Question
The penis is red and swollen, and there is a sense of pain. What is going on? How should it be treated?
Answer
Based on the symptom description, it may be balanoposthitis. First, you can soak the urethral opening of the penis with a dilute potassium permanganate solution (commonly known as PP powder, with a pale pink color; excessive concentration may cause the skin to turn black). If the child is already 5 weeks old, consider giving oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin in pediatric form. If PP powder cannot be obtained, strong tea water can be used as an alternative. After the swelling subsides, when bathing daily, the foreskin should be pulled back to clean the small penis, preventing recurrence of inflammation.