The balanitis is the inflammation of the head of the penis which, when it reaches the foreskin, is called balanoposthitis, and causes symptoms such as redness, itching and swelling of the region. This inflammation, in most cases, is caused by an infection with the fungus Candida albicans, but can also happen by a bacterial infection or simply due to an allergy to some type of underwear or hygiene product.
Although it can happen in any man or child, balanitis is more frequent in those who did not have circumcision, since it is easier to accumulate dirt and bacteria under the skin of the foreskin.
When the first symptoms of balanitis appear, it is important to consult the urologist, in the case of the man, or the pediatrician, in the case of the child, to start treatment with suitable ointments and to end the discomfort.
Main symptoms
In addition to redness in the head of the penis, balanitis may cause other symptoms such as:
- Intense itching;
- Bad smell;
- Presence of white discharge;
- Pain or burning while urinating.
In some cases, it may even become difficult to pull the skin covering the penis as it becomes more swollen and tight due to inflammation.
When these symptoms appear, it is important to go to the urologist or pediatrician, in the case of the child's balanitis, to identify the correct cause and initiate appropriate treatment.
What can cause balanitis
The main cause of balanitis is candidiasis, which occurs when the fungus Candida albicans can develop in excess and cause an infection in the more superficial layers of the penis. Here's how to properly identify candidiasis.
However, there are other causes that can cause irritation in the penis such as poor hygiene, allergy to some hygiene product or underwear, bacterial infection or sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, some skin diseases, such as eczema or psoriasis, may also arise in the intima, causing balanitis.
How is the treatment done?
Most balanitis can be treated only with proper hygiene of the region and the use of cotton underwear that allows the skin to breathe. However, when the symptoms do not improve the doctor can help identify the cause and start a more specific treatment.
Generally, medical treatment includes the use of:
- Corticosteroid ointments, such as hydrocortisone: may be used in all cases to improve symptoms;
- Antifungal ointments, such as Nystatin, Clotrimazole or Terbinafine: are used to treat excess fungi;
- Antibiotic ointments, such as Clindomycin or Mupirocin: used in cases of bacterial infection.
If symptoms continue or recur, it is necessary to evaluate the presence of some kind of allergy, which may be caused by a specific soap or other hygiene product, for example. In such cases, the substance that causes the allergy should be avoided to relieve symptoms.
After the treatment, to keep the balanitis from appearing again, keep the penis always clean and dry, avoid using products that can irritate the skin and use a condom during all sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of communicable diseases.
