How should a person with severe balanitis apply antifungal lotion and clean under their foreskin?

From the Guidelines

For severe balanitis, a person should first gently retract the foreskin as far as comfortably possible during a warm shower or bath, then clean the area with warm water only, and apply a thin layer of antifungal cream such as clotrimazole 1% or miconazole 2% directly to the inflamed areas under the foreskin and on the glans penis. This approach is based on the general principles of managing fungal infections and promoting healing, as the provided studies 1 primarily focus on the treatment guidelines for sexually transmitted diseases and do not directly address the application of antifungal lotion for severe balanitis. However, the most recent and relevant guideline for treating conditions like balanitis would be from the 2002 sexually transmitted diseases treatment guidelines 1, which suggests that male sex partners with balanitis benefit from treatment with topical antifungal agents to relieve symptoms. Key steps to follow include:

• Gently retracting the foreskin during a warm shower or bath to clean the area
• Avoiding soaps that can irritate the area, instead using warm water only
• Patting the area dry thoroughly with a clean towel
• Applying antifungal cream 2-3 times daily for 7-10 days
• Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear and avoiding sexual activity until symptoms resolve
• Seeking medical attention if symptoms do not improve within a week or if severe pain, discharge, fever, or difficulty urinating occurs. Proper hygiene and complete treatment are crucial to prevent recurrence, as fungi thrive in warm, moist environments 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

Directions clean the affected area and dry thoroughly apply a thin layer of the product over affected area twice daily (morning and night) or as directed by a doctor The person with severe balanitis should clean the affected area and dry thoroughly before applying a thin layer of the antifungal lotion. To clean under their foreskin, they should:

• Gently retract the foreskin
• Clean the area with mild soap and water
• Dry thoroughly Then, apply a thin layer of the antifungal lotion over the affected area, including under the foreskin, twice daily (morning and night) or as directed by a doctor 2.

From the Research

Application of Antifungal Lotion

To apply antifungal lotion for severe balanitis, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after applying the lotion
• Gently retract the foreskin to expose the affected area
• Apply a thin layer of antifungal lotion to the affected area, usually twice a day for 7 days 3, 4
• Make sure to clean the area under the foreskin, as this is a common area for fungal infections to occur

Cleaning Under the Foreskin

To clean under the foreskin:

• Gently retract the foreskin and rinse the area with warm water
• Use a mild soap and avoid using harsh or abrasive cleansers
• Dry the area thoroughly, paying extra attention to the area under the foreskin
• Apply antifungal lotion as directed by your doctor or the product instructions 3, 4

Treatment Options

Treatment options for balanitis include:

• Topical antifungal creams or lotions, such as clotrimazole 3, 4
• Oral antifungal medications, such as fluconazole 4
• It is essential to follow the treatment regimen as directed by your doctor to ensure effective treatment and prevent relapse 4, 5