I am getting red dots on the head of my penis and around the foreskin with severe itching, and when I pull the foreskin back, there is also a bad smell coming from the area. What could be causing this, and which treatment may help clear it safely?
Asked by Male, 38 · 2 hours ago
Red dots on the glans and foreskin with intense itching and a bad smell usually suggest inflammation of the area, most commonly due to a fungal infection (balanitis), poor hygiene with trapped moisture, or sometimes irritation from soaps, sweat, or tight underwear. In uncircumcised men, smegma buildup under the foreskin can also lead to foul smell and infection if cleaning is not regular. Less commonly, bacterial infection or sexually transmitted infections can cause similar symptoms, especially if there is discharge, pain, or ulcers. Keeping the area clean and dry is the first step. Gently retract the foreskin during bathing, wash with plain water or a very mild soap, and dry properly before covering again. Loose cotton underwear helps reduce moisture buildup. Antifungal creams are often used when a fungal infection is suspected, but the exact choice depends on examination, and self-mixing multiple creams should be avoided, as it can worsen irritation. If symptoms persist, worsen, or there is pain, discharge, swelling, or burning while urinating, it is important to get a medical check to confirm the cause and rule out infections that may need specific treatment.