Treatment methods for balanitis

Balanitis can be treated by keeping the area clean, 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. Keep the area clean

Wash the foreskin and glans with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. After cleaning, keep the area dry and choose cotton underwear with good breathability. Those who have an excessively long foreskin need to turn it over completely and clean it to avoid accumulation of dirt. If secretions are present, rinse with physiological saline. Use gentle movements when cleaning to avoid damage to the mucous membrane caused by friction.

2. External use drugs

For bacterial infections, topical mupirocin ointment or compound polymyxin B ointment can be used. Fungal infections require the use of clotrimazole cream or miconazole nitrate cream. For allergic inflammation, hydrocortisone cream can be applied for a short period of time. Clean the affected area before use, apply a thin layer evenly, 2-3 times a day. When combined with ulcers, recombinant human epidermal growth factor gel can be added to promote healing.

3. Oral medications

When the bacterial infection is severe, cefaclor dispersible tablets or levofloxacin tablets can be taken orally. People with extensive fungal infections need to take fluconazole capsules or itraconazole capsules. If allergic symptoms are obvious, loratadine tablets can be used. The medicine must be taken in sufficient amount according to the course of treatment to avoid stopping the medicine on your own. Those with abnormal liver and kidney function need to adjust the dosage, and alcohol consumption is prohibited during medication.

4. Physical therapy

If redness and swelling are obvious in the acute stage, cold wet compresses with boric acid solution can be used. Chronic inflammation can be treated with potassium permanganate solution for sitz bath, with the concentration controlled at 1:5000. When combined with lymphangitis, it can be treated with infrared irradiation. Physical therapy must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor to avoid irritation caused by excessive temperature or improper concentration. Observe local reactions during treatment and discontinue use immediately if discomfort occurs.

5. Surgical treatment

Recurrent balanitis associated with phimosis requires circumcision. Phimoplasty is an option for cicatricial phimosis. The surgery uses laser or traditional resection, and post-operative pressure dressing is required to prevent infection. Acute inflammation needs to be controlled before surgery, and dressings need to be changed regularly after surgery until healing. Sexual life and strenuous exercise are prohibited within one month after surgery.

Patients with balanitis should avoid eating spicy foods and drink more water to promote metabolism. Choose loose and breathable underwear to avoid prolonged sitting and local friction. Sexual intercourse is prohibited during treatment, and partners need to be checked simultaneously. After the foreskin is cured, people still need to maintain daily cleaning and regular reexamination. If abnormal conditions such as fever or deepening of ulcers occur, timely medical attention is required.