Balanitis – Causes and Treatment
Balanitis is characterized by swelling on the glans penis or the tip of the penis. Inflammation of the helmet or bell end might be the symptom of infection or irritation of the foreskin of the penis.
Balanitis causes
Balanitis largely occurs in uncircumcised men. Poor hygiene is largely to be blamed for inflammation of the glans penis. Poor hygiene makes the region susceptible to bacterial and yeast infection. Candida yeast infection could result in inflammation of the glans penis. Men suffering from sexually transmitted disease such as herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis could develop balanitis.
Diabetics are most susceptible to balanitis. Balanitis could even be the warning sign of diabetes. If you have not been diagnosed with diabetes and if balanitis occurs, you should check your blood glucose level to detect signs of diabetes.
Excess excretion of sugar through urine in diabetics is trapped under the foreskin of the penis, creating a favorable spot for growth and multiplication of bacteria. Irritation and rash in the glans penis could be the symptom of contact allergy. Sensitivity to certain chemicals found in detergents and perfumes could trigger contact allergy. To reduce the risk of balanitis, you should be careful while using condoms or undergarments. Make sure that the undergarment has not been washed with detergents containing chemicals capable of triggering allergic reactions. You should also avoid using fragranced condoms.
Balanitis symptoms
Inflammation, itching, pain, redness, rash and foul smelling discharge from the penis are common symptoms of balanitis.
Balanitis treatment
Depending on the type of the infection, balanitis could be cured by applying an antibiotic or antifungal medication. Balanitis developing from sexually transmitted infection could be treated by consuming amaranth. Avoiding detergents and soaps containing harsh chemicals and perfumes could naturally heal the inflammation and irritation of the foreskin and head of the penis caused by contact allergy.
To prevent recurrent infections, you should regularly wash the penis with water and mild soap. Pat the foreskin and penis head dry with a soft towel after washing them. You can even consider circumcision to prevent recurrent infection. Remember to drink plenty of water to flush out the harmful bacteria responsible for the infection from your body.
