Balanitis is a Greek word that means ‘inflammation of the acorn’ which is a pretty descriptive translation of this condition, which presents as a sore red penile head, often including the foreskin. Sufferers may experience varying degrees of irritation and soreness of the head of the penis (glans) and there may be a thick lumpy discharge under the foreskin as well as pain when urinating.
It is very common and, whilst it can occur at any age, it is most prevalent in boys under four years old and men who are uncircumcised, especially if there is a phimosis (tight foreskin).
There are a number of different reasons why balanitis can develop – a skin irritation or allergy to soap or condoms; a bacterial infection as a result of the build up of germs and debris under the tight foreskin; and, the most common of all, a yeast infection, which can be picked up during sex but can also be an extension of systemic Candida infection elsewhere in the body. This is the same germ that causes thrush in women.
Genital herpes, Chlamidya and Syphillis are just three of the sexually transmitted infections which can also cause balanitis and this is normally accompanied by an infection of the urethra, resulting in pain on urinating and discharge.
The best way to prevent balanitis is to pay close attention to your personal hygiene. Wash the glans every day, pulling the foreskin back gently to clean underneath. A tight foreskin can make this difficult, leading to a build up of a cheesy-like substance called smegma. However, don’t scrub too hard as this can also cause the delicate skin of the glans to become irritated. If inflammation is present, an emollient should be substituted for soap and the penis should be rinsed with luke warm water before drying gently but thoroughly.
Balanitis should always be diagnosed by a doctor as treatments vary according to the cause of the infection and it may be necessary to use a swab to isolate which bacteria is the culprit. Tests can also be carried out to check for diabetes as this can also be a factor in a few cases.
In some sufferers, the only cure way to ease the tightness of the foreskin is to have a small cut made in it or a complete circumcision. However, because in so many cases, Candida is the cause, doctors will provide an anti-yeast medication in the form of cream or tablets.
Long-term Candida sufferers believe that, whilst this type of pharmaceutical intervention can work to relieve the symptoms, treating recurring infections in this way can exacerbate the problem as the cause is left unresolved.
Visit Treat Thrush Candida and Yeast Infections for further information on how to treat the whole body for Candida infection.
Originally posted 2010-03-29 21:53:19. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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hi
What is the best to inflammation of the acorn in a penis?
gel?
tabletes?