Balanitis: symptoms, causes and which doctor to see

For balanitis you can first see: Urology or Dermatology or Pediatrics. If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.

Common symptoms: redness and swelling of the head of the penis; itching and burning; bad-smelling discharge; pain when passing urine; being unable to pull back the foreskin. Symptoms vary from person to person; a doctor’s examination is needed for a diagnosis.

The most common causes: thrush (fungal infection); bacterial infections; too little washing or washing too much with soap; uncontrolled diabetes; a tight foreskin; irritation from soap and condoms. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.

It clears in 1–2 weeks with better hygiene and treatment of the cause. Circumcision may be recommended for frequent recurrences.

It is more common in: uncircumcised men; men with diabetes; young boys.

It is diagnosed on examination; if needed, a swab, blood sugar test and, for lasting lesions, a biopsy are done.

Correct hygiene and controlling blood sugar.

If it is due to thrush or a sexually transmitted infection, it can pass to a partner.

Frequently recurring thrush balanitis can be the first sign of diabetes.

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “Are you unable to pass urine, or has a pulled-back foreskin got stuck and will not return (paraphimosis)?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”

See a doctor: it has not improved in a few days; it keeps coming back (to check blood sugar); there is a lasting white patch or sore on the head of the penis.