What to do about balanitis

Balanitis can be treated by keeping the area clean, topical drugs, oral drugs, physical therapy, surgical treatment, etc. Balanitis is usually caused by infection, allergies, trauma, poor hygiene, diabetes and other factors.

1. Keep the area clean

Gently clean the foreskin and glans with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. Dry thoroughly after cleaning. Keeping dry will help reduce bacterial growth. Avoid wearing underwear that is too tight and choose cotton materials with good breathability. The frequency of washing should be controlled to 1-2 times a day. Excessive washing may damage the skin barrier function.

2. External use drugs

When combined with fungal infection, you can use clotrimazole cream or miconazole cream as directed by your doctor, and for bacterial infection, you can use mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream. Allergic balanitis requires discontinuation of suspected allergenic substances and short-term use of hydrocortisone cream to reduce inflammation. Before applying the drug, clean the affected area and cover it evenly with a thin layer to avoid contact with the urethral opening.

3. Oral drugs

When the infection symptoms are severe, oral fluconazole capsules can be taken as directed by the doctor to treat candida infection, and amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets can be used to treat bacterial infections. People with obvious allergic reactions can take oral loratadine tablets to relieve symptoms. Diabetic patients need to strictly control blood sugar and adjust their blood sugar-lowering plan if necessary. It is forbidden to drink alcohol while taking the medicine, and pay attention to the adverse drug reactions.

4. Physical therapy

If the redness and swelling are obvious in the acute stage, cold compress with 0.1% ethacridine solution can be used for 10-15 minutes each time. In the chronic stage, red light irradiation treatment can be used to promote the resolution of inflammation. During treatment, avoid sexual intercourse and masturbation stimulation to prevent aggravation of mucosal damage. When combined with urethral stricture, urethral dilation can be tried to improve urination.

5. Surgical treatment

For recurrent balanitis combined with phimosis or redundant foreskin, circumcision may be considered to completely resolve the problem. The dressing needs to be changed regularly after surgery, and compound polymyxin B ointment should be used to prevent infection. Avoid strenuous exercise for 2-4 weeks after surgery, and prohibit sexual intercourse for 6 weeks. Surgery is more suitable for patients over 18 years of age who have completed penile development.

Wear breathable underwear and change it daily, and avoid using fragrance-containing bath products. Reduce the intake of spicy and stimulating foods in the diet, and drink more water to maintain the urinary tract flushing effect. Partners need to be checked and treated simultaneously to prevent cross-infection. Seek medical attention immediately if systemic symptoms such as ulceration, pus discharge or fever occur. After surgery, patients need to undergo regular check-ups as directed by the doctor to observe the wound healing. Establishing good hygiene habits is key to preventing recurrence, especially wiping away residual urine after urination.