HIV Symptoms in Men: Can It Cause a Rash on the Penis? Balanitis can be uncomfortable and sometimes … How common is balanitis? Balanitis itself is not contagious but the virus, fungi, and bacteria causing balanitis are contagious. It’s important to make sure you do not have a more serious health problem. Swelling and redness of the foreskin may indicate balanitis. Tight foreskin is caused by a condition called phimosis. This inflammation can lead to scarring. Urethral cultures may also be necessary, and occasionally, blood tests for syphilis and diabetes. To apply the medicated cream, pull back your foreskin and squeeze a pea-sized dollop onto the head of your penis. This is done to determine if you have an unusual type of infection or other type of skin condition that is causing your symptoms. National Library of Medicine (NLM) After a diagnosis, your doctor will likely prescribe a medicated anti-itch cream. It’s often, but certainly not exclusively, caused by the same yeast – Candida albicans. The foreskin of the penis is an ideal place for these organisms to grow because it can trap moisture around the penis head. Balanitis is a condition in which the head of the penis becomes swollen and sore. Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans, or the head, of the penis, due to infection or another cause. The most common symptoms include redness, irritation and soreness of the end of the penis (the glans of the penis). Poor hygiene can contribute when the area under the foreskin is not washed regularly and bacteria, skin, and sweat accumulate. In some cases, untreated phimosis requires surgery. Balanitis can usually be diagnosed during a physical examination because most of its symptoms are visible. Pictures of STDs and STIs. Other symptoms may include: Swelling of your penis tip can put pressure on your urethra. Same infection of the penis – which is inflammation of the head of the penis – is also called candidal (or candida) balanitis, or balanitis thrush. Your doctor usually can recognize balanitis immediately. Presentation is with irritation or pain in … Most cases resolve before adolescence, but some may last into adulthood. Balanitis is common in young boys with a non-retractile foreskin and in the elderly where there may be predisposing factors such as malignancy or diabetes. It’s estimated that up to 10% of males will have balanitis during their lifetime. Infectious balanitis may be caused by yeast, fungus, bacteria, or virus infection. It often can be relieved by using topical medication. Balanoposthitis is inflammation or infection of the head of the penis that includes the foreskin. These include: While any man can develop balanitis, the condition is most likely to occur in men who have a tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back, or who have poor hygiene. Balanitis is swelling of the foreskin, or head of the penis. Discontinue the use of all perfumed soaps, lotions, or powders, as they are often are a cause of foreskin irritation. If you’re trying over-the-counter treatments, do not use them longer than two weeks. For more information on BXO, visit Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans. A variety of infections and skin conditions can cause balanitis. In patients of Balanitis bacterial, viral or fungal infection of the skin of the penis can also be a prime cause. Scabies can cause an itchy rash on your genitals. This is called a penial yeast infection and can often be treated with over-the-counter antifungal…. We include products we think are useful for our readers. Balanitis may occur because of infectious and noninfectious causes. Balanitis can usually be diagnosed during a physical examination because most of its symptoms are visible. Some men’s foreskins do not retract even after treatment. Last medically reviewed on July 25, 2016, Men can get yeast infections on their penises. It can be painful, but it typically isn’t serious. HIV can cause a number of symptoms, but is a rash on the penis one of them? Balanitis caused by certain fungi (yeast) and/or specific bacteria or viruses (including those that cause STDs such as gonorrhea) is transferable from one person directly to another person. You have diabetes, because balanitis may be a signal that your blood sugar is not well controlled. Also, people with poorly controlled diabetes have a harder time fighting infections. However, balanitis which is caused due to underlying medical conditions such as psoriasis or due to drug allergy is not contagious. Sometimes a cortisone cream can help to improve the problem more quickly. Balanitis affects roughly 1 in 20 males. When the cause of balanitis is a chronic skin condition, your doctor may perform a biopsy. The most common causative agent is Candida Albicans. Balanitis has a wide variety of causes, including physical trauma, an irritant, or an infection. If your balanitis is caused by a fungal infection, it should be treated with an anti-fungal cream, which is applied daily for at least two weeks. Infectious balanitis may be caused by yeast, fungus, bacteria, or virus infection. Occasionally, a swab or scraping of skin may be examined under the microscope, or may be sent to the laboratory for further testing to confirm the diagnosis. [1] In uncircumcised men, circumcision often prevents repeated infections, especially in men who have a tight, difficult-to-retract foreskin. Balanitis has a wide variety of causes, including physical trauma, an irritant, or an infection. It may not easy to identify fungal or bacterial to cause inflammation. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The outlook is excellent if the problem is treated. This article explains, 1. Possible complications include: Allergic dermatitis can be a cause of balanitis that involves extreme itching, rash, hives, and inflamed skin. Learn how to spot the main symptoms. Balanitis is an infection or inflammation of the skin on the head (glans) of the penis. If you have an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or antifungal medication to help clear it. Infection. This can lead to lasting discomfort and difficulty urinating. Balanitis can have a number of causes. Check if you have balanitis With balanitis, the head of your penis is usually: This cream helps stop itching and inflammation. Balanitis is a disease which works similarly to yeast infections, except it solely affects the glans penis of a male penis.The glans penis is the bulbous head of a penis which is covered in foreskin if uncircumcised.As balanitis is often caused by fungal infection, cleanliness is an issue. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) is a very effective over-the-counter medication, which is also used for treating vaginal yeast infections and athlete's foot. If your doctor believes that your balanitis is caused by fungal or bacterial growth on your penis, they'll recommend an antifungal cream, such as clotrimazole 1% or miconazole 2%. In this case, you can use an antifungal cream that contains nystatin, clotrimazole, or terbinafine. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -, Sexually transmitted infections, such as herpes simplex, Irritation of the skin by soap, detergents or spermicidal jelly, Benign (noncancerous) skin conditions such as psoriasis, A red, inflamed rash on the head and shaft of the penis or under the foreskin, A white, clumpy or yellowish discharge from the affected skin or from under the foreskin, You develop balanitis that does not respond to hygiene measures and an over-the-counter antifungal medication, Your physician's prescription does not appear to be curing your condition. It’s not contagious. However, cortisone can make certain infections worse, so it is best to avoid this type of medication unless it is prescribed by a physician. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Most cases of balanitis can be resolved with improved hygiene and the use of topical medications. Astringents cause the skin to contract, which helps relieve irritation. Antibiotics pills and creams may be used to treat balanitis if bacteria or fungi are the suspected causes. You can also prevent balanitis by: Balanitis symptoms may only last a few days if you address them as soon as you recognize them. It can range from a small patch of redness confined to part of the skin surface of the glans, to the whole glans becoming red, swollen and painful. Balanitis is not usually serious but it's important to see a GP to find out what's causing it. People with diabetes can help to prevent balanitis by carefully controlling their blood sugar. Last updated on Jan 22, 2021. Identification of the cause is essential for successful treatment. Sugar-rich urine that dribbles on to the glans and under the foreskin provides a friendly environment for yeast and bacteria. This is called a fixed drug eruption. Both inadequate cleansing and too much cleansing can add to this problem. This mixture acts as an astringent. 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