Balanitis: Essential Facts

Balanitis is the term used for the irritation and inflammation on the tip of the penis.

Causes

It can be caused due to some bacterial or fungal infection. Some times some fabrics can also cause the same. People, who do not maintain proper hygiene, do not wash the area properly also suffer from this disease. Latex and rubber used in various things like condoms can also lead to the infection.

Sometimes the reaction caused by urine and semen can be harmful for the penis in case of presence of urinary tract infection. Doctors come to know about this when the infection does not go away with the ointments.

Males suffering from diabetes are very much prone to balanitis. But who do not have diabetes should get it checked if they suffer from balanitis.

Symptoms

The symptoms include redness on the tip of penis, foul smelling discharge, some rashes also occur on the penis and pain is also experienced. Itching and inflammation are also some other symptoms.

Prevention and Treatment

The area under the foreskin remains humid by which the growth of microorganism becomes easy. Therefore, one needs to keep that area dry to prevent the infection.

Various antibiotic and antifungal creams are there in the market. Doctor would know the cause and then suggest you the cream. Some people need antibiotic pills course to rectify the problem.

Put some salt in your bathing water as this is an effective remedy. Apply a paste of garlic directly on the penis. This would help tremendously as garlic has antibiotic properties. You can apply tea tree oil or even coconut oil to the area. Never use perfumed deodorants in the groin area. Avoid perfumed creams also. Change the undergarments regularly and wash them in some antiseptic solution.

Wash your hands with soap before going to the toilet if you are working with some chemicals otherwise these chemicals could harm the penis and cause infection.