Your provider may also order a urine test (urinalysis) or blood test to check for diabetes and other infections. If we combine this information with your protected Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. The affected area of the skin is washed, and a small amount of mupirocin ointment is applied three times a day for 1 to 2 weeks. It can make you uncomfortable in one of the most sensitive areas: the end of your penis and the loose flap of skin that covers the tip. It can also be caused by a type of arthritis known as reactive arthritis or Reiters syndrome, which can affect your joints and eyes. Sexually transmitted infections should be excluded, especially in sexually active persons. Then, they should thoroughly wash the area gently with warm water, avoiding soap, which may irritate the condition. Balanitis is found among people who take Bactrim, especially for people who are 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. With the right treatment, a persons symptoms should typically improve. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? Forcible retraction can lead to paraphimosis; a urologic emergency. Penile Inflammatory Skin Disorders and the Preventive Role of Circumcision. Use a mild soap, not shower gel or soaps with harsh ingredients. Aust J Gen Pract. Pull back your foreskin and smear the cream over the head of your penis until the red, itchy areas are fully covered. All rights reserved. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Before a person replaces the foreskin, they should dry the glans completely. Lasting inflammation can lead to health issues, including: Rarely, theres a link between chronic inflammation and a higher risk of developing penile cancer. You can use the study as a second opinion to make health care decisions. The main symptoms of balanitis include inflammation and pain on the head of your penis. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. The type of antibiotic and duration will . Gently pull back and clean under your foreskin with warm water. Balanitis is the infection of the foreskin and head of the penis characterized by soreness, irritation and discharge that can last for 2 to 3 days after intercourse. Data also show that circumcised males have a 68% lower prevalence of balanitis than uncircumcised males. 2023 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK. Until you receive a balanitis diagnosis from a healthcare provider and they determine that its cause isnt an STI, its a good idea to avoid having sex. However, bacterial infections, viral infections and some skin (dermatological) conditions can also cause balanitis. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Balanitis is when the head of the penis is swollen and sore. However, its important to see a healthcare provider to determine its cause and receive the proper treatment. Phallosan Forte Reviews: Does This Penis Extender Really Work? It is often used in urinary tract infection. Sores or lesions on the head of your penis. Lisboa, C. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2009. Some possible irritants can include: Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis, typically due to poor hygiene and an uncircumcised penis. Following balanitis, a person can take steps to avoid getting it again. Diabetes can make balanitis more likely, especially if the blood sugar is poorly controlled. To do this, bathe regularly using unscented soap, making sure to clean under your foreskin and dry thoroughly by gently patting the skin dry not rubbing. In practice, both areas are often affected, and the term 'balanoposthitis' is then used. Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023. In such cases inflammation . However, the underlying cause of balanitis can be an STI. With medical big data and AI algorithms, eHealthMe is running millions of phase IV trials and makes the results available to the public. This content does not have an English version. At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. include protected health information. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans, often referred to as the head of the penis. Most cases of balanitis respond to treatment within three to five days. ), Serum glucose test (to screen for diabetes), Tests for the medical conditions that cause balanitis, Narrowing of the opening through which urine leaves the body (urethral strictures). Last medically reviewed on January 28, 2022. generic drugs) are considered. For candida balanitis, treatment will often be an antifungal cream (due to the fact that it is a fungal infection similar to thrush). In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option. In uncircumcised men, circumcision often prevents repeated infections, especially in men who have a tight, difficult-to-retract foreskin. If white spots suddenly appear on your foreskin, it may signal an underlying condition. 2021;10.1111/ijd.15985. Swelling and redness of the head of the penis are the most common symptoms and often affect the foreskin. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Yeast infections typically cause balanitis. Review/update the Reactive arthritis, a type of arthritis that develops in response to an infection somewhere in your body. Balanitis is more likely to occur in uncircumcised children under the age of 4. With medical big data and proven AI algorithms, eHealthMe provides a platform for everyone to run phase IV clinical trials. The treatment for balanitis depends on whats causing the condition. Balanitis, Author(s): Dr Casey Paul Schukow, Michigan University College Medicine, United States. arrow-right-small-blue Balanitis is an inflammatory condition of the glans penis (head of the penis). However, early circumcision appears to decrease the risk of penile cancer. Herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2 or genital herpes) is an STI that causes painful sores on your genitals after you come in contact with the saliva (spit) or genitals of someone who has herpes. Make sure to keep your penis clean after you use the bathroom. If your problem is caused by a yeast infection, you will be advised to use an antifungal cream. This content does not have an English version. If you have pain, irritation and discoloration on your penis, you may have balanitis. WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health. Sometimes a cortisone cream can help to improve the problem more quickly. Our phase IV clinical studies alone cannot establish cause-effect relationship. It is a common condition, affecting 311% of all males during their lifetimes. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Signs and symptoms of balanitis may include: You may be more likely to develop balanitis from a yeast infection if you: Most male yeast infections are easily treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications. Balanitis may be caused by a range of different conditions affecting the penile skin (which may present similarly and may co-exist) including: It mainly affects middle-aged people with uncircumcised penises. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the lincomycin family and is effective against balanitis caused by anaerobic bacteria, which are bacteria that thrive well in the absence of oxygen. Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis or clitoris due to infection or another cause. While fairly common and not typically serious, the inflammation is often accompanied by other uncomfortable symptoms. Azole family drugs are effective against fungi and are used to treat balanitis caused by fungi such as Candida. Smart Grocery Shopping When You Have Diabetes, Surprising Things You Didn't Know About Dogs and Cats. In most cases, your doctor can diagnose balanitis based on your symptoms and by doing a physical exam. This content does not have an Arabic version. Balanitis is an infection or inflammation of the skin on the head (glans) of the penis. In most cases, balanitis isnt serious. information submitted for this request. Circumcision is a procedure that removes skin (the foreskin) from the head of the penis (glans). When balanitis keeps recurring, it may be caused by a yeast infection transmitted back and forth between partners during sexual contact. Phimosis and paraphimosis are emergent complications of balanitis and must be evaluated by a urologist. include protected health information. Other treatments can be used to help relieve the inflammation and treat the underlying cause. If you're circumcised, youre not likely to get it. Can diet help improve depression symptoms? https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. With medical big data and proven AI algorithms, eHealthMe provides a platform for everyone to run phase IV clinical trials. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with In: Bjerklund Johansen TE, Wagenlehner FME, Matsumoto T, Cho YH, Krieger JN, Shoskes D, Naber KG, editors. But does it actually work? Balanitis and related inflammatory conditions affecting the penis. Accessed Oct. 14, 2020. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause but typically include swelling or redness of the head of your penis. To prevent balanitis, you should bathe often. Balanitis can occur in males at any age. Learn more. It's also known as Candida balanitis. The main symptoms of balanitis include inflammation and pain on the head of your penis. The study is based on sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim (the active ingredients of Bactrim). 2020;49(12):83941. Our original studies have been referenced on 600+ medical publications including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. You may also have shiny, swollen areas of skin. Balanitis is more common in uncircumcised men. Take the time to pull back your foreskin and clean the area underneath with warm water, and then dry it completely. Yeast infections in men are common because the fungus that causes yeast infections (candida) is normally present on skin, especially moist skin. Balanitis can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men, although it occurs more commonly in men who are not circumcised. Available for Android and iOS devices. 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