Table of Contents
Is balanitis a serious condition?
Balanitis is when the head of the penis is swollen and sore. Balanitis is not usually serious but it’s important to see a GP to find out what’s causing it.
Should I be worried if I have balanitis?
Balanitis is a skin irritation on the head of the penis that can affect men and boys. It’s not usually serious, but you should see your GP if you think you or your son has balanitis.
How many types of balanitis are there?
There are three main types of balanitis: Zoon’s balanitis, which is the most common, circinate balanitis, which relates to reactive arthritis, and pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis, which leads to wart-like growths.
How long does balanitis take to heal?
Balanitis generally is not a serious condition and can be treated with antibiotic creams and pills. Most occurrences of balanitis clear up within three to five days of starting treatment. Left untreated, however, it can become more painful or cause other health problems.
What triggers balanitis?
Balanitis is most often caused by a fungal infection, like a yeast infection, but bacterial infections can cause it, too. This most often happens as a result of improper hygiene, especially because the foreskin can trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for fungus and bacteria to thrive.
How long until balanitis goes away?
How does a man get balanitis?
Will balanitis ever go away?
How did I get balanitis?
How many days does it take to cure balanitis?
Most cases of balanitis respond to treatment within three to five days.
How long does balanitis usually last?
What is the best antibiotic for balanitis?
If a bacterial infection is the cause of your balanitis, you will be prescribed a seven-day course of oral antibiotics (antibiotic tablets or capsules). An antibiotic called amoxicillin is usually recommended. However, if you are allergic to penicillin, erythromycin or clarithromycin may be prescribed.
How long does it take for balanitis to clear up?
What is balanitis?
What is balanitis? Balanitis is pain and inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the glans (head) of the penis that happens most often in uncircumcised males. Circumcision is a procedure performed to remove skin (the foreskin) from the head of the penis (the glans).
What is the rate of incidence for balanitis?
It’s estimated that up to 10% of males will have balanitis during their lifetime. Balanitis is more likely to occur in uncircumcised men and boys under the age of 4. What are the types of balanitis? Balanitis is classified into three types:
What happens if balanitis is not treated?
Untreated balanitis can cause chronic (long-term) inflammation (redness and irritation). Lasting inflammation can cause health issues, including: Balanoposthitis: Balanitis can lead to balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin and glans).
How is balanitis diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose balanitis with a physical examination to determine if an infection is causing your symptoms. Your provider may swab your urethral opening (the hole at the tip of the penis) and send the sample to a lab for testing. Your provider may also order a urine or blood test to check for diabetes and other infections.