About this topic
Balanitis is swelling of the head of the penis. The glans penis is another name for the head of the penis. Sometimes, the skin that covers the head of the penis may be affected too. The skin that covers the head of the penis is the foreskin. In most cases, the problem is fairly easy to treat. The best way to treat and prevent balanitis is to have good hygiene. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with swelling
- Fight an infection
Will there be any other care needed?
Balanitis could be a sign of some other problem like a sexually-transmitted disease or a yeast-like infection. If you have high blood sugar and this disease, balanitis may be a sign your blood sugar is not well controlled. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Phimosis ¢ ˆ ’ Foreskin is tight and does not move back.
- Problem moving the foreskin over the head of the penis
- Scarring or narrowing of the opening in the penis
- Less blood supply to the tip of the penis
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Wash the penis each day with warm water. Avoid using soaps that may cause soreness.
- Pull back the foreskin when cleaning.
- Make sure the penis is fully dry before the foreskin is moved back.
- Move the foreskin back when passing urine. Dry the penis and move the foreskin back in place.
- Wash the penis after having sex.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Foreskin does not move back in place
- Feeling pain when the foreskin is moved back in place
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Avoid having sex while you have this problem. You could pass an infection to your partner. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my penis.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have pain or am not able to move my foreskin back in place.
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Foreskin_care ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Balanitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚