Differential Diagnosis for Red and Purulent Penis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Balanitis: This is an inflammation of the glans penis, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections. The presence of redness and purulence supports this diagnosis, as it typically presents with these symptoms along with itching and discomfort.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Phimosis: Inflammation of the foreskin can lead to purulent discharge and redness, especially if there's an underlying infection that complicates phimosis.
- Urethritis: Although primarily affecting the urethra, urethritis can cause discharge that may appear purulent, and inflammation can lead to redness of the surrounding areas, including the penis.
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause urethritis and subsequent discharge, which might appear purulent, along with redness and inflammation of the genital area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Necrotizing Fasciitis: A severe and potentially life-threatening infection that can cause redness, swelling, and purulence. Early recognition is crucial for survival.
- Fournier's Gangrene: A rare but serious condition involving necrotizing fasciitis of the genital area, characterized by severe pain, redness, swelling, and purulent discharge. It requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Fixed Drug Eruption: A condition where certain medications cause skin lesions, which can appear as red, purulent patches on the penis.
- Behçet's Disease: A form of vasculitis that can cause genital ulcers, which might appear red and purulent, though this is less common.
- Erythrasma: A bacterial infection more commonly affecting the intertriginous areas, which can cause redness and a purulent appearance in the genital area, including the penis, though it's less typical.