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 are the causes?
Not keeping the penis clean may be a cause. Balanitis may also be caused by something that bothers the penis, like: ‚
- Chemicals from soap, lotions, or bubble bath
- Latex condoms
- Infection
- Allergic drug reaction
- Skin problems, like psoriasis
What can make this more likely to happen?
Boys younger than age 4 and men over 40 are more likely to have balanitis. Your risk is higher if you are not circumcised. Poor hygiene can make balanitis more likely to happen. If you have high blood sugar you are also at a higher risk. ‚
What are the main signs?
- Swelling
- Redness and pain on the head of the penis
- Discharge under the foreskin
- Itching
- Bad odor
- Pain when passing urine
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will take your history and do an exam. The doctor will look at the penis for redness and swelling. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Your doctor will talk with you about staying away from products that may cause balanitis. Your doctor will give you drugs to treat the infection if you have one. Your doctor will teach you about how to make sure your penis is clean. If the problem does not get better, your doctor may send you to a skin doctor called a dermatologist. If the balanitis comes back often, your doctor may suggest circumcision. ‚
In some cases, the doctor may order: ‚
- Lab tests
- Swab sample from the penis
- Biopsy
Are there other health problems to treat?
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 drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with swelling
- Fight an infection
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.
Helpful tips
Avoid having sex while you have this problem. You could pass an infection to your partner. ‚
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. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚