Foreskin Infection
Definition
- A bacterial infection of the space between the foreskin and head of the penis
- The medical name is posthitis
Call or Return If
- After 3 days on antibiotic ointment, still has pain
- Foreskin not healed up in 1 week
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Symptoms
- Foreskin is pink or red.
- The foreskin is also often swollen.
- Passing urine thru the tender foreskin causes pain or burning.
- Pus or cloudy discharge may drain from the opening of the foreskin. This means a bacterial infection has occurred. Usually, the inside of the foreskin just looks reddened.
- Rare to have any fever.
- Peak age is 2 to 5 year old boys who are not circumcised.
Cause
- The infection is in the closed space under the foreskin.
- May start as reddened foreskin from getting soap or bubble bath trapped under it.
- May also start in a small cut. Cuts can be caused by pulling the foreskin back with too much force.
- Then germs get on the foreskin while touching it with dirty hands to pee.
- Usually, the foreskin is tight and can only be retracted a little. This makes it hard to keep the area clean.
- If there is pus, the most common bacterial cause is Strep. (as in Strep throat)
- Frequent bouts of foreskin infection often means the child needs a circumcision. This is when the foreskin is removed.
Prevention of Future Infections
- Wash the hands before touching the foreskin and penis.
- Retract and clean under the foreskin at least weekly.
- Don't leave any soap under the foreskin.
After Care Advice
Overview:- Infections under the foreskin are usually mild.
- If treated early, an antibiotic ointment usually works.
- Sometimes, an antibiotic given by mouth is needed.
- Here is some care advice that should help.
Clean Under the Foreskin:- Cleaning the infected space is the most important step.
- Retract the foreskin as far as it will go easily. Be gentle.
- Then wash the exposed head of the penis gently with warm water. Reason: To help prevent foreskin infections.
- Do not use soap or leave any soap under the foreskin. Reason: This can cause redness and swelling.
- Wipe away any pus or dried discharge that you find there.
- After cleansing, dry the head of the penis.
- Then always pull the foreskin forward to its normal position.
- Other option: soak in warm bath water without any soap in it. Shake the penis in the bath water
- Do this 2 times per day to help clear up the infection.
Antibiotic Ointment: - Put an antibiotic ointment on the head of the penis and under the foreskin. No prescription is needed.
- Do this 2 times per day.
- Examples are Bacitracin or Polysporin. You can also use one you have at home.
- Repeat the cleansing followed by ointment 2 times per day.
- Keep using the ointment until the foreskin looks normal.
Antibiotic by Mouth: - Sometimes the infection needs a prescription antibiotic to clear it up.
- The drug will kill the germs that are causing the foreskin infection.
- Give the drug as directed.
- Try not to forget any of the doses.
Foreskin Partial Retraction - How to Do It: - Start gentle partial retraction at 1 to 2 years of age.
- It can be done once per week during bathing.
- Gently pull the skin on the shaft of the penis backward towards the stomach.
- This will make the foreskin open up. You will be able to see the part of the glans (head of the penis).
- Be gentle. Pulling the foreskin back should never cause pain or crying.
- Then clean the area with warm water.
- Normal cleaning under the foreskin only needs to be done 1 or 2 times a week.
What to Expect:- On treatment, pain when passing urine should be gone in 2 days.
- Foreskin should look better by 3 days.
- Foreskin should look normal by 1 week.
Return to School:- The infection cannot spread to others. No need to miss any child care or school.
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP
Copyright 2000-2021 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
Article 2511
|