Male foreskin hides fungus

Male foreskin that is too long may harbor fungi and increase the risk of infection. Excessive foreskin can easily lead to local moisture and difficulty in cleaning, which can provide an environment for fungi to breed and may cause diseases such as foreskinitis and balanitis. The main triggers include poor hygiene habits, low immunity, uncontrolled diabetes, cross-infection by partners, and long-term use of antibiotics.

1. Poor hygiene habits

Incomplete daily cleaning can lead to accumulation of smegma and the breeding of fungi such as Candida albicans. It is recommended to gently open and clean the foreskin with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. When redness, swelling and itching occur, topical clotrimazole cream or miconazole nitrate powder can be used. In severe cases, oral fluconazole capsules are required.

2. Low immunity

When immune function is compromised due to HIV infection, chemotherapy, etc., fungal colonization is more likely to occur. It manifests as the attachment of a white membrane-like substance to the inner plate of the foreskin with erosion. In addition to antifungal treatment, the primary disease needs to be actively treated, and if necessary, itraconazole capsules can be used to control the infection.

3. Diabetes is not under control

High blood sugar will increase the sugar content in the foreskin and promote fungal growth. Typical symptoms are intractable itching and bean-like discharge. It is necessary to monitor blood sugar and use terbinafine hydrochloride spray, while controlling glycated hemoglobin below 7%.

4. Cross-infection between partners

When a sexual partner suffers from fungal vaginitis, it can be transmitted to the foreskin through sexual contact. Both parties need to be treated simultaneously. Men can use bifonazole solution externally and avoid unprotected sex during this period. Those who suffer from recurring symptoms need to check their partner’s bacterial status.

5. Long-term use of antibiotics

Broad-spectrum antibiotics may induce excessive fungal proliferation after disrupting the balance of bacterial flora. The symptoms include redness and desquamation of the foreskin after taking the medicine. It is necessary to adjust the medication plan under the guidance of a doctor, and take oral nystatin tablets, and supplement probiotics to adjust the microecology.

You should keep your perineum dry every day, choose breathable cotton underwear, and avoid sitting in a humid environment for a long time. People with diabetes need to strictly control their blood sugar and pay attention to cleanliness before and after sex. If the foreskin is red, swollen and ulcerated, the discharge has a peculiar odor, or it does not heal after a long period of treatment, you should go to the urology department in time and consider radical circumcision if necessary. Failure to treat it may lead to complications such as urethritis and prostatitis. Do not abuse hormone ointments to cover up symptoms.