Balanitis
What is Balanitis?
- Balanitis is when the Glans of the penis becomes inflamed.
- Balanoposthitis is when both the glans and the foreskin get inflamed
What causes Balanitis?
- The most common cause of balanitis is poor genital hygiene.
- But it can also be caused by:
- Using irritant or non pH adjusted soaps
- Infections caused by fungus, yeast, or bacteria
- STDs
- Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and something called BXO.
- Diabetes
- Phimosis (because it makes it hard to clean under the foreskin)
- Injuries/ Trauma (like aggressively forcing the foreskin back when it doesn’t want to go)
- Exposure to chemicals or allergens
What are the symptoms of Balanitis?
- Mild balanitis symptoms may just cause a redness and irritation on the tip of the penis.
- Other balanitis symptoms can include ...
Is Balanitis dangerous?
- If balanitis and balanoposthitis are not controlled, they can lead to difficulty pulling back the foreskin which can require circumcision (an operation to remove the foreskin).
Can I prevent Balanitis?
- Cleaning your penis everyday with a pH adjusted wash like Dr Macks Cleaner can help prevent balanitis
- How to keep him clean
What should I do if I think I have Balanitis?
- If your symptoms are not improving with washing properly, and/or you can not pull your foreskin back comfortably, you need to see your doctor.
- It may be that you have an infection or underlying condition that needs treatment.
- Some of the infections that contribute to Balanitis can be passed between sexual partners, so you may need to advise your partner/s to see a doctor too.
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