Hello Doctor,
I think I have an infection around my foreskin and the head of my penis. The head looks red and has a white coating on it. The foreskin feels itchy, and sometimes I get small cuts on it too. It’s uncomfortable and worrying me a bit. What could this be, and what should I do?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Based on your symptoms—redness, white coating, itching, and small cuts—you might be dealing with a condition called balanitis, often caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. The white coating could be a yeast infection (like candidiasis), especially if it's itchy. Small cuts on the foreskin can happen due to irritation, dryness, or infection.
To help manage this:
1. Gently wash the area with warm water daily—avoid soaps or scented products.
2. You may need an antifungal or antibiotic cream depending on the cause.
3. Avoid scratching or pulling back the foreskin too forcefully.
If symptoms don't improve or get worse, it’s best to get checked by a doctor for proper treatment.
Thanks
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