Doctor explains BALANITIS (a red and sore penis) | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

In this video Dr O'Donovan explains balanitis. Balanitis is when the head of the penis is swollen and sore. It's not usually serious but it's important to see a doctor to find out what's causing it.

What are the symptoms of balanitis?

According to NHS UK with balanitis, the head of your penis is usually swollen, itchy and sore. It usually looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin.

Other symptoms can include:

- pain when peeing
- a thick discharge that comes from under your foreskin
- bleeding around your foreskin
- an unpleasant smell
- difficulty pulling back your foreskin (though in young children it's normal to have a tight foreskin)

Video Contents:

00:00 - Introduction
00:18 - What is balanitis
00:37 - Causes of balanitis
01:18 - Signs and symptoms
01:58 - Diagnosis
02:28 Treatment options for balanitis
03:01 - Self care tips

How to treat balanitis:

The treatment for balanitis depends on what's causing the condition. Treatments can include:

1. Antifungal creams. If a yeast infection is causing balanitis, your provider will prescribe an antifungal cream such as clotrimazole to treat the infection.
2. Antibiotics. If a sexually transmitted infection is the cause of your symptoms, your provider will treat the infection with antibiotics. The antibiotic will depend on the type of infection.
3. Thoroughly cleaning your penis more often. Your provider will recommend that you regularly wash and dry under your foreskin to reduce the risk of balanitis returning. Don't scrub or excessively wash your penis with harsh soaps. Warm water is often enough.
4. Diabetes management. If you have diabetes, your provider will show you how to manage the condition.
5. Circumcision. If you have recurring symptoms of balanitis, your provider may recommend circumcision. Circumcision is a surgical procedure in which a surgeon removes the foreskin covering your penis.

Will balanitis go away by itself?

Most cases of balanitis require some kind of treatment. If you don't get treatment, your symptoms may get worse or you may develop more symptoms.

RESOURCES:

Further information via NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/balanitis/

Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health...

Video made on 17th August 2023

************************************************************************
Connect through:

YouTube:    / doctorodonovan​  
TikTok: @doctorodonovan

**************************************************************************
Disclaimer:

The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O'Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O'Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines.

Legal information:

Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.