Balinitis is a type of skin inflammation or infection that affects the genital area of men; it can only be cured with proper balanitis treatment.
The infection typically affects the foreskin of the penis, common among uncircumcised men.
However, in rare cases, it could also affect circumcised men.
Causes of Balanitis
In order to determine the appropriate balanitis treatment, you need to understand the different causes of the infection first.
- Skin irritations. This is typically caused by spermicidal jellies in found in birth control products, perfumed detergents and soaps.
- Yeast infections. This is very common especially among men who don’t observe proper hygiene. Other reasons are weak immune system and poor diet. Candida thrives on an unhealthy environment and the fungi itself can easily attack a person with weak immune system.
- Sexually transmitted diseases. These diseases are one of most common cause of Balinitis. This happens when men don’t practice safe sex, especially so if they have multiple partners.
- Benign skin conditions. These conditions are noncancerous. An example of such skin case is psoriasis.
- Skin cancer. These are very rare cases which result to balinitis.
Balinitis is more likely to occur among diabetic individuals, especially ones with poor hygiene. Men with tight foreskin on their penis (ones which are hard to pull back) tend to develop the condition. Balanitis is a contagious yeast infection. You can easily pass it on to your partner especially if you don’t practice protected sex. Any form of sexual activity must be put on hold until proper balanitis treatment is done.
Balanitis Symptoms
In order to understand balanitis, you need to understand the symptoms that come with the infection. Listed below are the most common reported symptoms of the infection:
- A clumpy, yellowish-white secretion coming out of the foreskin or the affected area.
- Reddish and irritated rash found under the foreskin of the penis or its shaft/head.
- Burning sensation
- Severe itchy feeling
If you experience the following symptoms, it is very important for you to visit a doctor immediately. This way, you will get the appropriate balanitis treatment before your condition worsens. Whether your condition is mild or severe, it is always a safe option to seek professional help so you will know early on if what you have is really balanitis and not something worse.
Treatments for Male Yeast Infections
Proper hygiene is very important to help fight off balanitis. Uncircumcised men should observe extra precaution when it comes to hygienic practices. Washing the penis should include retracting your foreskin fully. Diabetic individuals should alter their diet and minimize or cut off sugar.
The type of treatment is a case to case basis. First off, you need to determine the cause so you will know which treatment approach you should take. Your doctor should be able to guide you accordingly as to what type of cures is suitable for you. You will need to take medication or anti-fungal cream if inflammation already starts to take place. In cases of balinitis caused by sexually transmitted disease, antibiotic pills may be needed.
Mild conditions don’t necessarily require medications, but a simple change of lifestyle, hygiene and diet. Support good bacteria and go for diets which will provide you with the necessary vitamins and minerals to develop a stronger immune system.
Circumcision effectively helps prevent the infection from recurring, especially for those with tight foreskin. Having balanitis is not a hopeless case considering the number of balanitis treatment available for you.
