Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for balanitis

by Dr. Ryann Dickinson I Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Balanitis is a treatable condition that most commonly happens in uncircumcised males. The main symptoms of balanitis include inflammation and pain on the head of the penis. Treatment often includes antifungal creams, antibiotics, improved personal hygiene and, in some cases, circumcision.Nov 4, 2019

Medication

Treatments can include: Antifungal creams: If a yeast infection is causing balanitis, your provider will prescribe an antifungal cream such as... Antibiotics: If a sexually transmitted disease is the cause of your symptoms, your provider will treat the infection... Improved hygiene: Your provider ...

Self-care

Oct 12, 2020 · Are there any self-help or home-care methods to treat balanitis? You need to use a mild, unperfumed soap every day. Also, you can use two handfuls of salt in the bath, but nothing else such as bubble bath, bath oils, or disinfectants.

Nutrition

Apr 18, 2022 · On the whole, there are three different types of balanitis. The first type is erythrasma or an infection of the skin. This is a fungal infection. If you have a problem with this, your doctor will prescribe an antifungal cream or pill. You may also need to take a prescription antibiotic for a few weeks. The second type is balanitis in men.

Does balanitis go away by itself if left untreated?

Jan 28, 2022 · Balanitis treatment usually begins with improving your genital hygiene by washing and drying under the foreskin and avoiding the use …

How can I get rid of balanitis at home?

For bacterial balanitis, medication like an antibiotic pill regimen or antibiotic cream is often prescribed. For candida balanitis, treatment will often be an antifungal cream (due to the fact that it is a fungal infection similar to thrush). If you have had an allergic reaction as the root cause, a steroid is often used to lower symptoms.

How to get rid of balanitis naturally?

Jan 10, 2022 · Circumcision is an effective treatment for repeated cases of balanitis. Your doctor will remove your foreskin, which reduces the chances of bacterial or fungal infections that lead to swelling and pain. Hygiene Good hygiene will reduce your chances of developing balanitis. You should wash your penis with warm water and mild soap.

How to tell if balanitis is fungal or bacterial?

Your doctor will prescribe or recommend treatment to clear up the infection. Your treatment will depend on what set off the balanitis. The prescription …

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Which medicine is best for balanitis?

Treatment for common yeast-caused balanitis is topical canesten 1% cream (clotrimazole, Lotrimin); recommended treatment time varies from about 2 weeks to 1 month. Lotrisone (combination of betamethasone and clotrimazole) has also been used.

How long does balanitis last?

Balanitis generally is not a serious condition and can be treated with antibiotic creams and pills. Most occurrences of balanitis clear up within three to five days of starting treatment. Left untreated, however, it can become more painful or cause other health problems.

How can I treat balanitis permanently at home?

Most cases of balanitis are easily treated with good hygiene, creams, and ointments. People are advised to clean the penis daily with lukewarm water and to dry it gently to improve hygiene. They should avoid using soap, bubble bath or shampoo on their genitals, and dry under the foreskin after urinating.

Can balanitis treated itself?

What Is the Treatment for Balanitis? Treatment for balanitis and balanoposthitis depends on the underlying cause, however, it starts with cleaning the head of the penis (glans) and foreskin. Once the cause of balanitis or balanoposthitis is diagnosed, self-care at home may be all that is needed to treat the condition.Apr 20, 2020

Can I use Vaseline for balanitis?

Regularly applying a bland ointment (e.g. plain Vaseline) to the glans penis and foreskin may help to provide a protective barrier. It is good practice to keep an eye on your skin.

Treatment of Balanitis in Adults and Children

Balanitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the foreskin of the penis (prepuce of the penis).

What are the Causes of Penile Inflammation and Balanitis?

Balanitis can be caused by friction, chemical irritation (exposure to seawater, urine), and infection. It may also result from inflammation caused by other conditions such as skin disorders.

What is the Treatment for Balanitis in Men?

Antibiotics (Triple antibiotic) and Antifungal Medications (1% clotrimazole cream (Lotrimin), Desitin (Zinc oxide), miconazole 2% cream)

What is Balanitis? What is Balanoposthitis ?

Balanitis and balanoposthitis refer to the same process, namely inflammation of the penis. Balanitis refers to the inflammation of the glans penis (head of the penis); balanoposthitis refers to both inflammation of the glans penis and the foreskin. For simplicity, balanitis is often used to refer to both processes.

How Effective is Circumcision for the Treatment of Recurrent Balanitis in Men?

Circumcision is the most effective treatment option for men who experience repeat episodes of penile foreskin inflammation (balanitis). Circumcision is successful in permanently curing the problem in more than 95% of men.

Where to Get Adult Circumcision in NYC?

At New York Urology Specialists, we offer same-day circumcision treatment for men.

Read Real Stories of men who underwent circumcision at New York Urology Specialists

Read RealStories: Circumcision for the treatment of recurrent balanitis and balanoposthitis in a 43-year-old man

What are the symptoms of balanitis?

The symptoms and signs of balanitis include: Redness around glans. Shiny skin on the glans. A lumpy discharge under the foreskin. Tight foreskin which cannot be pulled back. Urination would be painful. Swollen glands near the penis. Sores present on glans.

What to do if you have a bacterial infection?

If you are having a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic like penicillin. If there is no infection and no irritant has been identified, the patient should be referred to a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions.

When to see a doctor for STI?

You should see your doctor as soon as you feel signs like redness or irritation around the foreskin. It is a serious illness that needs to be treated as soon as possible. You also need to make sure that an STI (sexually transmitted infection) which inflicts similar symptoms hasn’t caused the problem.

Does diabetes cause infections?

Diabetes also increases the risk of the infections, if the blood sugar levels are not controlled. If there is a presence of glucose in the urine, some of it can also remain on the foreskin. Glucose helps bacteria to multiply more faster.

How to know if you have balanitis?

Contact your physician if: 1 You develop balanitis that does not respond to hygiene measures and an over-the-counter antifungal medication 2 Your physician's prescription does not appear to be curing your condition 3 The balanitis keeps returning 4 You have diabetes, because balanitis may be a signal that your blood sugar is not well controlled.

Why does my penis itch?

When balanitis keeps recurring, it may be caused by a yeast infection transmitted back and forth between partners during sexual contact. Symptoms include: A red, inflamed rash on the head and shaft of the penis or under the foreskin. Itching or burning in the affected area.

Can you get balanitis if you are uncircumcised?

Balanitis can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men, although it occurs more commonly in men who are not circumcised. Young boys generally are affected only if they have a very tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back. A variety of infections and skin conditions can cause balanitis. These include:

Can diabetes cause balanitis?

While any man can develop balanitis, the condition is most likely to occur in men who have a tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back, or who have poor hygiene. Diabetes can make balanitis more likely, especially if the blood sugar is poorly controlled. High blood sugar causes elevated amounts of sugar in the urine.

Can a doctor diagnose balanitis?

Your doctor usually can recognize balanitis immediately. Occasionally, a swab or scraping of skin may be examined under the microscope, or may be sent to the laboratory for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.

How long does Clotrimazole last?

Apply it to the affected area two to three times daily for 10 days.

What causes skin cancer?

These include: Infections with yeast ( Candida) or bacteria that live on the skin (the most common cause) Sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes simplex. Irritation of the skin by soap , detergents or spermicidal jelly. Benign (noncancerous) skin conditions such as psoriasis. Some types of skin cancer (very rare)

Why does balanitis occur?

Improper hygiene. Inadequate cleaning is one of the major causes of balanitis. It requires a little effort to maintain proper hygiene of the area under the foreskin. If this is not done, there can be an overgrowth of microbes in that area and this can lead to inflammation of both the glans penis and the foreskin.

How long does it take to remove a foreskin?

The entire procedure does not involve any bleeding and takes about only 15-20 minutes to complete.

What is circumcision surgery?

Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which the surgeon removes the layer of the foreskin from the penis. This reduces the risk of infections and inflammation majorly and cures the problem of balanitis. Earlier, circumcision used to be carried out through open surgery. Open circumcision is a very complex procedure and has a significant risk ...

Is balanitis serious?

Although balanitis is not very serious initially, it can turn severe over time and disrupt your daily life activities. Therefore, it is better to seek medical advice and freely discuss the problem with the doctor, so that any unpleasant conditions can be avoided.

Can you mix tea tree oil with coconut oil?

Tea tree oil has great anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. You can mix tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply it on the affected area for alleviating the symptoms. (Also Read: Home Remedies For Balanitis) Yoghurt is an amazing probiotic.

How to diagnose balanitis?

Diagnosing balanitis. Balanitis can usually be diagnosed during a physical examination because most of its symptoms are visible. If you have discharge, your doctor may take a sample of it with a cotton swab or collect a urine sample. They will check it for the presence of bacterial or fungal cells.

What causes balanitis in the body?

Some laxatives, sleeping pills, painkillers, and antibiotics can cause balanitis as a side effect. This is called a fixed drug eruption. Other causes of balanitis include: reactive arthritis. uncontrolled diabetes. sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, trichomonas, and gonorr hea.

Why does my penis itch?

inadequate blood supply to the penis. Allergic dermatitis can be a cause of balanitis that involves extreme itching, rash, hives, and inflamed skin. This inflammation can lead to scarring. Scar tissue in the penis opening can cause the opening to narrow. This can lead to lasting discomfort and difficulty urinating.

How long does balanitis last?

Balanitis symptoms may only last a few days if you address them as soon as you recognize them. Long periods of balanitis may be a cause for concern. These longer cases can usually be shortened with prescribed medications or an over-the-counter treatment. But proper diagnosis is important.

Can phimosis be treated with surgery?

Phimosis doesn’t result from acute balanitis, but from long-standing (chronic) balanitis. In some cases, untreated phimosis requires surgery. Surgeries can involve cutting a slit along the top of the foreskin to separate it from the penis.

What to do if you have an infection?

If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication to help clear it. This may be all you need to stop the inflammation, swelling, itching, and discharge. Your doctor may also prescribe medicated creams with steroids to reduce inflammation.

Is balanitis a serious condition?

Balanitis affects roughly 1 in 20 males. Balanitis largely occurs in uncircumcised men. It can be painful, but it typically isn’t serious. It often can be relieved by using topical medication.

What is the inflammation of the penis?

Balanitis is the inflammation of the head of the penis. (“Balanos” refers to the glans of the penis and “-itis” typically refers to inflammation.) This inflammation can be caused by a fungal infection, bacterial infection or several other causes. This condition is more prevalent in men who still have their foreskin.

What does it mean when your penis is red?

The most immediately obvious symptom is a balanitis rash, or redness and swelling around the head of your penis, but there are other important symptoms to watch for.

What is the best medicine for balanitis?

Your doctor might prescribe: Antibiotics for bacterial balanitis (It comes as a pill or a cream.) Antifungal cream, if the condition was from candida yeast. Steroid creams that can relieve balanitis caused by skin disease or an allergic reaction.

How to diagnose balanitis?

In most cases, your doctor can diagnose balanitis based on your symptoms and by doing a physical exam. They may run tests to be sure, such as: Serum glucose test (to screen for diabetes) Lab tests of any discharge.

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What Is Balanitis?

Diagnosis

Prevention

Treatment

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Treatment depends on the cause and medication is available in the form of a cream or an ointment.
Medication

Antibiotics: For bacterial infections.

Penicillin . Cefadroxil


Antifungal creams: To treat yeast infection.

Clotrimazole . Miconazole


Steroid cream: To manage irritation.

Hydrocortisone

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • If the condition is due to allergy or irritation, identify the irritants and avoid using those products, which could be perfume or soap.
  • Maintain good hygiene.

Nutrition

Foods to eat:

  • Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial foods such as garlic and ginger
  • Cayenne pepper has vitamins and antioxidants. it also helps decreasing the pain.

Foods to avoid:

  • Foods high in sugar that may worsen diabetes in a patient
  • Alcohol and beer
  • Meat and dairy products increase yeast development

Specialist to consult

Urologist
Specializes in the urinary tract disease.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

When to Call A Professional

  • Balanitis is an infection or inflammation of the skin on the head (glans) of the penis. In men who are not circumcised, this area is covered by a flap of skin known as the foreskin, or prepuce. Balanitis can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men, although it occurs more commonly in men who are not circumcised. Young boys generally are affected only if they have …
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Further Information

  • Your doctor usually can recognize balanitis immediately. Occasionally, a swab or scraping of skin may be examined under the microscope, or may be sent to the laboratory for further testing to confirm the diagnosis. When balanitis does not respond to treatment or appears different from a typical infection, your doctor may recommend that you see a dermatologist (skin specialist) or t…
See more on drugs.com

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