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