From the Guidelines
Balanitis should be treated with topical antifungal agents to relieve symptoms, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. The treatment approach for balanitis, which is the inflammation of the glans penis, involves addressing the underlying cause, typically an infection or irritation.
Key Considerations
- For mild cases, improved hygiene is essential, including gently washing the area with warm water daily and avoiding soaps that may irritate the skin.
- Topical antifungal agents, such as clotrimazole 1% or miconazole, can be applied twice daily for 7-10 days to treat fungal infections, which are common causes of balanitis.
- If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibacterial creams like fusidic acid or mupirocin may be used, or oral antibiotics such as flucloxacillin 500mg four times daily for 7 days in more severe cases.
- For inflammation without infection, a mild corticosteroid cream like hydrocortisone 1% can reduce swelling and discomfort.
Additional Recommendations
- During treatment, it is crucial to keep the area dry, wear loose cotton underwear, and avoid sexual activity until symptoms resolve.
- Controlling blood sugar levels is essential for individuals with diabetes, as high glucose can promote infections.
- Persistent or recurrent balanitis may indicate an underlying condition requiring further evaluation, and uncircumcised men with repeated episodes might consider circumcision as a definitive treatment option, as suggested by general medical knowledge and not directly stated in 1 or 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION A small amount of mupirocin ointment should be applied to the affected area three times daily. The treatment for balanitis (inflammation of the glans penis) may include applying a small amount of mupirocin ointment to the affected area three times daily 2.
- The area treated may be covered with a gauze dressing if desired.
- Patients not showing a clinical response within 3 to 5 days should be re-evaluated.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Balanitis
The treatment for balanitis, an inflammation of the glans penis, varies depending on the underlying cause. Some of the treatment options include:
- Topical antifungal creams, such as clotrimazole, for candidal balanitis 3
- Topical mupirocin ointment for Zoon balanitis, also known as balanitis circumscripta plasmacellularis 4, 5
- Oral antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, for bacterial infections, including those caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus 6
- Topical calcineurin inhibitors for Zoon balanitis 4, 5
- Circumcision for recurrent balanoposthitis or severe cases of balanitis 6, 7
Specific Treatment Regimens
Some studies have reported the following treatment regimens:
- Clotrimazole 1% cream for 7 days for candidal balanitis, with a success rate of 91% 3
- Topical mupirocin ointment twice daily for 3 months for Zoon balanitis, with a reported success rate of 100% in a case report 4
- Oral ciprofloxacin and topical mupirocin for erosive balanitis caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus, with a reported success rate of 100% in a case report 6
Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment for balanitis. A comprehensive review of the various etiologies, clinical workup, and treatments for balanitis is necessary to improve clinical outcomes 7