In medical terminology, the head of the penis is known as the “glans. ” You may overhear your doctor or other medical professionals using this term. If you feel like not using soap doesn’t get your penis as clean as you’d like it to be, use a gentle, unscented soap to prevent irritation. Keeping the glans clean will prevent bacteria from building up under the foreskin and will prevent most cases of balanitis.
Do this as often as necessary to manage the discomfort from the balanitis. You can also make a saline solution and wash the area with it if you don’t want to take a salt bath.
Since the penis is very sensitive, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before putting on any medicated creams, including over-the-counter ones. If your doctor suspects that your penis is experiencing a mild allergic reaction, they’ll likely recommend hydrocortisone.
Applying diluted tea tree oil to the penis head Eating more yogurt (a natural probiotic) Eating more garlic (a natural antifungal) Applying diluted apple cider vinegar to the penis head Applying coconut oil to the penis head[4] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you’re not sure whether or not you have a latex allergy, visit your doctor and ask. They can perform an allergy test in the office.
If you’re concerned that you may have gotten chemicals on your penis, wash it off with soap and water as well.
If you prefer to use scented detergent and dryer sheets in general, try washing and drying your underwear separately. That way, you can use unscented detergent and skip using dryer sheets for the underwear loads.
The doctor will also inspect the skin on and around your penis to make sure you’re not experiencing a case of dermatosis, a more serious skin disease that commonly occurs around the genitals. In some cases, your doctor may also refer you to a dermatologist. Since balanitis is technically a skin condition, a dermatologist will have more experience diagnosing and curing the condition.
If you have a strong infection, or one that’s resistant to OTC medications, your doctor can prescribe you a stronger medicated cream.
It’s not uncommon for steroid creams to be prescribed in combination with either an antifungal or antibacterial cream. If you have an infection on the head of your penis—either as a symptom of balanitis or for another reason—do not put on steroid cream. Steroid cream can worsen an infection.
Chlamydia. Treatment for chlamydia includes a round of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. Genital herpes. Treatment for genital herpes includes a daily antiviral medication. Gonorrhea. Treatment for gonorrhea includes a round of antibiotics.
While a changed daily insulin dosage may cure your balanitis, your doctor may also prescribe a medicated cream to decrease itching and inflammation caused by the balanitis.
Your doctor will talk you through the complications that can emerge after circumcision. If you’re an adult, you’ll need a recovery period of about 7-10 days before you can walk comfortably again. While this may seem like a big hassle, it’s more than worth it if it prevents you from having frequent cases of balanitis.
