What causes itchy foreskin?

Foreskin itching may be related to factors such as poor hygiene, allergic reactions, balanitis, urethritis, pubic lice infection, etc. It usually manifests as local redness, swelling, desquamation, abnormal secretions and other symptoms. It can be improved through local cleaning, anti-allergy treatment, anti-infection treatment, etc.

1. Poor hygiene

Insufficient daily cleansing can lead to smegma accumulation, which can irritate the skin and cause itching. It is common in not washing it in time or wearing tight and non-breathable underwear. It is recommended to wash the head of the penis and the inside of the foreskin with warm water every day, keep the area dry and breathable, and avoid using irritating lotions. If it is complicated by skin damage, you can use erythromycin ointment as directed by your doctor to prevent infection.

2. Allergic reaction

Contact with chemicals such as condoms and detergents may induce contact dermatitis, which manifests as itching and rash. If you are diagnosed with an allergy, you need to stop using the allergenic items immediately, and follow the doctor's advice to use topical triamcinolone acetonide and econazole cream to relieve symptoms. In severe cases, oral loratadine tablets can be taken to fight allergies. It is recommended to choose fragrance-free underwear washing products for daily use.

3. Balanitis

Candida albicans or bacterial infection can cause balanitis, which is common in patients with diabetes or those with excessive foreskin. Symptoms include white, curdy discharge and severe itching. It is necessary to seek medical treatment for secretion testing. After diagnosis, topical clotrimazole cream can be used to treat fungal infections. For bacterial infections, mupirocin ointment needs to be used. People with recurrent attacks may need to undergo circumcision.

4. Urethritis

Urethritis due to gonococcal or chlamydial infection may spread to the foreskin, causing redness and swelling of the urethral orifice with itching. The pathogen needs to be confirmed through urine culture. For gonococcal infection, ceftriaxone sodium can be injected as directed by the doctor. For chlamydial infection, azithromycin dispersible tablets can be taken orally. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment, and sexual partners need to be checked simultaneously.

5. Pubic lice infection

Bites from pubic lice, which are transmitted through sexual contact, can cause severe itching and the gray-white worms or eggs may be visible to the naked eye. It is necessary to shave the pubic hair and boil and disinfect the clothes, and apply benzyl benzoate liniment all over the body to kill insects. Spouses or sexual partners must be treated at the same time to avoid cross-infection. Pay attention to disinfecting towels and bedding in public places.

During foreskin itching, you should avoid scratching to aggravate the injury, and wear loose cotton underwear to reduce friction. The diet should be light and spicy foods should be limited. Diabetic patients need to strengthen blood sugar control, and those with excessive foreskin can consult a doctor to evaluate the necessity of surgery. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days or are accompanied by urinary tract discharge or fever, you must seek medical attention immediately and do not abuse hormone ointments on your own.