Which department should I go to for treatment of balanitis?

Patients with balanitis should be referred to a urology department or dermatology and venereology department. Balanitis may be related to factors such as excessive foreskin, bacterial infection, fungal infection, allergic reaction, poor hygiene habits and other factors.

1. Urology

Urology surgery mainly diagnoses and treats diseases of the male reproductive system. When balanitis is accompanied by painful urination and increased secretions from the urethra, it may be related to a urinary system infection. Doctors will determine the type of pathogen through secretion examination. Commonly used drugs include clotrimazole cream to treat fungal infections and mupirocin ointment to treat bacterial infections. Recurrent inflammation caused by foreskin may require circumcision.

2. Dermatology and Venereology Department

The Department of Dermatology and Venereology specializes in treating inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes and sexually transmitted diseases. If erythema, papules and itching appear on the glans, or there is a history of unclean sexual contact, infections such as Candida and herpes viruses need to be investigated. Typical medications include bifonazole cream for antifungals and acyclovir cream for antivirals. Patients with allergies may need to take oral loratadine tablets to relieve symptoms.

Keep the perineum clean and dry every day, avoid using irritating lotions, and choose breathable cotton underwear. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment, and spouses need to be checked simultaneously. The diet should be light and avoid spicy alcohol. If systemic symptoms such as ulcer exudation and fever occur, the patient should be followed up immediately to adjust the treatment plan.