Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis, often together with the inner surface of the foreskin.
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Medicines commonly prescribed for Balanitis
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: ORAL SOLUTION/SUSPENSION, 875mg/125 mgActive substance: amoxicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitorManufacturer: Aurovitas Spain, S.A.U.Prescription requiredDosage form: ORAL SOLUTION/SUSPENSION, 500/125 mg/mgActive substance: amoxicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitorManufacturer: Teva Pharma S.L.U.Prescription requiredDosage form: INJECTABLE, 1 g sodium amoxicillin; 200 mg potassium clavulanateActive substance: amoxicillin and beta-lactamase inhibitorManufacturer: Sandoz Farmaceutica S.A.Prescription required
Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis, often together with the inner surface of the foreskin. It is a common reason to attend and in most cases it clears easily. What matters is not to stop at the cream: balanitis usually has a specific cause, and in adults one of them — undiagnosed diabetes — is always worth checking.
Symptoms
- redness and swelling of the glans;
- itching, burning, pain;
- discharge under the foreskin, sometimes with an unpleasant smell;
- white patches or a white film;
- tight skin with cracks or small erosions;
- discomfort on passing urine or during sex;
- difficulty retracting the foreskin;
- in long-standing cases, scarring and narrowing of the foreskin.
Causes
- Candida infection — the most common cause; typically white patches and itching. In adults with repeated episodes, diabetes must be excluded;
- inadequate washing with build-up of smegma under the foreskin;
- excessive washing — frequent use of soap, fragranced washes and wipes; a very common and counter-intuitive cause;
- contact irritation — latex condoms, lubricants, spermicides, laundry detergent on underwear;
- bacterial infections;
- sexually transmitted infections — herpes, trichomonas, gonorrhoea, chlamydia;
- skin conditions — psoriasis, lichen planus, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema;
- lichen sclerosus — produces white patches and scarring and needs its own treatment and follow-up;
- phimosis, which makes cleaning difficult;
- drug reactions, including fixed drug eruption.
When to see a doctor
- symptoms have not improved within a week of gentle washing;
- balanitis keeps recurring;
- there is purulent discharge, ulcers or blisters;
- you have had unprotected sex with a new partner;
- you cannot retract the foreskin, or having retracted it you cannot return it and the glans swells — the latter is an emergency;
- there is fever or severe pain;
- white, hardened patches or scarring have appeared;
- there is an area that does not heal, bleeds or is enlarging — this must be seen by a doctor;
- you have intense thirst, pass urine often or have lost weight;
- it is a child with pain and difficulty passing urine.
How it is investigated
By examination, with a swab if there is discharge, culture, screening for sexually transmitted infections where relevant and, in adults, glucose and HbA1c. Where lesions persist or there are white patches, a biopsy is done — principally to exclude lichen sclerosus and pre-cancerous change.
Treatment
- topical antifungal for candidiasis, usually for 1–2 weeks; sometimes a single oral dose;
- treat the partner too if they have symptoms;
- antibiotics for bacterial causes and sexually transmitted infections;
- a mild topical steroid for inflammatory and irritant causes, in a short course;
- a potent steroid for lichen sclerosus, with long-term follow-up;
- remove the irritant — change condom type, lubricant or detergent;
- glucose control if diabetes is found — this is what prevents recurrence;
- circumcision for repeated episodes with phimosis or scarring.
Washing properly
Balance matters: neither too little nor too much.
- wash once a day with warm water, gently retracting the foreskin if you can;
- do not use soap, fragranced washes or wipes on the glans;
- dry thoroughly before dressing: retained moisture is the single biggest contributor to candidiasis;
- return the foreskin to its normal position after washing;
- cotton underwear that is not tight;
- never force a foreskin that will not retract, least of all in a child;
- use condoms with new partners.
In children
In young boys the foreskin does not fully retract, and that is normal until around 5–7 and sometimes later. Forcing it causes splits, scarring and precisely the problem it was meant to prevent. Washing the outside with water is enough. See a doctor if there is pain, swelling, purulent discharge or difficulty passing urine.
Common questions
Is it a sexually transmitted infection? Usually not, but some of its causes are, which is why screening is sometimes offered.
Does my partner need treatment? If they have symptoms, yes. For isolated candidiasis with no symptoms in the partner, not always.
Why does it keep coming back? The usual reasons are uncontrolled diabetes, over-washing, a persisting irritant or phimosis.
Can I use a pharmacy cream? A mild antifungal may help, but if there is no improvement within a week the cause needs to be found.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor reviews photographs, helps distinguish candidiasis from irritation or a skin condition, advises whether infection screening and a glucose check are needed, and explains the washing routine that stops the problem returning.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
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Reviewed on Aug 12, 2026
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