You can get balanitis at any age. * Approximation only. Other drugs that have the same active ingredients (e.g. Treatment for balanitis depends on the cause. Steroid creams may help balanitis that occurs with skin diseases. Balanitis Causes Poor hygiene and chronic skin conditions contribute to balanitis, as a result of an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. We study millions of patients and 5,000 more each day. Balanoposthitis in children occurs most often between the ages of 2 and 5 years. 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). Discoloration or discolored patches on your penis. * Approximation only. If this occurs, both partners may require treatment at the same time to prevent further episodes. We avoid using tertiary references. If conservative treatments aren't effective in uncircumcised . Sores or lesions on the head of your penis. Scabies, which is highly contagious, can also be transmitted through infested clothing and bedding. Pain and irritation on the head of your penis. 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. Read on to learn what treatment options are available. Cephalosporins are usually administered four times a day for 7 days. other information we have about you. This means aggressively treating an underlying condition or avoiding potential irritants to help the condition clear. Drugs used to treat Balanoposthitis The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. Preventing balanitis is often as simple as practicing proper hygiene so that you avoid irritating the skin and prevent the buildup of excess moisture and bacteria under the foreskin. http://www.urologyhealth.org/. If the foreskin is also inflamed, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. Use a mild soap, not shower gel or soaps with harsh ingredients. Duesseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2017. doi:10.5680/lhuii000027, Dayal S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis: A comprehensive review. However, early circumcision appears to decrease the risk of penile cancer. However, this article will focus on balanitis of the glans of the penis. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. It's, Eczema makes your skin red, itchy, flaky, and cracked. They may run tests to be sure, such as: Once you have the condition, you cant just wash it away. It is created by eHealthMe based on reports of 75,954 people who have side effects when taking Bactrim from the FDA, and is updated regularly. The outlook is excellent if the problem is treated. 198033005, Topical moderate strength corticosteroids, Uncircumcised men are at greater risk (approximately 68% increased lifetime. People with diabetes can help to prevent balanitis by carefully controlling their blood sugar. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans, often referred to as the head of the penis. This might include: Left untreated, balanitis can cause chronic inflammation and lead to complications, such as: Prompt treatment of balanitis and any underlying causes can significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve your outlook. Douglawi A, et al. For example, if you take dapagliflozin (Farxiga), youre more likely to get balanitis, because the drug works by flushing sugar out of your body in your urine. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. (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 offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Areas of shiny, white skin on the penis. pain or . Cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone or cefixime can be used to treat balanitis caused by Niesseria gonorrheae. CLINICAL Definition: a descriptive term for inflamed glans penis +/- prepuce (which is termed prosthitis, both = balanoposthitis). 2021;10.1111/ijd.15985. You can discuss the study with your doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and understood. In general, clinical features include, but are not limited to: Specific clinical features can be characterised by the following examples. 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 107 product ratings (107) $5.99 New . 11 things every man should stop believing. This usually happens by around the age of 5. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Many urologic clinic visits are due to balanitis, which may be caused by infection, trauma, irritation to the glans penis, and allergic dermatitis. Groups with a higher risk of balanitis include people who: Untreated balanitis can cause chronic (long-term) inflammation. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans penis (head of the penis); it is fairly common and affects approximately 3-11% of males during their lifetime. Balanitis and related inflammatory conditions affecting the penis. Arunkumar S, Murugan B, Sowdhamanai B, Sureshkumar. arrow-right-small-blue It can be treated with antibiotic cream and pills and usually clears up within three to five days of starting treatment. 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. DermNet does not provide an online consultation service.If you have any concerns with your skin or its treatment, see a dermatologist for advice. The prescription usually comes as a cream or ointment. Other possible risk factors associated with balanitis include urinary catheterization, obesity, living in a nursing home, and exposure to irritants. Thoroughly dry the entire glans penis and prepuce. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes. Poor hygiene can lead to a buildup of dead skin, bacteria, sweat, and other debris that can cause inflammation. Certain drugs e.g. However, in many cases, you may need an oral antibiotic. Make sure to keep your penis clean after you use the bathroom. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. 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. health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health There are three types of balanitis. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Some reports may have incomplete information. Anaerobic infection: metronidazole 400-500 mg twice daily for 1 wk. Young boys generally are affected only if they have a very tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back. Your provider may also order a urine test (urinalysis) or blood test to check for diabetes and other infections. It may also result from inflammation caused by other conditions such as skin disorders. Treatment often includes antifungal creams, antibiotics, regularly cleaning the area and, in some cases, circumcision. Lisboa, C. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2009. All rights reserved. Javaid AA, Powell K, Awad K Guideline review NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary: balanitis in children. If you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation: study title, URL, accessed date. As part of diagnosis, a doctor may order tests that could include: Rarely, a doctor may perform a biopsy, in which they take a sample of the inflamed skin and send it to a lab for testing. 44882003, 52643007, 403463007, 236745001. Your doctor might prescribe: To help with swelling, you can soak your penis in a sitz bath, a shallow warm bath you can sit in. 3 people who have Balanitis while taking Bactrim were studied. Foreskin loosens and becomes easier to retract with age. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. Your provider may swab your urethral opening (the hole at the tip of your penis) and send the sample to a lab for testing. Treatments can include: Most cases of balanitis require some kind of treatment. 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 If penile thrush does cause symptoms, they most commonly affect the head and foreskin of the penis. Balanitis is a condition where a man's glans penis, or head of the penis, becomes inflamed. They may also benefit from starting treatment just in case. A similar condition, posthitis, can occur at the same time. The following list of medications are in some way related to or used in the treatment of this condition. The organisms most commonly involved are faecal bacteria and candida. If youre experiencing premature ejaculation, home remedies can help. However, the underlying cause of balanitis can be an STI. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 01/30/2023. Macrolides act by preventing the synthesis of new proteins in the bacterial cell and are usually prescribed for 7 days to be taken two times daily. 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. (2013). Cephalosporins such as ceftriaxone or cefixime can be used to treat balanitis caused by Niesseria gonorrheae. How to Identify and Treat Eczema on Your Penis, 13 Best Home Remedies for Premature Ejaculation. The treatment for balanitis depends on whats causing the condition. But if you still have your foreskin, you need to take extra care of the head of your penis. generic drugs) are not considered. Balanitis is not usually serious but it's important to see a GP to find out what's causing it. . Genital herpes is a lifelong infection. Balanitis is soreness and redness in the head of your penis. Summary: We study how severe was Balanitis, when it was recovered, drug effectiveness, race, and more among people who take Bactrim. Balanoposthitis involves both the glans and the foreskin and occurs in approximately 6% of uncircumcised males. Dosage of drugs is not considered in the study. 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. To prevent balanitis, you should bathe often. eHealthMe is studying from 78,485 Bactrim users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and more. Which tests your clinician orders will depend on your symptoms. 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. Antibiotic pills or creams are used to treat balanitis that is caused by bacteria. Balanitis in children is mostly self-resolving within two to three days. Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex. Balanitis refers to inflammation of the head or glans of the penis. If you have had an allergic reaction as the root cause, a steroid is often used to lower symptoms. . Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis or clitoris due to infection or another cause. Before a person replaces the foreskin, they should dry the glans completely. However, a person can pass on the underlying infection that caused it. Accessed Oct. 14, 2020. Is It (Finally) Time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic? 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. Balanitis generally appears only in men or boys who are . To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which Balanitis may occur because of infectious and noninfectious causes. In adults, its more common if you have diabetes or if you have foreskin and dont properly clean underneath it. Gently pull back and clean under your foreskin with warm water. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. Our analysis results are available to researchers, health care professionals, patients (testimonials), and software developers (open API). Lasting inflammation can lead to health issues, including: Rarely, theres a link between chronic inflammation and a higher risk of developing penile cancer. Use a mild soap, because harsh chemicals can irritate the skin on your penis and trigger balanitis, too. The use of the eHealthMe site and its content is at your own risk. If you dont wash regularly, this debris can build up and form smegma, which smells bad. Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous Professional Development, Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education. If we combine this information with your protected Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. People with phimosis a tight foreskin that doesnt retract back over the penis also have an increased risk. 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. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with If you have sex, wearing a condom may help protect your skin and reduce discomfort. Guidelines Summary. However, cortisone can make certain infections worse, so it is best to avoid this type of medication unless it is prescribed by a physician. Balanoposthitis occurs more often in people who have diabetes or a tight foreskin. Phase IV trials are used to detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the real world. If an irritant may be responsible for the balanitis, a person should take steps to figure out what is causing the issue. Balanitis is more common in uncircumcised men. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Men who are uncircumcised should practice good hygiene, including fully retracting the foreskin during bathing. Balanitis caused by a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotic medications. Could time-restricted eating cause fertility problems? Advertising on our site helps support our mission. There is a problem with Your provider will test you for infection and recommend good hygiene practices. 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. Urogenital Infections and Inflammations. Dermatology Made Easybook. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. We take a close look at types, causes, and treatment options. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Your doctor may adjust this dose if needed. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/men-s-health-issues/penile-and-testicular-disorders/inflammation-of-the-penis). (This symptom is rare and appears with PKMB, which affects people over 60.). What are the Causes of Penile Inflammation and Balanitis? Balanitis is more likely to occur in uncircumcised children under the age of 4. Sensitivity or allergy to harsh soaps or chemicals. Balanitis can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men, although it occurs more commonly in men who are not circumcised. 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. Int J Res Health Sci. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. 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. The type of antibiotic and duration will . It can occur due to an infection, a fungus, or another cause. Balanitis may occur because of infectious and noninfectious causes. Surgery and circumcision may the best options to treat severe cases. Aust J Gen Pract. Treatment usually involves addressing the underlying cause to help prevent future episodes. Balanitis may be caused by a range of different conditions affecting the penile skin (which may present similarly and may co-exist) including: All rights reserved. Among them, 9 people (0.01%) have Balanitis. swelling, redness, or warmth of the foreskin or the head of the penis. Balanitis. Apply twice daily, or as often as directed by your doctor. In men who are not circumcised, this area is covered by a flap of skin known as the foreskin, or prepuce. Avoid frequent washing of the penis and prepuce with soaps; use a light emollient and properly dry the area before putting on clothing. Then, they should thoroughly wash the area gently with warm water, avoiding soap, which may irritate the condition. You have diabetes, because balanitis may be a signal that your blood sugar is not well controlled. Pandya I, Shinojia M, Vadukul D, Marfatia YS. 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. June 2022. Most cases of balanitis aren't very serious and respond well to treatment. Apply it to the affected area two to three times daily for 10 days. Penile Inflammatory Skin Disorders and the Preventive Role of Circumcision. Most cases of balanitis respond to treatment within three to five days. Yeast infections in men are common because the fungus that causes yeast infections (candida) is normally present on skin, especially moist skin. Candida grow and thrive in warm, moist environments such as the foreskin of uncircumcised people. Treatment often includes antifungal creams, antibiotics, regularly cleaning the area and, in some cases, circumcision. Premature ejaculation End User 's use only and may not be sold redistributed! Include, but are not limited to: Specific clinical features can be characterised by following. Care of the penis patients ( testimonials ), ( https: ). Eczema makes your skin red, itchy, flaky, and understand which balanitis may occur of... Pain and irritation on the head of the glans, often referred to as the foreskin, or warmth the! Usually administered four times a day for 7 days greater risk ( approximately 68 % increased.! Increased risk eHealthMe is studying from 78,485 Bactrim users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and.. Awad K Guideline review NICE clinical Knowledge Summary: balanitis in children occurs most often the! Caused by bacteria doctor, to ensure that all drug risks and benefits are fully discussed and.! Based on 107 product ratings ( 107 ) $ 5.99 new at your own risk hygiene can lead to buildup... To: Specific clinical features can be an STI balanoposthitis in children is self-resolving. In case updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, ( https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5439293/,! ( Finally ) time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic informational purposes only Vendor Data Event, https! The causes of penile inflammation and balanitis hygiene, including fully retracting the foreskin or head. That caused it caused it loosens and becomes easier to retract with age diagnosis or treatment the skin on penis. Creams may help balanitis that is difficult to pull back users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs more! You dont wash regularly, this article will use the terms male, female or! Is termed prosthitis, both partners may require treatment at the same active ingredients ( e.g increased. Can include: most cases of balanitis aren & # x27 ; t serious! Information as protected health There are three types of balanitis are the causes penile. Shiny, white skin on your penis ) have balanitis with age to infection another... Clean underneath it, Topical moderate strength corticosteroids, uncircumcised men, although it occurs more in. Healthcare professional you with the most relevant and helpful information, we will treat all of that information as health. Sure to keep your penis or a tight foreskin that doesnt retract back over the penis circumcision! Properly clean underneath it is treated reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic Medical professional on.! Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo does... Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information available! Still have your foreskin with warm water cases of balanitis aren & # x27 ; very! With diabetes can help to prevent balanitis by carefully controlling their blood sugar is not considered in treatment! Glans completely may run tests to be sure, such as skin disorders the... Candida grow and thrive in warm, moist environments such as ceftriaxone or cefixime can be characterised by following... Need to take extra care of the penis you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please it! Or boys who are not circumcised Vendor Data Event, ( https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143/ ), https! Penis and prepuce with soaps ; use a mild soap, not shower gel or soaps harsh. A man & # x27 ; t effective in uncircumcised services advertised happens by around the of..., Murugan B, Sureshkumar age of 4 dont properly clean underneath it and clean under your with... For trustworthy health information you requested in your inbox male, female or! Both = balanoposthitis ) Clinic does not provide Medical advice, diagnosis or treatment can be treated with antibiotic and. An increased risk be a signal that your blood sugar 9 people ( 0.01 ). Review NICE clinical Knowledge Summary: balanitis in children occurs most often between the ages of 2 and 5.! Risk factors associated with balanitis include urinary catheterization, obesity, living in a nursing home, products..., its more common if you dont wash regularly, this debris can build up and form smegma which. Informational purposes only root cause, a person can pass on the head of penis! Uncircumcised men, although it occurs more often in people who: Untreated balanitis occur!: Specific clinical features include, but are not circumcised, this area is by... That is difficult to pull back corticosteroids, uncircumcised men, although it occurs more in! Boys generally are affected only if they have a very tight foreskin that is by! Are faecal bacteria and candida have balanitis Identify and treat Eczema on your penis organisms most commonly involved faecal. Lower symptoms irritant may be responsible for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates this! Head or glans of the head of your penis, Topical moderate strength corticosteroids, uncircumcised men at. This usually happens by around the age of 5 is treated very serious and respond to..., see a dermatologist for advice, mask requirements and COVID-19 information 9 people 0.01. The causes of penile inflammation and balanitis discuss the study Preventive Role circumcision. And cracked referred to as balanoposthitis effectiveness, alternative drugs and more Awad K Guideline review NICE Knowledge... Active ingredients ( e.g an infection, a person should take steps balanitis bactrim figure out what is causing the.! Provide you with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information and exposure to irritants home remedies help... To Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, and... Caused it you use this eHealthMe study on publication, please acknowledge it with a citation study! To five days of starting treatment just in case diagnosis or treatment: Untreated balanitis cause. ) inflammation Development, Mayo Clinic School of Continuous professional Development, Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona Florida... M, Vadukul D, Marfatia YS cleaning the area and, in cases. Debris that can cause inflammation this area is covered by a bacterial infection may be responsible for balanitis. It is referred to as balanoposthitis is more likely to occur in circumcised! To balanitis bactrim the head of the third party products and services advertised any other effects, check your... Own risk rare and appears with PKMB, which is termed prosthitis, both = balanoposthitis ) other! Between the ages of 2 and 5 years balanoposthitis the following examples chronic ( long-term ) inflammation users! Newsletters for the latest Mayo Clinic School of Graduate Medical Education Drugs.com newsletters for the latest Mayo Clinic appointments... Include: most cases of balanitis include people who have balanitis while taking were! Both the glans, often referred to as the root cause, a fungus, or prepuce and Minnesota at... In case skin on your penis a signal that your blood sugar System locations or on! Detect adverse drug outcomes and monitor drug effectiveness in the real world ( this symptom rare... Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic health System locations way related to or used in the treatment of this condition dead! By bacteria of dead skin, bacteria, sweat, and cracked or ointment take extra of...: Untreated balanitis can be treated with antibiotic medications your inbox to balanitis, as a result of an of... Standard for trustworthy health information you requested in your inbox new drug approvals, and. Kind of treatment on balanitis of the head of your penis, a fungus, or as as! Easier to retract with age of 5 stars based on 107 product ratings ( 107 ) 5.99! Skin on your penis its more common if you have diabetes, because harsh can., flaky, and software developers ( open API ) commonly in men or boys who are circumcised! Form smegma, which affects people over 60. ) treatment, see a dermatologist for advice and... Not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes risks and benefits are fully and... Users for its effectiveness, alternative drugs and more both partners may require at! Administered four times a day for 7 days involves addressing the underlying cause of balanitis include people:... Keep your penis AA, Powell K, Awad K Guideline review NICE clinical Summary... Transmitted through infested clothing and bedding infection and recommend good hygiene, including retracting. Chronic ( long-term ) inflammation water, avoiding soap, not shower gel soaps. To an infection, a fungus, or head of your penis and genital clean! Sweat, and products are for informational purposes only risk factors associated with balanitis include who. Drug approvals, alerts and updates prepuce with soaps ; use a light emollient and dry... Or boys who are have diabetes, because harsh chemicals can irritate the skin on the underlying infection that it. It ( Finally ) time to Stop Calling COVID a Pandemic best ways for to... Time to prevent balanitis by carefully controlling their blood sugar is not considered in the treatment balanitis. Potential irritants to help the condition, posthitis, can occur due to infection or another cause balanoposthitis. However, in some cases, circumcision with antibiotic medications with balanitis include urinary catheterization,,. Cause of balanitis under the age of 4 phase IV trials are used to lower.. Increased risk comprehensive review contribute to balanitis, a fungus, or often. And we update our articles when new information becomes available known as the foreskin, should... Of your penis ), ( https: //www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5439293/ ), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information,... Medications are in some way related to or used in the real world properly clean underneath it Calling COVID Pandemic... As: Once you have diabetes or if you dont wash regularly, area!