Medicines to Treat Balanitis

it is an inflammatory process that affects the terminal part of the penis (glans): when the inflammation also involves the foreskin, we speak of balanoposthitis.

to drugs, immunological deficits (eg diabetes), contact dermatitis, phimosis, infections (bacterial, fungal, parasitic), intertrigo, lichen planus, poor intimate hygiene and syphilis. Some authors include balanitis among sexually transmitted diseases, although these disorders begin in many cases during childhood.

Risk factors: diabetes and autoimmune diseases one kind

. In other cases, the affected male complains of urination disturbances, edema, localized erythema, inflammation of the glans, swollen inguinal lymphatic glands, ulcerative lesions, whitish and / or foul-smelling secretions from the penis, sometimes associated with bleeding.

The information on Balanitis - Medicines for the Treatment of Balanitis is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Balanitis - Medicines to Treat Balanitis.

they are undoubtedly the drugs of choice; in the event that balanitis is caused by a bacterial infection, a targeted antibiotic cream is more suitable, both to be applied locally and to be administered systemically. In some cases, the use of cortisone to be applied on site is useful for the treatment of balanitis not resulting from infections.

The following are the classes of drugs most used in balanitis therapy, and some examples of pharmacological specialties; it is up to the doctor to choose the active ingredient and dosage most suitable for the patient, based on the severity of the disease, the state of health of the patient and his response to treatment.

Balanitis caused by fungal infections: topical application of azole antifungal drugs, such as:

Clotrimazole, 1% (eg Canesten, Mycelex): in the form of cream, powder or solution, apply to the infected area twice a day for 10 days.
Miconazole, 2% (eg Cruex, Micatin): in the form of cream, powder or spray, apply to the infected area twice a day for 10 days
Undecylenic acid, 12-25% (eg Anti-Fungal, Elon Dual Defense): in the form of powder, liquid, cream, to be applied to the affected area twice a day for 10 days.

The indicative duration of treatment is 10 days, but the doctor can modify it according to the severity of the inflammation. When necessary, extend the therapy also to the partner with whom you have had sexual intercourse: in this case, the inflammation could also depend on a "sexually transmitted infection from the partner.

In some cases, topical therapy must be accompanied by a parallel systemic therapy: in such situations, it is possible to take a 200 mg tablet of itraconazole (eg Sporanox), once a day for 7-14 days, according to the indications. of the attending physician.

Balanitis caused by bacterial infections

In case of balanitis caused by bacterial infections, antibiotic creams are widely used in therapy, to be applied always and only after a thorough cleansing of the affected skin. Sometimes the concomitant intake of oral tablets is also necessary, in order to kill the bacteria. responsible for the infection.

Azithromycin (eg Azithromycin, Zitrobiotic, Rezan, Azitrocin): it is recommended to take 2 grams of this drug (pharmacological class: macrolides) in a single dose. Indicated in case of gonococcal infection balanitis (gonorrhea) without complications. A single dose is generally sufficient to eliminate the beating: in this regard, it is recommended to take the drug already at the onset of the first symptoms, in addition to sexual abstention until the patient is completely cured. It is recommended to extend the treatment to the partner as well. sexual, in order to avoid the spread of the infection.
Cefotaxime (eg Cefotaxime, Aximad, Lirgosin, Lexor) this third generation cephalosporin is recommended in case of disseminated gonococcal infection balanitis. It is recommended to take the drug intravenously at a dosage of 1 gram every 8 hours, for 24-48 hours as established by the doctor.
Cefuroxime (eg. Cefoprim, Tilexim, Zoref, Zinnat): belongs to the class of second generation cephalosporins. Also in this case, the drug is recommended for gonorrhea balanitis: cefuroxime must be taken at a dose of 1 gram orally in a single dose, or of 1.5 g intramuscularly (single dose), associated with probiotics.
Tetracycline (eg Tetrac C, Pensulvit, Ambramycin): it is recommended to administer 500 mg of active orally, 4 times a day for at least 7 days, in case of uncomplicated chlamydial balanitis.
Amoxicillin (eg. Amoxicillin, Amoxil and Trimox, Zimox, Augmentin): take 500 mg of the drug orally, 3 times a day for at least 7 days (indicated for chlamydial balanitis).
Metronidazole (eg Flagyl, Metronidazole Same, Rozex): the drug is indicated in case of Trichomonas vaginalis balanitis (trichomoniasis). In most cases, the topical application of metronidazole-based creams or ointments is recommended for men as directed by the physician.

It is preferable to abstain from unprotected sexual intercourse for the entire duration of drug therapy, in order to avoid the spread of the infection

Infection-independent balanitis

As we have seen, not all balanitis depend on bacterial or fungal infections: therefore, some doctors recommend cortisone-based creams or ointments. For example, hydrocortisone (eg Locoidon, Colifoam) is particularly useful for the treatment of this type of balanitis, especially when the cause goes back to a contact dermatitis.

N.B. Correct intimate hygiene is always essential (not only for the prevention of balanitis): it is advisable not to use aggressive detergents, and to prefer delicate ones, free of potentially allergenic agents (eg perfumes), responsible for a possible worsening of inflammation .

Severe balanitis

If the drug treatment does not bring any benefit to the patient, circumcision is recommended: it has been observed, in fact, that the practice of circumcision prevents relapses of balanitis.