How to treat balanitis

Balanitis can be treated through local cleaning and care, topical drugs, oral drugs, physical therapy, surgical treatment, etc. Balanitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, fungal infection, allergic reaction, excessive foreskin, poor hygiene habits and other reasons.

1. Local cleaning and care

Gently clean the foreskin and glans with warm water every day and avoid using harsh soaps or lotions. After cleaning, keep the area dry and choose cotton underwear with good breathability. If there is a build-up of smegma, remove it thoroughly but avoid rubbing too hard. When there is mild redness and swelling, you can take a sitz bath with dilute potassium permanganate solution.

2. External use drugs

For bacterial infections, topical mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream can be used. Fungal infections require the use of clotrimazole cream or miconazole nitrate powder. For allergic inflammation, hydrocortisone ointment can be applied for a short period of time. The affected area needs to be cleaned before use, and exposed and ventilated after applying a thin layer. Hormone ointments are contraindicated when combined with ulcers.

3. Oral drugs

For bacterial infections, you can take cefaclor dispersible tablets or azithromycin tablets as directed by your doctor. Fungal infections require oral fluconazole capsules. If the allergic reaction is severe, take loratadine tablets for a short period of time. You need to complete the entire course of medication, and you are not allowed to increase or decrease the dose on your own. It is forbidden to drink alcohol while taking the medicine and observe gastrointestinal reactions.

4. Physical therapy

Recurrent or chronic inflammation can be treated with red light to promote local blood circulation. Magnesium sulfate solution can be used as a wet compress when combined with edema. Physical therapy must be performed by professionals in medical institutions, and medications must be used during treatment. Avoid sexual intercourse for 48 hours after treatment.

5. Surgical treatment

For those with excessive foreskin or phimosis leading to repeated infections, circumcision may be performed after the inflammation is controlled. Postoperative dressings need to be changed regularly and antibiotics used to prevent infection. Choose a regular medical institution for surgery, and avoid strenuous exercise within 2 weeks after surgery. Those with scarring constitution need preoperative evaluation.

During treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided until recovery, and spouses should undergo simultaneous examination and treatment. Choose loose and breathable underwear for daily use to avoid sitting in humid environments for long periods of time. The diet should be light and spicy foods should be limited. Diabetic patients need to strictly control blood sugar. After the condition is cured, people with foreskin still need to maintain daily cleansing and regular check-ups to prevent recurrence. If systemic symptoms such as fever and lymphadenopathy occur, you need to seek medical attention immediately.