How to treat balanitis

Balanitis can be treated by keeping the area clean, topical drugs, oral drugs, physical therapy, surgical treatment, etc. Balanitis is usually caused by bacterial infection, fungal infection, allergic reaction, excessive foreskin, poor hygiene and other reasons.

1. Keep the area clean

Wash the foreskin and glans with warm water every day and avoid using irritating lotions. After cleaning, keep the area dry and choose cotton underwear with good breathability. If there is smegma accumulation, it needs to be removed gently, but avoid excessive friction that may cause mucosal damage. People with diabetes need to strengthen blood sugar control, as a high blood sugar environment can easily aggravate infection.

2. External use drugs

Bacterial balanitis can be treated with topical mupirocin ointment or fusidic acid cream, while fungal infections require clotrimazole cream or miconazole nitrate cream. People with allergic reactions can apply hydrocortisone ointment for a short period of time, but should not use it continuously for more than 1 week. Clean the affected area before applying the medication and avoid wearing tight clothing immediately after application. Hormone ointments are contraindicated when combined with ulcers.

3. Oral medications

For serious bacterial infections, oral administration of cefaclor dispersible tablets or amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium tablets is recommended. For fungal infections, fluconazole capsules or itraconazole capsules are required. Those with allergies can be treated with loratadine tablets as an antihistamine. It is forbidden to drink alcohol during oral antibiotics, and the dose of antifungal drugs needs to be adjusted in patients with abnormal liver function. Those who have recurring symptoms need to check whether their spouse has vaginitis.

4. Physical therapy

Chronic inflammation can be treated with red light irradiation to promote local blood circulation and wound repair. Those with foreskin adhesion must undergo manual separation under the guidance of a doctor, and strict disinfection before and after the operation. Sexual intercourse should be suspended during physical therapy, and Vaseline should be applied after treatment to prevent re-adhesion. Diabetic patients should be alert to the risk of burns when receiving phototherapy.

5. Surgical treatment

Circumcision is recommended for recurrent infections caused by excessive foreskin or phimosis. Pressure dressing is required for 24 hours after surgery, and cephalexin capsules are taken orally to prevent infection. Avoid strenuous exercise for 1 month after surgery, and review wound healing regularly. People with scar constitution need to be evaluated before surgery, and silicone gel can be used externally to reduce scar hyperplasia after surgery.

Patients with balanitis should avoid sexual intercourse during treatment, and their spouses should undergo simultaneous examination and treatment. Choose loose and breathable underwear for daily use to avoid sitting in humid environments for long periods of time. The diet should be light and reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods. People with underlying diseases such as diabetes and immune deficiency need to give priority to controlling the primary disease. If fever, ulcer expansion, or lymph node enlargement occurs, you should seek medical attention immediately to check for specific pathogens. After surgery, patients need to change dressings regularly according to medical advice and observe whether there is bleeding or suture reaction.