how can i prevent balanitis?

Question

its really hacking me off, i keep getting it.
i wash everyday.
i wash and dry my genitals after sex, pretty sure my girlfriend aint got thrush.
ive tried hydrocortizone, does work but its expensive to use all the time
im uncircumcised and take antibiotics for acne, which i know can aggravate.
i know its not an std, im a nurse so im pretty clued up.

Answer 1

It might result partly because you wash it so much, or from the way you wash it. If you're using a strong soap or an antibacterial soap, that's probably not a good idea. A mild scentless soap is much gentler.

Antibiotics will aggravate the condition, because it can destroy the natural flora under the foreskin that would normally keep balanitis at bay. There are some ways you can counteract this. Eating a balanced diet and regular exercise helps a lot, not to mention many other benefits to the body as a whole. Eating yogurt is particularly good because it can help restore the flora balance of the area.

If you've tried everything under the sun and nothing works, then you might want to consider surgical intervention. It doesn't need to be a "full" circumcision, as that might be overkill and might not necessarily solve the problem. A "partial" circumcision is probably enough where only part of the foreskin is removed, but enough remains that the foreskin can still function.

See the two links for more info. Good luck and I hope it's not so bad that you will be forced to consider circumcision, of one kind or another.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Yeah, some guys are prone to it for some odd reason. I'm not sure why, though.

As an example, I'm uncircumcised and have never had an infection down there, even if I don't wash each day. Although I do wash it each day; it just takes like five seconds to slide back and rub.

The other posters above gave good advice; give them a try if you haven't already.

Answer 4

One common organism associated with balanitis is a yeast known as Candida albicans. Balanitis may occur because of excessive growth of Candida, due to moisture and warmth under the foreskin.

Keep the glans and foreskin clean and dry to make it difficult for organisms to grow under the foreskin. Medication (e.g. cream or ointment) is rarely necessary, and is usually less effective than good hygiene measures.

Wash the end of your penis and foreskin thoroughly using warm water only. Alternatively, sorbolene and glycerine cream (available from chemists and supermarkets) may be used as a substitute for soap.

After washing, dry the end of the penis and foreskin thoroughly. If convenient, sit with the glans exposed to the air for 10 minutes. More thorough drying can be achieved by using a fan or hair dryer.

After drying, replace the foreskin.

When you urinate, slide the foreskin back so that urine does not wet the foreskin. After urination, dry the end of the penis and replace the foreskin.

If you are prone to develop balanitis a few hours after sex, wash the penis as described above shortly after having sex. Make sure the glans is completely dry before replacing the foreskin.

Some people are just prone to it, and they should perhaps consider circumcision.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

Ok, you will probably be aware of the details on the link I've attched but you may need referral to a consultant to get rid once and for all.

Answer 9

There is really good information about this condition at http://www.cirp.org/library/disease/balanitis/ Check it out, please. And good luck!

Answer 10

get your GP to refer you to GU clinic for assessment