• Infections

Why is My Foreskin Swollen? Causes and Treatment Options

Medically reviewed and edited by Harmony Vance, APRN

Around three to 11% of uncircumcised men may experience swollen foreskin at some point in their lives — and it’s usually an indication of an underlying issue in the body.

Recognizing the various causes of swollen foreskin, whether it’s an infection, sexually transmitted infection (STI), or a mild allergic reaction, is crucial for seeking appropriate treatment.

Not only does this help you overcome any discomfort, but it’s also crucial in preventing long-term or recurring health problems.

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What is Foreskin Swelling?

Foreskin swelling — also known as a swollen penis or perpetual edema — occurs when the fold of skin covering the head of the male sex organ becomes enlarged.

This condition can vary in severity and may impact your daily activities, including urination and sexual function.

What are the Causes of Foreskin Swelling?

Balanitis

Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans — or penis head — that can extend to the foreskin, especially in uncircumcised men.

This condition is usually caused by poor hygiene practices, harsh soaps, infections, and some sexually transmitted diseases.

If you develop this condition, your foreskin might become swollen, and you may also experience other symptoms like:

• Redness

• Itching

• Soreness

• Foul discharge

Phimosis

Phimosis is a condition where the foreskin can’t be fully retracted over the glans. This may restrict blood flow and cause swelling or infection when the retraction is forced.

In rare cases, phimosis may advance to paraphimosis, where the retracted foreskin cannot revert to its normal position. This can be extremely painful and may require medical intervention.

Although phimosis is usually a naturally occurring condition, it can also be caused by chronic infections, scarring, or inflammatory skin conditions like balanitis.

In addition to swollen foreskin, you may also experience difficulty urinating and pain during sexual intercourse or activities.

Yeast infections

Yeast infections can develop when there is an overgrowth of the Candida fungus in the genital area. This overgrowth can be caused by:

• Poor hygiene practices

• Unhealthy diet

• Prolonged use of certain medications

• Wearing wet or tight-fitting clothing

Developing a yeast infection can lead to swelling, redness, and itching in the genital area, including the foreskin. You may also notice an abnormal discharge with an unpleasant odor.

Allergic reactions

Allergic reactions that develop on the foreskin may cause inflammation, dryness, and swelling. These reactions can be triggered by things like:

• Latex found in condoms

• Silicone-based lubricants

• Harsh soaps and detergents

• Certain fabrics

Other side effects of an allergic reaction include itchiness and the development of a rash in the affected area.

Physical injury

Physical injury to the foreskin can also cause swelling.

A penis injury may be the result of cuts, abrasions, or blunt trauma often sustained during sexual activity, personal grooming, or in an accident.

If you have a foreskin injury, keep an eye out for other symptoms that may be an indication of a more severe complication. These include:

• Bleeding that doesn’t stop

• Redness

• Pus or unusual discharge

Diagnosing and Treating Swollen Foreskin

If you have penile swelling, it’s knowing which steps to take will ensure that you get proper treatment.

This can help you avoid further complications — such as a bacterial infection — that can negatively impact your overall health.

How can you determine the cause of foreskin swelling?

The best way to determine the cause of foreskin swelling is to consult your doctor.

They will assess your medical and sexual history and perform a physical examination to check for signs of abnormalities.

After their initial assessment, your doctor may recommend laboratory tests, blood work, or a biopsy.

For laboratory tests, swabs from the foreskin may be taken to help your doctor identify any harmful bacterial, fungal, or viral organisms.

Additionally, you may need to undergo a blood test to exclude systemic conditions such as diabetes and STDs. In rare cases, if there's suspicion of an uncommon condition or cancer, your doctor might recommend a biopsy.

Common treatment options

Depending on the cause of your foreskin swelling, your doctor may recommend several treatment options. Let’s take a closer look at these.

Medications

Topical treatments and oral medications are usually the most common methods for treating swollen foreskin.

This may include products like antifungal or antibacterial creams to prevent infection and topical steroids to reduce inflammation.

You can also use over-the-counter pain relievers — like Advil® or Tylenol® — to manage any discomfort.

In severe cases, it might be necessary to take oral antibiotics or antifungals to prevent more serious health complications.

Lifestyle changes

Poor hygiene and lifestyle practices are common causes of swollen foreskin, so your doctor could recommend healthier adjustments to help.

This can include things like:

• Washing and cleaning the foreskin area more regularly

• Drinking less alcohol

• Avoiding smoking and using other nicotine products

• Following a balanced diet

• Avoiding irritants like laundry detergent or harsh soaps

Surgical procedures

In cases of severe swelling where the foreskin cannot be retracted at all, your healthcare provider may consider surgical interventions, such as circumcision or a dorsal slit procedure, to resolve the issue.

These procedures involve slitting the foreskin or removing it completely to prevent future complications.

Is Swollen Foreskin a Medical Emergency?

Although a swollen foreskin isn’t usually a medical emergency, it’s crucial to know when to seek professional help. It’s generally recommended to consult your doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent or severe swelling

• Additional symptoms like intense pain, difficulty urinating, and bleeding

• Have foul-smelling discharge

• Develop a fever

Be sure to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you have a history of recurring foreskin issues or STDs, as this may increase your risk of developing secondary infections.

If you’ve tried treating swollen foreskin with basic hygiene measures or OTC products without seeing improvement, you should also consult your doctor.

If your condition deteriorates despite treatment, it's essential to seek a professional diagnosis. This could signal an underlying problem that might require medical attention.

Where Can You Learn More About Similar Conditions?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms or want to know more about treating foreskin swelling, LifeMD can help.

LifeMD can connect you to a team of licensed medical professionals who can assist you with information and provide guidance on treating swollen foreskin while avoiding further complications — all from the comfort of your home

Make an appointment today to get started.

Harmony Vance, APRN

Harmony is a family nurse practitioner and has been caring for patients for over 20 years through various roles in the medical field. She graduated in 2018 with a Master's Degree and a focus on family care.

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