Balanitis

Balanitis is when the head (tip) of the penis becomes swollen, sore and itchy. It's quite common and usually not serious, but it's important to speak to your GP to find out what's causing it.

What Does Balanitis Look Like?

The main signs of balanitis are:

• The head of the penis is swollen, itchy and sore
• The skin looks red (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• Pain when passing urine
• Thick discharge that comes from under the foreskin
• Bleeding around the foreskin
• An unpleasant smell
• Difficulty pulling back the foreskin (though it's normal for young children to have a tight foreskin)

When to See Your GP

Speak to your GP if:

• You or your child have any symptoms of balanitis
• You've tried treatment but it hasn't worked

Adults can also visit a sexual health clinic. These clinics often see you without an appointment and can get test results faster than GP surgeries.

What Happens at Your Appointment

A doctor or nurse will examine the penis and ask some questions about your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe, they might suggest a blood test to check for conditions like diabetes that can cause balanitis. They may also use a cotton swab to test for infections.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on what's causing the balanitis. Your GP might prescribe:

• A mild steroid cream or ointment
• An antifungal cream or ointment
• Antibiotics

If balanitis keeps coming back and medicines haven't helped, your doctor might suggest circumcision (surgery to remove the foreskin).

What You Can Do at Home

For yourself:

• Wash your penis daily using just water or a moisturising treatment
• Gently pull back your foreskin and wash underneath with warm water
• Dry gently after washing
• If you use condoms, choose ones for sensitive skin
• Wash your hands before passing urine or touching your penis
• Don't use soap or shower gel

For your child:

• Gently wash your child's penis every day with warm water, then dry gently
• Change nappies often if they wear them
• Don't use soap, bubble bath or baby wipes
• Don't pull back your child's foreskin if it's stuck in place

What Causes Balanitis?

Balanitis can be caused by:

• Not washing the penis properly
• A very tight foreskin that makes cleaning difficult
• Thrush (a fungal infection)
• Sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea or chlamydia
• Skin irritation from soaps, shower gels or condoms
• Diabetes - high sugar levels in urine can cause thrush

The Bottom Line

Balanitis is common and usually gets better with proper treatment. The key is keeping the area clean with just water and avoiding harsh soaps. If symptoms don't improve or keep coming back, speak to your GP for proper assessment and treatment.

Remember, it's important to get checked to find out what's causing the problem so you can get the right treatment.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.