What to do if you have balanitis

Balanitis can be treated by keeping the area clean, topical antibacterial drugs, oral antibiotics, infrared irradiation therapy, surgery, etc. Balanitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, fungal infection, allergic reaction, excessive foreskin, diabetes and other factors.

1. Keep the area clean

Wash the glans penis and the inside of the foreskin with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. After washing, keep the area dry and choose pure cotton breathable underwear. Those who have an excessively long foreskin need to turn it over completely and clean it to avoid accumulation of dirt. Appropriately reduce the frequency of sexual life and pay attention to cleanliness before and after sex.

2. External antibacterial drugs

Bacterial infections can be treated topically with mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream. Fungal infections require clotrimazole cream or miconazole nitrate ointment. For allergic balanitis, it is necessary to stop using allergenic items and use hydrocortisone ointment to relieve symptoms. The affected area should be cleaned before applying the medication, and the medication should be applied 2-3 times a day.

3. Oral antibiotics

Severe bacterial infections require oral administration of cefaclor capsules or levofloxacin tablets. Fungal balanitis can be treated with oral fluconazole capsules. It is forbidden to drink alcohol while taking the medicine and complete the prescribed course of treatment. Diabetic patients need to control blood sugar simultaneously. Too high blood sugar will affect the resolution of inflammation.

4. Infrared radiation therapy

Hospitals can use infrared irradiation to promote local blood circulation and accelerate the absorption of inflammation. Each irradiation lasts for 15-20 minutes, and the treatment cycle lasts for 5-7 days. This therapy is especially suitable for patients in the acute stage with edema, and can be used in conjunction with medications to enhance the efficacy.

5. Surgical treatment

For patients with recurrent balanitis combined with phimosis, circumcision is recommended. Dressings need to be changed regularly after surgery, and benzalkonium chloride solution should be used to clean the wound. Avoid erections and sexual intercourse within 1 month after surgery to prevent wound dehiscence. Those with urethral meatus stricture need to undergo urethral dilation at the same time.

Sexual life should be prohibited during the illness to avoid cross-infection. You should eat a light diet, consume more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C such as oranges and kiwis, and limit spicy and irritating foods. Choose loose, breathable cotton underwear to avoid local heat and humidity. Monitor blood sugar regularly, and patients with diabetes should control fasting blood sugar within the normal range. If symptoms are not relieved after treatment or symptoms such as urethral discharge or fever occur, timely review is required.