chronic idiopathic penile oedema

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • chronic ‘idiopathic’ penile oedema is an uncommon condition
  • believed to be secondary to chronic/recurrent staphylococcal/streptococcal cellulitis/lymphangitis of the prepuce, the penis and occasionally the lower abdominal wall
  • if this diagnosis is suspected then sexually acquired infection should be excluded, swabs taken and antistreptolysin O titre measured (1)
    • also the presence of pelvic tumours must be excluded (1)
  • treatment
    • long-term antibiotics (also sometimes short courses of oral corticosteroids) and eventual circumcision

Reference:

  1. Bunker C B. Skin conditions of the male genitalia.Medicine 2005;33:10:68-71.