Balanitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Balanitis is an inflammation (painful swelling) of the glans (head) and foreskin of the penis.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Oral medicines: This medicine will help fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria or a fungus. Take all of this medicine as directed, even if you feel better.
  
  
• Topical medicines: You may need medicine to rub on the infected skin several times a day. Use topical medicine as directed.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may decrease your redness, pain, and swelling.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

Management:

• Careful cleaning: Gently push back the foreskin 2 to 3 times a day and wash the infected area well with soap and water. If you have a catheter, ask your primary healthcare provider how to keep it clean.
  
  
• Sitz baths: A sitz bath may help decrease pain, redness, and swelling. A sitz bath is a pan that fits over the toilet bowl. Fill the pan with warm water and sit in the pan. Ask how long and how often you should take sitz baths. If you take a tub bath, put dry oatmeal in the water to help soothe your skin.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider in 1 to 2 days:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• Urination is painful, or you cannot urinate.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Balanitis (Aftercare Instructions)