Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis. The fastest way to cure balanitis is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause of the condition.
Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis. It’s very common, especially if you have an uncircumcised penis. It can be very painful.
Balanitis is a symptom of other health issues. Getting quick relief from the discomfort might be your top priority, but even an effective balanitis cure won’t address the whole problem. It’s important to be sure that you get the right treatment to cure any underlying conditions.
Symptoms of balanitis include:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Itching
- Discharge under the foreskin, sometimes accompanied by a foul smell
- Bleeding around foreskin
- Difficulty retracting the foreskin
- Sores on head of the penis
- Pain when urinating
There is no quick cure for balanitis. The pain and swelling are usually caused by a skin infection that won’t resolve without medication. In some cases, the discomfort is due to an allergic reaction. If so, your doctor can help you find the cause of your symptoms and help you treat them quickly:
How is balanitis treated?
Treatment for genital pain will depend on what is causing it. Your doctor will examine your penis and may need to swab the skin and send it to the lab for diagnosis. They will also ask about your recent health and sexual history to determine what’s leading to balanitis.
Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexually transmitted diseases such as herpes, chlamydia, or syphilis can cause swelling, sore or pain in your penis. The symptoms of some STDs go away, but the underlying infection can linger. You can spread the STD to your partner if you don’t have it treated. If you suspect you have an STD, call your doctor for testing and treatment.
Bacterial infection
You will need to see your doctor for antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. They will prescribe either an oral antibiotic or a topical cream that you can apply directly to your penis.
Fungal infection
Fungal infections, such as yeast infections, will require an anti-fungal medication. Your doctor can prescribe an oral treatment. They may recommend a cream or ointments that you can apply to the skin.
Allergic reaction
If you have an allergic reaction to something that touched your penis, you should stop using it as soon as possible. Soaps, laundry detergents, and spermicides can all cause allergic reactions. Your doctor may suggest a steroid cream to soothe swelling and itching. Antihistamines might help stop the reaction and reduce symptoms.
Circumcision for balanitis
If you have multiple episodes of balanitis, you may need surgery to prevent recurrences. Circumcision is an effective treatment for repeated cases of balanitis. Your doctor will remove your foreskin, which reduces the chances of bacterial or fungal infections that lead to swelling and pain.
Hygiene
Good hygiene will reduce your chances of developing balanitis. You should wash your penis with warm water and mild soap. Retract your foreskin and clean underneath it. You can also pull it back again to pat the area dry after washing.
You may find that soaps with fragrances irritate your penis. If this happens, choose unscented body washes. If you have balanitis due to allergic reactions, you may also want to switch to a laundry detergent without fragrances or dyes. Wash your underwear frequently with gentle detergents.
If you already have symptoms of balanitis, hygiene is not a cure for the underlying cause. You can continue to keep your penis clean during a bout of balanitis. Cool water and gentle washing may make irritated skin feel better, but it won’t treat infection of the skin.
You should talk to your doctor about treatment. The fastest cure for balanitis is the cure that addresses the cause of your discomfort.
Treating discomfort from balanitis
There may be steps you can take to ease the pain and swelling in your penis. Ask your doctor if you can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines to bring down the swelling and control the pain. Cold compresses on your penis or baths with Epsom salts may make you more comfortable. If you have open sores or broken skin on your penis, ask your doctor before putting anything on your skin.
If you have swelling or pain in your penis, you should get medical attention. If you try to treat the problem yourself, you may not successfully clear up any infections or irritations. You could end up with worse pain and swelling. In extreme cases, you could experience permanent damage to your penis that causes problems with urination or sexual function.
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Medically Reviewed on 1/10/2022
References
Advanced Urology: “What is Balanitis and How Is It Treated?”
American Family Physician: “Adult Circumcision.”
National Health Service: “Balanitis.”