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Member feeling a little red and angry all of a sudden? It could be balanitis. Balanitis is a common inflammation of the genital skin that affects many adult males, while there are many causes, some causes like diabetes and phimosis can cause chronic balanitis, which can be quite painful and aggravating. Could circumcision be the answer for men who suffer from chronic balanitis? Let’s learn about what balanitis is, what causes, how to treat it, and most importantly, how to prevent it in the first place. What is Balanitis? Balanitis is an inflammation or infection of the skin on the glans, or head, of the member. For uncircumcised men, this extra flap of skin is called the foreskin. Men who are circumcised can contract balanitis as well, though it is more common in men who are not. Causes and Symptoms of Balanitis Several things can cause balanitis. Here are a few of the most common ones: - Lax hygiene - Diabetes - Partner transmitted infections like herpes - Allergic reactions - Psoriasis - Tight foreskin - Yeast infection Symptoms of balanitis include: - Itching or burning in the reproductive region - A red, aggravated rash on the head and shaft of the member or beneath the foreskin - White, chunky or yellowish discharge from the foreskin or affected skin The Connection Between Diabetes and Balanitis Men with diabetes have a higher risk of balanitis if they do not watch their blood sugar. High blood sugar causes elevated blood sugar levels in urine. Inevitably, a small amount of urine can dribble onto the member and under the foreskin, creating a breeding ground of yeast and bacteria leading to infections and balanitis. How is Balanitis Diagnosed? Most doctors can diagnose balanitis on sight. On occasion, a doctor may want to swab or scrap the skin to confirm diagnosis either through a laboratory or by viewing the skin under a microscope. Treatment Options for Balanitis Most cases of balanitis clear up in less than a week, usually in the neighborhood of three to five days. Treatment largely depends on what caused the balanitis in the first place. For men who experience balanitis due to lax hygiene, gently and thoroughly cleansing the member can clear things up in a few days. Sometimes a doctor will prescribe a cortisone topical medication to speed the process up; however, it must be diagnosed because cortisone can make the situation worse for some men. Cases of balanitis that have evolved into infections with skin bacteria will require an antibiotic cream after cleaning, and sometimes, oral antibiotics will also be necessary. If balanitis was the result of a yeast infection, it’ll require an antifungal cream. Most times an over-the-counter cream works fine. This cream will need to be applied two to three times each day for at least 10 days. Some doctors may opt to prescribe a stronger cream as well as an oral antifungal treatment as well. recommend a prescription antifungal treatment, either in a cream or tablet form. Once a man begins treatment, he does not need to avoid intimacy, though it may be more comfortable to take a sabbatical from the sheets. Chronic Balanitis and Circumcision Some uncircumcised men experience chronic balanitis either as a result of hygiene, phimosis, or diabetes. A circumcision is a treatment option for these men, though a somewhat painful one as men get older. Adult circumcision is a surgical procedure where the skin at the tip, and in some cases shaft, of a man’s member is removed. While balanitis is still an issue that affects circumcised men, it is often experienced less often and at a lesser extreme. Recovery generally takes four to six weeks, during which a man must refrain from sensual activity. The first week of recovery will include antibiotics, pain medications, and rest, but most men can get back in the swing of things after, though intense exercise is restricted the first two weeks of recovery to allow the stitches and incisions enough time to heal. How to Prevent Balanitis All men, whether circumcised or not should make it is a top priority to practice regular, thorough genital hygiene. This means washing daily with warm water and a mild body wash and being sure to retract the foreskin fully (if the foreskin is there) and carefully wash the entire area. After a methodical washing, rinse the entire area well, again retracting the foreskin, to ensure no soap is left to irritate this very delicate skin. Follow by air drying or pat dry the area with a soft, clean towel. Once dry, apply a specially formulated male organ health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which has been clinically proven safe and mild for skin) each day to keep skin moisturized and fresh. These cremes are chock-full of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, which increases collagen, giving the skin much-needed elasticity, and also boosts blood flow for firmer erections. Use daily or multi-daily for best results. Visit www.menshealthfirst.com for more information about treating common male organ health problems, including soreness, redness and loss of male organ sensation. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous online web sites.
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