Do you know what is balanitis? It’s a condition that affects about 10% of men, yet not a lot of men are aware of it.
Medically reviewed by Regina Victoria Boyles, MD · Pediatrics
Do you know what is balanitis? It’s a condition that affects about 10% of men, yet not a lot of men are aware of it.
Read on to learn more about what this condition is, its symptoms, treatment, and how it can be prevented.
Balanitis is a condition wherein the glans or head of the penis suffers from irritation or inflammation. The usual cause is a buildup of smegma, or dead skin and oil, under the foreskin. This is also the reason why uncircumcised men are more prone to balanitis. Children under 4 are also more prone to having this condition.
Here are some other possible reasons for this condition1:
Uncircumcised men are more prone to this condition because bacteria and yeast can easily grow under the foreskin. This is especially true for those who don’t practice proper hygiene such as cleaning regularly under the foreskin.
However, circumcised men can also experience balanitis, though it’s much less common.
Here are some symptoms to watch out for2:
If you experience any of these symptoms, it would be best to go to a doctor as soon as possible.
Once a doctor has confirmed that you do have this condition, then treatment can start. The treatment can vary depending on what’s causing the inflammation3.
If it’s caused by a yeast infection, an antifungal cream might be prescribed by your doctor. For a bacterial infection, antibiotics might be prescribed in order to kill off any bacteria that’s causing the irritation. Steroid creams can also be prescribed to help with swelling and reduce inflammation.
If it starts to become a recurring condition, then a doctor might recommend circumcision. This way, it will be much easier to clean the penis, and any growth of yeast or bacteria can be minimized. However, this isn’t always recommended by doctors.
Most cases of balanitis are not serious, and treatment options are fairly effective4.
Preventing balanitis is very simple. Here are some things that you can do5:
Learn more about Penis Health here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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