Hi everyone at this awesome forum. I'm here on behalf of a guy today.

He had a yeast infection, which led to bacterial infection, which led to open sores and scabs on his penis. It is so bad right now that he can't walk.

The doctors here in the US have recommended a cirucumcision as soon as the scabs heal.

So in about 2 weeks, he plans to go under the knife.

I hope someone here has some better news for him than the doctor. anyone?

Thanks guys,
Mark

Yeast and bacteria are two different animals, so which is it? First thing he should do is to cancel the appointment. Next, he needs to get help for whatever the problem really is. If it's bacteria, antibiotics are in order. For yeast, a different treatment is necessary.

One thing is certain. Circumcsion is not the answer.

Why can't your friend post for himself? Where are you guys?

Well, he doesn't own a PC or know how to use one. He's about 40. We're in the US.

I will encourage him to find a way to post, though, since I know I am not explaining this correctly.

I do know what the doctors told him, which is this: If he doesn't get a circumcision, the problem he's having now will recur every month or so.

I also know that his current problem is a bacterial infection.

Thanks Jim,

Mark

Get him to cancel the surgery. He then needs to demand antibiotics to clear up the infection.

The most common cause of infections is the use of soap, believe it or not. Normally, the bad guys are yeast rather than bacteria. The soap washes away the friendly bacteria which normally live inside the foreskin cavity, keeping all the bad ones in check. They are essential to good hygiene and should not be washed away.

An antibiotic should clear up the present infection, allowing your friend to re-establish a balanced environment. Common, plain yogurt with live cultures is a cheap and effective way to do this. Have him apply some to the affected area in order to introduce safe bacteria. He should also refrain from using soap on his penis. Just plain water is sufficient for now. Once things are under control, he might be able to use soap on the outside, but never should it be used inside the foreskin. That's equvialent to using inside the mouth or nose.

Ingesting yogurt is a good idea too, for he could develop problems in his digestive track as well by taking the antibiotics.

Has he had any problems with retracting his foreskin?

While the present problem may be a bacterial infection and bacterial (Staphylococcal - impetigo and "boils") infections do occur on other parts of the skin, it is exceedingly rare for them to be a primary infection on the foreskin, so you are forced to ask why this would be happening - it demands a reason?

If it is claimed that the problem will recur every month or so, then this must have been happening a few times already. What's the story here?

Incidentally, if the sores and scabs are on the outside of his foreskin and shaft of his penis, the most likely cause is Scabies, which needs a different treatment.

If he truly did have a yeast infection to start with, then the yeast needs to be treated and in a 40 year old, the likely cause is diabetes.

In summary, he's had a foreskin for 40 years and unless you explain differently, it's never caused trouble before. Something has obviously changed - it's not his foreskin, so what is it?

I am the only person around him that knows there are alternatives to circ, so I feel responsible - in a way - to at least let him know about the options b/c his doctors are telling him there is only one option.

(The best advice of Paul and Jim can be summed up: Give it time. People are always rushing for a quick fix.)

from the little I know of his situation:

1. the yeast infection was caused by drinking too much soda pop.
2. the yeast infection is no longer the issue. It's the bacterial infection.
3. The doctors are telling him that because his job causes him to sweat a lot down under, he is going to have this problem recur every few months (unless he gets a circ).

I will talk with him and also a doctor around here who I've been to who is a little more well rounded. Then I'll get back to you with the results.

Thanks guys,
Mark.

He'll do whatever he perceives is the easy way out for him, and unfortunately, most people trust their doctors. Don't get your hopes up.

Sweating has little relevance. Everyone sweats. Men have had foreskins from day one, and most of them died with them. I don't buy that excuse for a second.

Is this guy sexually active?

thanks for the advice,

He is sexually active and married. I'm 100% sure neither of them is having an affair