1. health and fitness
2. disease
3. aids and hiv

Melbourne
Sexual
Health
Centre
A part of Alfred Health
Melbourne Sexual Health Centre
580 Swanston Street
Carlton Vic 3053
Australia
Tel: (03) 9341 6200
Fax: (03) 9341 6279
Free Call: 1800 032 017
TTY: (03) 9347 8619
Web: www.mshc.org.au
BALANITIS
WHAT IS IT?
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans (head) of the
penis. The most common symptom of balanitis is a
blotchy red rash, which may be itchy.
WHY DOES IT HAPPEN?
Various germs live on the skin in small numbers.
Sometimes they multiply and cause infection.
A common cause of infection is with a yeast called
candida. Candida is the same germ that causes
vaginal thrush in women. Small numbers of candida
commonly live on the skin and can sometimes cause
infection. Persistent or recurring candidal balanitis
can sometimes indicate underlying diabetes.
ACT SHEET
Allergy and irritants can also cause balanitis because
the skin of the glans is sensitive. It may ‘react’ and
become inflamed. Irritants include:
• If you do not wash under your foreskin, old skin,
urine, sweat, and other ‘debris’ can collect there.
• Soaps and disinfectants that you use to clean the
penis.
• Over-washing or scrubbing may also irritate the
delicate skin.
Certain skin conditions may also cause balanitis, or
be mistaken for balanitis. For example, psoriasis and
some uncommon skin conditions can affect the penis.
Phimosis can also lead to balanitis. This is a condition
where the foreskin does not retract (pull back) over the
glans. This is common in young boys. After the age
of five years the foreskin will usually retract easily so
the glans can be gently cleaned. You are more likely
to get a balanitis if you have a phimosis, as sweat,
debris and urine may collect under the foreskin. This
can irritate directly, or can encourage germs to thrive
and cause infection.
TREATMENT AND PREVENTION
The following is recommended if you have balanitis,
regardless of the cause:
• Avoid soaps when inflammation is present.
You can use an emollient (moisturiser such as
sorbolene) to clean instead of soap.
• Use luke warm water to clean your penis and
then dry gently.
• Some people find that salt baths are soothing
whilst treatment takes effect.
The treatment depends on the cause of the balanitis.
The following are often given:
• An anti-yeast cream or a course of anti-yeast
tablets are a common treatment if the balanitis is
caused by candida.
• A mild steroid cream to reduce inflammation is
useful for balanitis caused by allergies or irritants.
Sometimes a steroid cream is used in addition
to anti-yeast or antibiotic medication to reduce
inflammation caused by infection.
• If you have recurring balanitis and have a phimosis,
then an option is to be circumcised to remove the
foreskin. If this is the case, then your doctor will refer
you to a specialist to discuss this in more detail.
PREVENTION
Tips which may help to prevent some cases of
balanitis include:
• At least once a day, during showering, the
foreskin should be pulled back to expose the
glans completely.
The glans and foreskin
should be washed gently using either water
only or a soap-free wash such as Sorbolene
and Glycerine Cream, Johnsons Baby Bath, QV
Wash or Hamiltons Wash. These are available
from pharmacies and supermarkets. Do not use
soap. Make sure the penis and glans are dry
before you put on underpants.
• Wash your hands before going to the toilet if you
work with chemicals which can irritate delicate
skin.
• During urination, pull the foreskin back so that
urine does not get under the foreskin and, after
urination, dry the end of the penis and then
replace the foreskin.
• If you are prone to develop balanitis after sex,
wash and dry the penis shortly after having sex.
• If you experience repeated attacks of balanitis
despite adequate foreskin hygiene, or have
difficulty pulling the foreskin back, you should
consult your doctor.
This fact sheet is designed to provide you with information on Balantis.It is not intended to replace the need for a consultation with your
doctor. All clients are strongly advised to check with their doctor about any specific questions or concerns they may have. Every effort
has been taken to ensure that the information in this pamphlet is correct at the time of printing.
Last Updated August 2012