Persistent Sores on Penis — Seeking Guidance
I am a 25-year-old male. About four months prior, I engaged in unprotected sexual activity with a partner. Since that encounter, my masturbation frequency has diminished to approximately once a week. Recently, I began to observe some sores or fissures on the shaft and around the foreskin. While they are not extremely painful, they occasionally exhibit redness and irritation, displaying a pattern where they seem to heal only to reopen or reappear after a short time. I've noticed that following masturbation, these areas tend to worsen. Several weeks have passed, and these sores continue to linger without complete resolution. I haven’t noticed any pus or significant swelling, nor do I experience additional symptoms like fever or painful urination; the only concern is this ongoing skin condition that heals very slowly. I am uncertain whether this issue is due to friction or if it may be related to that prior encounter. This situation is causing me quite a bit of anxiety, and I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights regarding my condition.
Answers (1)
7/30/2025, 7:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with persistent sores or fissures around the penis, which can be concerning and understandably cause anxiety. Let's break down the main points:
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Possible Causes: The sores you're experiencing could be due to friction from masturbation, an underlying skin condition, or even an infection that may have arisen after your unprotected sexual encounter. Given that you have no discomfort during urination or other severe symptoms, it is likely not an urgent infection, but it still needs attention.
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Healing Process: The sores healing and then reopening may indicate that the affected skin is being irritated again, which can happen if there is friction or if the area is not kept clean and dry.
Next Steps:
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Practice Good Hygiene: Ensure you keep the area clean and dry. Use mild, unscented soap and avoid applying any irritants (like lotions or scented products) that can aggravate the skin.
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Limit Friction: While it may be difficult, try to limit activities that could irritate the area, such as masturbation or tight clothing, until the skin heals more completely.
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Moisturize with Care: If the area feels dry, you may consider applying a gentle, hypoallergenic moisturizer to aid healing. However, avoid anything that may have fragrances or potential irritants.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the sores. If you notice any changes such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or if new symptoms develop, it would indicate a need for professional evaluation.
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Identify Triggers: After a week of implementing these care steps, see if the situation improves or if the sores continue to be problematic. If they still persist without significant improvement, consider that a more effective approach may be needed.
Feeling anxious about your health is completely normal, especially in these circumstances. Prioritize self-care, and try to give your body some time to heal naturally. If issues persist beyond this simple guidance, seeking a healthcare professional’s insight would be advisable to rule out any more serious conditions.
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