Treatment methods for balanitis

Balanitis can be treated through daily 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. Daily care

Keeping the area clean and dry is the basic measure. Wash the foreskin and glans with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. After washing, dry the moisture promptly and choose cotton underwear with good breathability. Avoid scratching the affected area to reduce local friction. If foreskin or phimosis is a problem, it is recommended to consider circumcision after the inflammation is controlled. People with diabetes need to actively control blood sugar, as a high blood sugar environment can easily aggravate infection.

2. External use drugs

For bacterial infections, antibiotic ointments such as erythromycin ointment and mupirocin ointment can be applied topically. Fungal infections require the use of antifungal drugs such as clotrimazole cream and miconazole nitrate cream. Allergic balanitis requires discontinuation of allergenic substances and short-term application of hydrocortisone cream to relieve symptoms. It is necessary to clean the affected area before applying the medicine and keep the medicine for a long time after application. If skin burning or redness worsens, discontinue use immediately.

3. Oral medications

For serious bacterial infections, antibiotics such as cefaclor dispersible tablets and amoxicillin and clavulanate potassium tablets can be taken orally. Fungal infections require antifungal drugs such as fluconazole capsules and itraconazole capsules. Those with obvious allergic reactions can be combined with antihistamines such as loratadine tablets and cetirizine tablets. Oral medications must be taken to complete the prescribed course of treatment and avoid increasing or decreasing the dosage on your own. Avoid alcohol during medication and observe whether adverse reactions such as gastrointestinal discomfort occur.

4. Physical therapy

For recurrent or chronic inflammation, physical therapy such as red light irradiation can be used to promote local blood circulation and reduce inflammation. The affected area needs to be cleaned before treatment, and attention should be paid to adjusting the appropriate temperature to avoid burns during irradiation. When combined with ulcers, local ultraviolet irradiation can be used to assist sterilization. Physical therapy needs to be carried out in professional medical institutions, usually 10-15 times is a course of treatment. Medications still need to be used during treatment.

5. Surgical treatment

For patients with recurrent infections caused by excessive foreskin or phimosis, circumcision is recommended after the inflammation is controlled. The surgical method can be traditional surgical resection or laser circumcision. The wound must be kept clean and dry after surgery. People with scarring constitution need to inform the doctor in advance to evaluate the surgical method. Avoid strenuous exercise and sex for 1 month after surgery. Patients with urethral meatus stricture may need urethral dilation at the same time.

Patients with balanitis should avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to reduce local irritation. Choose loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear to avoid prolonged sitting and high-temperature environments such as saunas. Pay attention to cleanliness before and after sex, and use condoms when necessary to reduce the risk of cross-infection. If symptoms such as increased secretions, persistent ulcers, or fever occur, you must seek medical attention promptly to check for specific infections. After treatment, it is recommended to review every 3-6 months. People with excessive foreskin need to focus on local health conditions.