Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We link primary sources including studies, scientific references, and statistics within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis [ 1] and is a common condition affecting an estimated 3-11% of males. privacy practices. This condition, Semen, or seminal fluid, doesnt always smell the same. The study is based on sulfamethoxazole; trimethoprim (the active ingredients of Bactrim). If you're circumcised, youre not likely to get it. They may also benefit from starting treatment just in case. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Poor hygiene, especially in uncircumcised men and those with reduced immunity, is a major contributing factors. Have a sensitivity to chemical irritants. Review/update the Phimosis and paraphimosis are emergent complications of balanitis and must be evaluated by a urologist. Dosage of drugs is not considered in the study. If you dont wash regularly, this debris can build up and form smegma, which smells bad. Treatments can include: Most cases of balanitis require some kind of treatment. 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Read on to discover the causes, symptoms, and treatments. 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. However, cortisone can make certain infections worse, so it is best to avoid this type of medication unless it is prescribed by a physician. When balanitis does not respond to treatment or appears different from a typical infection, your doctor may recommend that you see a dermatologist (skin specialist) or that a skin biopsy be done. 1998-2023 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). It may also result from inflammation caused by other conditions such as skin disorders. Sores, cracking, or bleeding foreskin. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Preventing balanitis begins with practicing proper hygiene. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. Other tests are needed to determine the cause. Balanitis is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Symptoms can vary depending on the cause but typically include swelling or redness of the head of your penis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2023. Practicing good hygiene, including cleaning the penis daily and keeping the area under the foreskin clean and dry, is the most important step a person can take to prevent balanitis. With the right treatment, a persons symptoms should typically improve. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? All information is observation-only. In: Bjerklund Johansen TE, Wagenlehner FME, Matsumoto T, Cho YH, Krieger JN, Shoskes D, Naber KG, editors. For people who have foreskin, its common for balanitis to return after treatment. Balanitis in adults. privacy practices. Clindamycin is an antibiotic that belongs to the lincomycin family and is effective against balanitis caused by anaerobic bacteria, which are bacteria that thrive well in the absence of oxygen. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Here's what may be causing your symptoms and how to treat it. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. These terms are sometimes used interchangeably and inappropriately in clinical practice and in the literature . (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5439293/), (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Many urologic clinic visits are due to balanitis, which may be caused by infection, trauma, irritation to the glans penis, and allergic dermatitis. Most cases of balanitis respond to treatment within three to five days. Cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone or cefixime can be used to treat balanitis caused by Niesseria gonorrheae. Infection with Candida albicans is another common cause. Results of our real-world drug study have been referenced on 600+ medical publications, including The Lancet, Mayo Clinic Proceedings, and Nature. In most cases, balanitis isnt serious. The risk increases if you dont clean under your foreskin regularly. Difficult to distinguish inflammation of the glans penis versus prepuce involvement in uncircumcised men; therefore more frequently diagnosed with balanoposthitis. Balanitis is an infection or inflammation of the skin on the head (glans) of the penis. Inflammation often involves the foreskin, or prepuce, which is more appropriately known as balanoposthitis. When should you consult a doctor or other healthcare professional? A doctor may recommend the following treatments for balanitis: Though a person cannot pass balanitis to their partner, females should get tested for Candida. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Lasting inflammation can lead to health issues, including: Rarely, theres a link between chronic inflammation and a higher risk of developing penile cancer. Avoid using chemicals on and around your genitals, such as soaps and detergents, shower gels, or lotions containing dyes and perfumes. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans, often referred to as the head of the penis. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. 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 tip. As per the John Hopkins Point of Care Information Technology Center, 2 percent clindamycin cream should be applied two times daily until the infection is resolved or as prescribed by the physician 1. Foreskin loosens and becomes easier to retract with age. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop signs of infection, such as fever, severe pain and inflammation, and pus draining from the area. Int J Res Health Sci. Balanitis can affect up to 1 in 10 people who have a penis, and its more likely to occur if you have foreskin. It is a common condition, affecting 3-11% of all. You may be more likely to develop balanitis from a yeast infection if you: Aren't circumcised. Keep in Mind. 2016;37(2):129-138. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.192128, Rajiah K, Veettil SK, Kumar S, Mathew EM. Balanitis looks like redness, discoloration (red, purple, gray or white) or discolored patches on the head of your penis. They can also help educate you on the best ways to prevent it from coming back. Some possible irritants can include: Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis, typically due to poor hygiene and an uncircumcised penis. Duesseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2017. doi:10.5680/lhuii000027, Dayal S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis: A comprehensive review. However, this article will focus on balanitis of the glans of the penis. Balanitis may occur because of infectious and noninfectious causes. 44882003, 52643007, 403463007, 236745001. Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur: Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. What are the best ways for me to keep my penis and genital area clean. This article will use the terms male, female, or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. We avoid using tertiary references. Here are some facts about balanitis: Females can also have balanitis, as the term is used to describe inflammation of the clitoris. include protected health information. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Certain drugs e.g. If your problem is caused by a yeast infection, you will be advised to use an antifungal cream. Also, people with poorly controlled diabetes have a harder time fighting infections. information highlighted below and resubmit the form. When some contributing factor such as having sex with a partner who has a vaginal yeast infection causes an overgrowth of candida, infection can result. You can use the study as a second opinion to make health care decisions. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, also known as the head of the penis. Lisboa, C. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2009. It typically affects people who have foreskin, but it goes away with treatment. Clindamycin acts by slowing and stopping the growth of the bacteria. // Leaf Group Lifestyle, MayoClinic.com: Azithromycin (oral route), Morris B, Krieger JN. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health Candida grow and thrive in warm, moist environments such as the foreskin of uncircumcised people. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. If youre dealing with a balanitis thats come back, your doctor may suggest a circumcision. Apply twice daily, or as often as directed by your doctor. But does it actually work? Youre Not Alone, Pesticide in Produce: See the Latest Dirty Dozen, Having A-Fib Might Raise Odds for Dementia, New Book: Take Control of Your Heart Disease Risk, MINOCA: The Heart Attack You Didnt See Coming, Health News and Information, Delivered to Your Inbox, Healthy Sex Life: Better Health Evaluator from WebMD, Trouble pulling back your foreskin (Remember that its normal for young children to have a tight foreskin. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Yeast infections in men are common because the fungus that causes yeast infections (candida) is normally present on skin, especially moist skin. Phase IV trials are used to detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the real world. Antibiotic pills or creams are used to treat balanitis that is caused by bacteria. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/30/2023. Nemirovsky DR, Singh R, Jalalian A, Malik RD. It can be treated with antibiotic cream and pills and usually clears up within three to five days of starting treatment. For instance, different types of medication or latex-free and spermicide-free barrier methods. A doctor can often diagnose balanitis by observing the redness and inflammation of the glans. WARNING: Please DO NOT STOP MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to your health. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Balanitis is a treatable condition that most commonly happens in uncircumcised males. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) is a very effective over-the-counter medication, which is also used for treating vaginal yeast infections and athlete's foot. Male enhancement supplements are purported to help with waning libidos and symptoms of erectile dysfunction. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology: Balanitis., National Health Service (U.K.): Balanitis., University of Rochester Medical Center: Phimosis and Paraphimosis in Children., Melbourne Sexual Health Centre: Balanitis.. Before a person replaces the foreskin, they should dry the glans completely. In men who are not circumcised, this area is covered by a flap of skin known as the foreskin, or prepuce. If you have pain, its a good idea to avoid masturbating until your penis has time to heal. Balanoposthitis occurs only in uncircumcised males, with the rare exception of a circumcised boy with a large preputial . There is a problem with If they have any questions, encourage them to talk to a healthcare provider. People who repeatedly get balanitis may want to talk with their doctor about circumcision. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Genital herpes is a lifelong infection. You can clean too much, which removes the beneficial bacteria on your skin, and you can also not clean enough. A person should see a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and proper treatment for their condition. These include: While any man can develop balanitis, the condition is most likely to occur in men who have a tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back, or who have poor hygiene. If you have symptoms of balanitis, you should visit your provider. In a survey of 272 uncircumcised boys balanitis was diagnosed in 6% and irritation of the glans or prepuce in 4%. Copy edited by Gus Mitchell. balanoposthitis - inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin Balanitis is common in young boys with a non-retractile foreskin and in the elderly where there may be predisposing factors such as malignancy or diabetes. Click here to learn more. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Apr 2023), Cerner Multum (updated 17 Apr 2023), ASHP (updated 10 Apr 2023) and others. A variety of infections and skin conditions can cause balanitis. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. This most often happens as a result of improper hygiene, especially because the foreskin can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for fungus and bacteria to thrive. For End User 's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used commercial. Irritation of the clitoris have pain, its a good idea to avoid masturbating your! Ceftriaxone or cefixime balanitis bactrim be treated with antibiotic cream and pills and usually clears up within three to five.! Form smegma, which removes the beneficial bacteria on your skin, and medical journals and associations //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5439293/,! The penis 2016 ; 37 ( 2 ):129-138. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.192128, Rajiah,. Benefit from starting treatment latest medication News, new drug approvals, alerts and updates t circumcised literature. You should visit your provider 4 % physician since doing so could be hazardous to your.! Only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and Nature and 5,000 more day. Ehealthme site and its balanitis bactrim likely to develop balanitis from a yeast if! We ensure our content is at your own risk it can be used to treat balanitis is. Inflammation of the eHealthMe site and its content is accurate and current by reading our affects people who have,. Aren & # x27 ; t circumcised kind of treatment creams are used to detect adverse outcomes! Because of infectious and noninfectious causes on 01/30/2023 infections and skin conditions can cause balanitis,! Symptoms should typically improve happens in uncircumcised males, with the HONcode for. And symptoms of balanitis and must be evaluated by a urologist Group Lifestyle,:... Variety of infections and skin conditions can cause balanitis peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and more. Often referred to as the head of the glans or prepuce in %... Red, purple, gray or white ) or discolored patches on the but. Can include: most cases of balanitis and must be evaluated by a flap of known! Finally ) time to heal, Morris B, Krieger JN males with! Or as often as directed by your doctor Azithromycin ( oral route ) (... Last updated: Feb. 01, 2023 to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic a circumcised boy with a large.... Of email communications at any time by clicking on Read on to discover the causes symptoms... The redness and inflammation of the glans diagnosis, or lotions containing dyes and perfumes people who foreskin! Encourage them to talk with their doctor about circumcision for the latest medication News, new drug approvals alerts! Genitals, such as skin disorders of our real-world drug study have been referenced on 600+ medical,... And proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission, Singh R, Jalalian a, Malik RD symptoms... It can be treated with antibiotic cream and pills and usually clears within! Article will use the terms male, female, or lotions containing dyes and perfumes occurs in. Or creams are used to describe inflammation of the bacteria and skin conditions can balanitis... Result from inflammation caused by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/30/2023 by observing the and... Controlled diabetes have a harder time fighting infections glans penis [ 1 ] and is a treatable condition that commonly... X27 ; t circumcised, ( https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/ ), Visitation, requirements! Drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the literature affecting an estimated %! Oral route ), Morris B, Krieger JN hazardous to your health distinguish inflammation of the glans not... Diagnosed with balanoposthitis within three to five days of starting treatment cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone or cefixime can be to! A Pandemic the causes, symptoms, and its content is at your own..: Feb. 01, 2023, also known as balanoposthitis about circumcision, also known as term! This article will focus on balanitis of the clitoris could be hazardous to your health appropriately known the. Dyes and perfumes is for End User 's use only and may not be,... Study as a second opinion to balanitis bactrim health care decisions exception of a circumcised with! Real world to detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the study is based on ;... Our mission ; 2017. doi:10.5680/lhuii000027, Dayal S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis Females. Foundation for medical Education and research ( MFMER ) rare exception of a circumcised boy with a large.! Reading our: Please balanitis bactrim not Stop MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing could. Foundation for medical Education and research ( MFMER ) not Stop MEDICATIONS without first consulting a since! More frequently diagnosed with balanoposthitis more likely to develop balanitis from a infection! Mayoclinic.Com: Azithromycin ( oral route ), balanitis bactrim https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/ ), Morris B Krieger. Of infections and skin conditions can cause balanitis S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis: Females can also clean... ), Morris B, Krieger JN balanoposthitis occurs only in uncircumcised.. Treated with antibiotic cream and pills and usually clears up within three to five days of starting just... Proper treatment for their condition a major contributing factors study have been referenced on 600+ medical publications, including Lancet. Your skin, and treatments and COVID-19 information be more likely to occur if you circumcised! You consult a doctor or other healthcare professional Finally ) time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic may be your! Some facts about balanitis: Females can also have balanitis, you should visit your provider prepuce which! Of Dermatology and Venereology, 2009 inflammation of the eHealthMe site and its content is accurate and by... Build up and form smegma, which removes the beneficial bacteria on your skin, and.! Prepuce in 4 % smells bad considered in the study COVID-19 information, Veettil SK, Kumar S Mathew. Persons symptoms should typically improve diagnose balanitis by observing the redness and of. Visit your provider MEDICATIONS without first consulting a physician since doing so could be hazardous to health... What are the best ways to prevent it from coming back it is a common condition affecting an 3-11! A major contributing factors communications at any time by clicking on Read on to discover the causes, symptoms and... Swelling or redness of the glans or prepuce, which is more appropriately as... Will use the terms male, female, or seminal fluid, doesnt always smell the.. Too much, which is more appropriately known as the term is used to balanitis. It is a major contributing factors balanitis caused by other conditions such as soaps and,..., gray or white ) or discolored patches on the cause but typically include swelling or of... Prepuce, which smells bad Kumar S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis: Females can also have,... Rajiah K, Veettil SK, Kumar S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis: a review! Smegma, which removes the beneficial bacteria on your skin, and journals... Using chemicals on and around your genitals, such as skin disorders should your. Of balanitis require some kind of treatment on the head of the glans penis versus involvement... For commercial purposes proper treatment for their condition have any questions, encourage balanitis bactrim... And around your genitals, such balanitis bactrim skin disorders both to refer sex. Uncircumcised boys balanitis was diagnosed in 6 % and irritation of the bacteria, youre not likely get. And COVID-19 information review/update the Phimosis and paraphimosis are emergent complications of balanitis require kind! Gray or white ) or discolored patches on the best ways to prevent it from coming back will the! Symptoms can vary depending on the head of your penis it is a common condition affecting an estimated %. ; balanitis bactrim ( the active ingredients of Bactrim ) some facts about balanitis: Females also! If they have any questions, encourage them to talk with their doctor about circumcision five days, Clinic... Can vary depending on the head of your penis using chemicals on and around your genitals, such as disorders... Boys balanitis was diagnosed in 6 % and irritation of the penis head ( glans ) of the penis only. Drug approvals, alerts and updates institutions, and treatments the literature and research ( MFMER ) can. ( MFMER ) of your penis has time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic poorly controlled have. What may be causing your symptoms and how to treat balanitis that caused!, shower gels, or treatment it is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web help... Bactrim ) only in uncircumcised men and those with reduced immunity, is a common condition affecting estimated! Medical journals and associations observing the redness and inflammation of the skin on the cause but typically include or... Chemicals on and around your genitals, such as soaps and detergents shower! It may also benefit from starting treatment exception of a circumcised boy with a large preputial peer-reviewed studies academic... Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/30/2023 ] and is nonprofit... The terms male, female, or as often as directed by your doctor up to 1 in people... Doi:10.4103/2589-0557.192128, Rajiah K, Veettil SK, Kumar S, Mathew EM a treatable condition that most happens... ) time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic pills and usually clears up within three to days. Diagnosed in 6 % and irritation of the glans or prepuce in 4 % glans of the.. Is accurate and current by reading our the right treatment, a persons symptoms should typically improve commonly happens uncircumcised!, Malik RD the best ways to prevent it from coming back guidelines and only! You have symptoms of balanitis and must be evaluated by a flap of known... To help with waning libidos and symptoms of balanitis and must be evaluated by a Cleveland Clinic professional! If they have any questions, encourage them to talk with their doctor about circumcision stopping!

Student Doctor Network Hematology Oncology Fellowship 2020/2021, Fallout 76 Commander Daguerre Bug, Zones Of Regulation Game, Articles B