From the Guidelines
Balanitis symptoms should be treated with topical antifungal agents to relieve symptoms, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1. Balanitis symptoms include redness, swelling, pain, itching, and irritation of the glans penis (head of the penis). You may also notice an unpleasant odor, discharge from under the foreskin, difficulty retracting the foreskin, and discomfort during urination or sexual activity. In some cases, small sores, rash, or white patches may appear on the penis. These symptoms typically develop due to poor hygiene, bacterial or fungal infections, allergic reactions to soaps or lubricants, or underlying conditions like diabetes.
Causes and Treatment
- Poor hygiene can contribute to the development of balanitis, so gently cleaning the area with warm water and keeping it dry is essential.
- Avoiding potential irritants, such as harsh soaps or lubricants, can also help alleviate symptoms.
- According to the study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1, treatment with topical antifungal agents can relieve symptoms in men with balanitis.
- It is crucial to see a healthcare provider promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment, which may include antifungal creams, antibiotics, or steroid creams depending on the cause.
Prevention
- Uncircumcised men should regularly retract the foreskin for cleaning to prevent recurrence.
- Practicing good hygiene and avoiding irritants can help prevent balanitis symptoms from developing in the first place.
From the Research
Symptoms of Balanitis
- Inflammation of the glans penis, often also encompassing the prepuce (balanoposthitis) 2
- Severe pain 2
- Urethral stenosis 2
- Phimosis 2
- Sexual dysfunction 2
- Malignancy if untreated 2
- Erythema, with a median time to relief of 6 days for fluconazole and 7 days for clotrimazole 3
Clinical Presentation
- Candidal balanitis symptoms can be treated with oral fluconazole or topical clotrimazole, with 92% and 91% of patients respectively being clinically cured or improved at short term follow up 3
- Candida albicans can be eradicated in 78% and 83% of patients respectively 3
- Clotrimazole 1% cream can result in 91% of men being asymptomatic after seven days and 98% after three weeks' treatment 4
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Accurate diagnosis is essential for management 5
- Treatment with clotrimazole for seven days is effective in the treatment of candidal balanitis 4
- A single 150 mg dose of fluconazole was comparable in efficacy and safety to clotrimazole cream applied topically for 7 days when administered to patients with balanitis 3