Infection

[Kat_shoshin]

So... my intact son's foreskin is swollen and cracked and now oozing. We think it started when irritated by beach sand and we have been using polysporin. We are taking him to a doctor tonight... Anyone else experience this? What can I expect at the doctors?

Thanks.

[MyBoysBlue]

Well since your in Canada you are fairly likely to get an intact friendly doctor. But in no way is that a guarantee. I would make sure they don't try to retract. Personally I would give my son some clean water baths with baking soda in the water, and give it two days unless there is a fever before seeing a doctor. My younger son had some swelling and oozing when he was around 2 years old and it lasted 2 days. After that he started ballooning when peeing. Which is normal and tells me that the swelling and oozing was part of the normal separation process. Not all boys experience any kinda separation trauma. My older son was able to retract around 5 and never experienced any bouts of swelling or oozing at all.

Here is a link to a tread dealing with Possible Separation Issues/Pain/Sore/Red/Irritated/Ballooning/Normal Development,etc.

http://www.mothering.com/discussions....php?t=764732?

[eepster]

Stop using the polysporin!

Your DS probably doesn't have an infection. It is common for people to have reactions like you describe to polysporin (generic of neosporin) on delicate genital tissue. It is much more likely that he is having a reaction to the polysporin than that he has an infection.

If your DS does have an infection, it is most likely a yeast infection. The polysporin will have killed off the normal flora (aka beneficial bacteria) which leaves one vulnerable to yeast. If the symptoms don't clear up within a few days of discontinuing the polysporin, then start yeast treatment (OTC monistat, and probiotics.)

[AFWife]

Originally Posted by eepster

If your DS does have an infection, it is most likely a yeast infection. The polysporin will have killed off the normal flora (aka beneficial bacteria) which leaves one vulnerable to yeast. If the symptoms don't clear up within a few days of discontinuing the polysporin, then start yeast treatment (OTC monistat, and probiotics.)

That's a good point. The wrong thing can "feed" the yeast if that's what it is.

Maybe it would be a good idea to go see a doctor and let a swab be the only thing that touches your son's penis.