The foreskin is called the movable skin which lies over the outer part of the penis, the oblong. You may have problems with the foreskin for a variety of reasons.
What Can Problems Cause?
After puberty, foreskin problems may be due to:
- That you wash too often with soap so that the foreskin becomes dry and irritated.
- That you have had inflammation under and in the foreskin, so-called balanitis.
- That you have a skin disease or skin disorder, such as chronic inflammation, fungal infection, eczema, herpes or condyloma.
- That you have a constriction in the foreskin, one too short a string under the eyelid or skin problems that make the foreskin swell and cannot be retracted.
- That the foreskin has been pulled back behind the eyelid and stuck, which can affect circulation.
Symptoms of foreskin problems
Because foreskin problems can have many causes, the symptoms differ. For example, the foreskin can swell and become red, it can hurt or sting. If the foreskin gets stuck behind the eyelid, the outer part of the penis can swell and turn gray-blue.
If you wash too often or with soap, you can get a rash on the penis, itching and dry skin. Especially the inside of the foreskin and the eyelid are sensitive to dehydration.
Treatment for foreskin Problems
Usually, you need some kind of treatment of foreskin problems. What is needed depends on the cause of the problems. If your skin is dry, you can use an unpaired softening cream that you can buy at a pharmacy, or oil to moisturize your skin.
To keep yourself clean, it is enough to wash the abdomen once a day with water. If you are dry on the skin, you can also use an unpainted oil, such as baby oil. Soap can cause skin rashes on the penis, itching and dry skin. Especially the inside of the foreskin and the eyelid are sensitive to dehydration.
You may need to use prescription drugs if you have severe problems or if your complaints are caused by a skin disease. If the foreskin is stuck, you may need surgery.
When and where should I seek care?
You should contact a health care center if:
- You get redness or swelling on the foreskin or oblique and the trouble does not go away in a few days.
- You have been able to pull back the foreskin earlier but now it has started to tighten.
You should seek care directly at a health care center or emergency room if:
- The foreskin is pulled back and stuck.