What should I do if my foreskin is cracked?

Cracks under the foreskin may be related to factors such as trauma, infection, allergies, dryness or skin diseases, and can be treated through local cleaning, topical drugs, anti-infective treatment, moisturizing care, medical examination, etc. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly to identify the cause and avoid self-medication to aggravate symptoms.

1. Partial cleaning

Gently wash the cracked area daily with warm water and avoid using soaps or harsh lotions. Keep dry after washing, and choose pure cotton breathable underwear to reduce friction. If the crack is accompanied by secretions, it can be rinsed with saline and wiped dry.

2. External use drugs

If there are no signs of infection in the crack, you can apply erythromycin ointment or mupirocin ointment as directed by your doctor to prevent infection. If there is obvious pain or oozing, you can use compound polymyxin B ointment and other topical drugs containing antibacterial ingredients. Do not use hormone-containing ointments on your own.

3. Anti-infection treatment

If the crack is red and swollen with pus, it may be related to bacterial infection. You need to seek medical attention for secretion testing, and the doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics such as cefaclor dispersible tablets and azithromycin capsules. Fungal infections require the use of antifungal medications such as miconazole nitrate cream.

4. Moisturizing care

For cracks caused by dry skin, you can apply vitamin E lotion or medical Vaseline. Avoid excessive cleansing on a daily basis and moisturize in time after bathing. People with allergies need to check for contact allergens, such as detergents or condom materials.

5. Medical examination

Skin diseases such as lichen sclerosus and psoriasis need to be ruled out for repeated cracking or long-term failure to heal. Your doctor may recommend culture of foreskin secretions, dermoscopy, or biopsy. Severe phimosis or cicatricial clefts may require surgical treatment such as circumcision.

During the recovery period, sexual intercourse and strenuous exercise should be avoided, and loose clothing should be worn to reduce friction. Pay attention to supplementing vitamin A, vitamin B and high-quality protein in your diet to promote skin repair. Observe the healing of the crack. If there is fever, swollen lymph nodes, or the crack expands, you must return to the hospital immediately. Pay attention to perineal hygiene on a daily basis and avoid scratching or using alkaline lotions. Diabetic patients need to strictly control blood sugar.