What are the treatments for balanitis?

Balanitis can be treated through local cleaning and care, topical drugs, oral drugs, physical therapy, surgical treatment, etc. Balanitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, fungal infection, allergic reaction, excessive foreskin, poor hygiene and other reasons.

1. Local cleaning and care

Wash the foreskin and glans with warm water every day and keep the area dry and clean. Avoid using harsh lotions and choose mild saline or a special lotion recommended by your doctor. After cleaning, dry gently to avoid friction and damage to mucous membranes. Cold compresses can be used to relieve symptoms when there is mild redness and swelling. This method is suitable for non-infectious inflammation or early minor infection.

2. External medicines

Bacterial balanitis can be treated with topical mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream. Fungal inflammation requires the use of ketoconazole cream or clotrimazole ointment. For allergic inflammation, hydrocortisone cream can be applied for a short period of time. Before use, clean the affected area and apply a thin layer evenly to avoid contact with the urethral opening. The drug should not be used for more than two weeks. If symptoms do not improve, timely follow-up is required.

3. Oral medications

Severe bacterial infections require oral administration of cefixime dispersible tablets or amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets. Fungal inflammation can be treated with fluconazole capsules. For those with obvious allergic symptoms, take loratadine tablets. Oral medications must be taken to complete the prescribed course of treatment, and the dosage cannot be increased or decreased on your own. Patients with abnormal liver and kidney function need to adjust their medication regimen.

4. Physical therapy

For recurrent chronic inflammation, red light physiotherapy can be used to improve local microcirculation. When combined with ulcers, low-energy laser can be used to promote wound healing. Physical therapy needs to be carried out in professional institutions. Each treatment lasts for 10-15 minutes, and the course of treatment is adjusted according to the condition. During treatment, medications and nursing measures are still required.

5. Surgical treatment

For repeated inflammation caused by excessive foreskin or phimosis, circumcision is recommended. After surgery, the wound needs to be kept clean and dry, and rehabilitation fluid should be used to promote healing. Surgery can fundamentally eliminate the environment where smegma accumulates and reduce the probability of recurrence. Avoid strenuous exercise and sex for 1 month after surgery.

Patients with balanitis should choose breathable cotton underwear to avoid sitting in a humid environment for long periods of time. The diet should be light and reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods. Pay attention to cleanliness before and after sex, and use condoms when necessary to prevent cross-infection. People with diabetes need to strictly control blood sugar. If symptoms persist or worsen after treatment, the plan should be reviewed and adjusted in a timely manner. Maintaining a regular daily schedule and enhancing immunity can help prevent recurrence.