It can also happen if your diabetes isnt under control or as a side effect of certain drugs prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes. Groups with a higher risk of balanitis include people who: Untreated balanitis can cause chronic (long-term) inflammation. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Symptoms of balanitis may appear suddenly or develop gradually. Click here to learn more. Balanitis caused by a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotic medications. Use condoms or other barrier methods when you engage in sexual activity and get tested for STIs regularly. You may also have shiny, swollen areas of skin. 6 Most cases represent nonspecific balanoposthitis, usually caused by inadequate hygiene of the preputial-glanular sulcus. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Its important to see your provider to get tested. DermNet provides Google Translate, a free machine translation service. Anti-fungal cream will be prescribed if it is due to a fungus. Inflammation often involves the foreskin, or prepuce, which is more appropriately known as balanoposthitis. generic drugs) are not considered. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. In most cases of balanitis, youll start to feel better within a few days or a week after treatment. Treatment often includes antifungal creams, antibiotics, regularly cleaning the area and, in some cases, circumcision. If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date. We look into user reviews, research, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Balanitis is the infection of the foreskin and head of the penis characterized by soreness, irritation and discharge that can last for 2 to 3 days after intercourse. Balanitis. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of eHealthMe.com's terms of service and privacy policy. blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin changes in skin color chest pain or tightness chills clay-colored stools cough or hoarseness dark urine diarrhea dizziness fever general feeling of tiredness or weakness headache itching, skin rash joint or muscle pain light-colored stools loss of appetite lower back or side pain nausea Balanitis in adults. Approach to balanitis/balanoposthitis: Current guidelines. This means aggressively treating an underlying condition or avoiding potential irritants to help the condition clear. Can result in difficulty urinating and sexual. For more severe inflammatory causes of balanitis (such as Zoons balanitis, genital lichen planus, BXO): Pre-malignant causes of balanitis (such as erythroplaisa of Queyrat): Most individuals with balanitis recover without complications with appropriate treatment and genital hygiene measures. A person should see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and proper treatment for their condition. Balanitis refers to inflammation or irritation of the foreskin of the penis (prepuce of the penis). What Causes Tight Foreskin and How Is It Treated? The study uses data from the FDA. All rights reserved. Occasionally antibiotic pills may be necessary. Balanitis is more likely to occur in uncircumcised children under the age of 4. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/30/2023. It can occur in anyone who has a penis, but it mostly affects those who are uncircumcised, often also causing inflammation of the foreskin (posthitis). It's also known as Candida balanitis. People with diabetes can help to prevent balanitis by carefully controlling their blood sugar. We avoid using tertiary references. Candida grow and thrive in warm, moist environments such as the foreskin of uncircumcised people. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. However, this article will focus on balanitis of the glans of the penis. Infectious aetiologies include, but are not limited to: Non-infectious aetiologies include, but are not limited to: Clinical features of balanitis vary depending on the specific aetiology. 2022;107:1312. They can also help educate you on the best ways to prevent it from coming back. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Poor hygiene, especially in uncircumcised men and those with reduced immunity, is a major contributing factors. * Approximation only. It can be uncomfortable, and may be painful, but it's rarely serious and can be treated with medication and good hygiene. Balanitis is an inflammatory condition of the glans penis (head of the penis). Other treatments can be used to help relieve the inflammation and treat the underlying cause. Balanitis may be caused by a range of different conditions affecting the penile skin (which may present similarly and may co-exist) including: Tests can include: Balanitis treatment usually begins with improving your genital hygiene by washing and drying under the foreskin and avoiding the use of hygiene products that contain potential irritants, like perfumes. Balanitis refers to inflammation of the head or glans of the penis. If they have any questions, encourage them to talk to a healthcare provider. When the skin is inflamed, but not infected, you will be advised to keep the area clean and dry and to avoid any soaps or skin lotions that may be aggravating the condition. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. A variety of infections and skin conditions can cause balanitis. Clean their penis or under their foreskin infrequently. Balanitis isnt an STI. It can make you uncomfortable in one of the most sensitive areas: the end of your penis and the loose flap of skin that covers the. This phase IV clinical study is created by eHealthMe based on reports submitted to eHealthMe, and is updated regularly. Not rinsing all of the soap from the area after showering or using products that contain irritants like perfumes and dyes can also cause this. Genital herpes is a lifelong infection. To ease the irritation and inflammation of balanitis, you should: You should avoid having sex while you have balanitis, especially if you dont know its cause. DermNet does not provide an online consultation service.If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. Balanoposthitis (balanitis) is swelling and inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, also known as the head of the penis. They may also benefit from starting treatment just in case. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Coming to a Cleveland Clinic location?Hillcrest Cancer Center check-in changesCole Eye entrance closingVisitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, Notice of Intelligent Business Solutions data eventLearn more. All rights reserved. Signs and symptoms of balanitis may include: Moist skin on the penis, possibly with areas of a thick, white substance collecting in skin folds. Balanitis is a common infection or inflammation of the skin on the head of the penis. What Causes White Spots to Form on Your Foreskin? Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education, Sulfamethoxazole And Trimethoprim (Oral Route), blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, pain, tenderness, or swelling of the foot or leg, red skin lesions, often with a purple center, sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips, bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms, burning, crawling, itching, numbness, painful, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings, continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse, large, flat, blue, or purplish patches in the skin, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs, numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or lips, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue, raised red swellings on the skin, the buttocks, legs, or ankles, redness, swelling, or soreness of the tongue, swelling of the face, hands, legs, and feet, unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination, feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, muscle pain, stiffness, cramps, or spasms, redness or other discoloration of the skin, seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there. Read on to learn what treatment options are available. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. With a proper diagnosis and treatment, you should make a full recovery. Use a mild soap, not shower gel or soaps with harsh ingredients. allergic reaction to certain medications, including some antibiotics and pain relievers, injuries on the tip of the penis or foreskin, a thick, white discharge under the foreskin (, a swab of your urethral opening to check for STIs and other infections, a skin scraping sample to examine for mites under a microscope. Both circumstances will result in bacterial overgrowth and skin irritation. Balanitis can affect up to 1 in 10 people who have a penis, and its more likely to occur if you have foreskin. Balanitis is an infection or inflammation of the skin on the head (glans) of the penis. Cephalosporins are usually administered four times a day for 7 days. Reactive arthritis, a type of arthritis that develops in response to an infection somewhere in your body. Urogenital Infections and Inflammations. Are complications possible with balanitis? 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. When balanitis keeps recurring, it may be caused by a yeast infection transmitted back and forth between partners during sexual contact. Drugs used to treat Balanoposthitis The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. Azole family drugs are effective against fungi and are used to treat balanitis caused by fungi such as Candida. Check whether Balanitis is associated with a drug or a condition, Orthostatic Hypotension and drugs of ingredients of amphetamine resin complex; dextroamphetamine resin complex, Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders: 0.0 %. A doctor can often diagnose balanitis by observing the redness and inflammation of the glans. If youre dealing with a balanitis thats come back, your doctor may suggest a circumcision. Types of penile conditions and diseases. They can help determine the cause and get you the proper treatment so it goes away. This is done to determine if you have an unusual type of infection or other type of skin condition that is causing your symptoms. Rarely, sexual contact can pass an infection back and forth between partners. Here's what may be causing your symptoms and how to treat it. In addition, there may be an association between balanitis and penile cancer. The risk increases if you dont clean under your foreskin regularly. Balanitis refers to the inflammation of the glans penis alone. To do this properly: American Urological Association: Plasma Cell Balanitis (Zoon's Balanitis), Buried penis in adults - Presentation, Surgical Techniques and Outcome.. Balanitis Bactrim and Balanitis - a phase IV clinical study of FDA data Summary: Balanitis is found among people who take Bactrim, especially for people who are 60+ old, have been taking the drug for < 1 month. Many urologic clinic visits are due to balanitis, which may be caused by infection, trauma, irritation to the glans penis, and allergic dermatitis. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. What are the Causes of Penile Inflammation and Balanitis? The most common risk factor for balanitis is poor hygiene related to an uncircumcised penis. Youre also more likely to get the infection if you're overweight or have a condition that makes your body retain water, such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. Most cases resolve before adolescence, but some may last into adulthood. We avoid using tertiary references. The condition may occur at any age but is frequently seen in boys below the age of five years as they won't retract or clean under the foreskin of a penis. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). ; A Stary, J Soeltz-Szoets, C Ziegler, G R Kinghorn and R B Roy; April 1996. pain or . If it gets worse, it can start to hurt when you pee or cause problems with your sex life. The type of antibiotic and duration will . Urologic dermatology: a comprehensive foray into the noninfectious etiologies of balanitis. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? Mayo Clinic; 2020. Read on to discover the causes, symptoms, and treatments. As a side effect of certain drugs prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes treated with medications! Also benefit from starting treatment just in case often includes antifungal creams, antibiotics, regularly cleaning the and... Balanitis ) is swelling and inflammation of the glans of the skin on the head of skin. 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