chemicals, soaps, or creams on your genitals to give your skin time to heal and prevent further irritation.
-
Limit Friction: While abstaining from masturbation has been beneficial, consider also avoiding any activities that might cause friction until you know more about what’s causing the irritation.
-
Follow-up with the Dermatologist: Be sure to discuss all your symptoms, past treatments, and observations. The dermatologist might provide specific treatments or recommend a patch test to rule out allergies.
-
Maintain Hygiene: Clean gently with lukewarm water. If needed, you may use a gentle, unscented soap on the surrounding area, avoiding the direct application on the glans.
It's encouraging that symptoms are already showing slight improvement. Remember, your skin needs time to repair, so give it a break from any potential irritants as you await further input from your healthcare professionals. Please feel free to reach out if you need more guidance or support.
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance
I understand that this may not belong to the appropriate category, however, I am unable to locate one that addresses symptoms of illness. My mother, who is in her 60s, has been experiencing significant memory issues, slurred speech, and excessive sleep—often up to 15 hours a day—for the last year. Medical examinations have ruled out both dementia and stroke, as she has undergone numerous brain scans and assessments. Last night was particularly concerning; she asked me how to send an email, stating she couldn’t manage it. This is a woman who has run her own business since she was 20, making this incident alarming for both of us. Approximately 15 years ago, she received radiotherapy for a non-cancerous brain tumor, which was inoperable due to her history of multiple heart attacks at that time. Despite our concerns, doctors have consistently reassured her that there is nothing physically wrong or have suggested it is merely anxiety. The situation has been deteriorating, and it feels as though no one is taking us seriously. We are in desperate need of assistance and guidance.
Concerns About Colon Cancer at 19
Hello, I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 46 kg, and I have no known family history of colon cancer. Recently, I've observed bright red blood in my stool on two occasions. While the initial amount was small, the second time, it appeared to be more significant. Although I struggle with constipation, I didn’t experience any pain during bowel movements, aside from a brief burning feeling, perhaps due to a slight push. Lately, I’ve been having discomfort in my hips, which seems to worsen after using the restroom and persists throughout the day. It feels as if gas is building up or that I'm being jabbed with something sharp. It also resembles a muscle cramp. My stool’s shape isn’t excessively thin, but one end is thicker and round while the other tapers to a point. Upon researching, I came across information suggesting a connection to colon cancer, and there were mentions of bowel obstructions, which frightened me. I feel a sense of incompleteness when I try to empty my bowels; after using the bathroom, although there’s some relief, the urge quickly returns, which is bothersome. Up until 2-3 months ago, I didn’t have any of these issues, but everything escalated within the last month. I attributed these changes to heightened stress levels, but now that I’ve seen blood, my perspective has shifted. I haven’t experienced any weight loss, yet I haven't been able to gain any either. I’ve always had a slight frame and a poor appetite since I was young, but recently, I’ve been eating more frequently, including high-fiber snacks. I thought I had gained some weight since the scale indicated the same reading, but I find myself waking up every day still at 46 kg. I can’t help but worry whether this points to a serious issue. Despite not having symptoms like bloating or abdominal pain, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia (IDA) last year. My doctor indicated that my iron stores were low, and even though I don’t consume much fish or many vegetables, I do include red meat in my diet. While I initially thought my deficiency was due to my menstrual cycle or erratic eating patterns, the current symptoms are making me question whether they may signal a problem like cancer. It feels as though I’m displaying nearly all the warning signs of colon cancer, which is terrifying. I recognize that self-diagnosis isn’t advisable, yet my anxiety is overwhelming. Reading stories on Reddit about young individuals without familial predispositions being diagnosed with colon cancer has heightened my concern, especially since many shared similar symptoms to mine. I have an appointment with my doctor next week, but I felt compelled to share my experiences here in hopes of connecting with others who might have faced similar issues but ultimately did not have cancer, just to bring some comfort before my visit.
Is This a Sign of Throat Cancer?
33-Year-Old Male from the USA I've been experiencing a sensation of fullness in the back of my throat recently. Occasionally, there's slight ear discomfort that seems to fluctuate. Additionally, I sometimes suffer from severe acid reflux. Many years ago, around 13-15 years back, I was involved in a sexual relationship with someone who had a positive HPV diagnosis. For quite some time, I have noticed a lump behind my tonsils. I’m curious whether this growth is a natural part of my tonsils or possibly a tumor.
Concerns About Neck Swelling
Greetings, While taking a selfie, I noticed that one side of my neck appears to be more pronounced than the other. At night, I occasionally experience a sharp sensation, akin to having a pencil swirling around in the neck area; it’s uncomfortable but not unbearable. This has raised some worries for me. Should I consult a healthcare professional? If so, how urgently should I do this? Thank you for your guidance. Demographics: Age: 19 Gender: Female Medication: Citalopram
Severe Discomfort in a Previously Fractured Leg
In August 2019, I suffered a break in my leg, specifically a tibia and fibula spiral fracture, along with a straight fracture in my ankle. Following this incident, I underwent surgery during which a rod was inserted to aid in healing. Occasionally, I experience discomfort reminiscent of a toothache, which I know can be a common occurrence. This typically happens after extensive walking or spending time working in my flower garden. I find that applying products like Bengay or Aspercreme tends to alleviate the pain. However, over the past two or three days, the discomfort has intensified significantly. The pain is localized to the area where the fracture occurred, and I found it so severe last night that I was unable to sleep. Is this something I should expect? By the way, I am a 61-year-old woman. I appreciate any insights or advice you might offer.