How to Kill Balanitis
Balanitis can be an extremely painful experience for any man. Also known as a male yeast infection, balanitis is caused by fungal growth on the penis, most commonly on the tip 2. Damp areas under or around a man’s foreskin promote the growth of fungus. Symptoms include redness, swelling and pain during urination or sexual intercourse. You should always see a doctor for medical problems, but you can also kill balanitis with some at-home treatment.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Purchase an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream such as Diflucan. Be sure to read all warnings on the cream, as some creams can cause pain when applied to sensitive areas. Apply the cream to the infected area twice per day, or more if instructed by the product.
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Mix two to three drops of white vinegar into the antifungal cream with every use; vinegar will help to speed the process of killing the fungus.
Eat yogurt at least twice per day when fighting the fungal infection. The cultures in yogurt help to kill fungus in the body. Applying yogurt directly to the infected area can also speed the process of killing balanitis.
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Clean the infected area, as well as the rest of the penis, after each urination. Wipe any excess moisture from the area with a clean towel; a drier area will prevent the growth of fungus.
Soak in a bath of lukewarm water, adding one cup of vinegar and one cup of salt. You can also add two to three drops of tea tree oil. These solutions kill fungus.
Tips
Always consult a doctor when dealing with advanced infections such as balanitis.
Yeast grows in moist areas. Therefore, men who are uncircumcised are more likely to develop balanitis. Wearing loose cotton undergarments will help to increase airflow to the groin, helping to prevent moisture from perspiration.
Warnings
Do not apply white vinegar directly to the affected area of your skin. The acid in the vinegar can severely burn already infected skin.
Men can contract balanitis by having sex with a woman who has a yeast infection and can pass the infection to women. Do not return to sexual intercourse until the balanitis has been gone for at least two to three days.
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References
- MedHelp: Balanitis Treatments
- Yeast Infection Information: Balanitis
- Morris B, Krieger JN. Balanitis and related inflammatory conditions affecting the penis. In: Bjerklund Johansen TE, Wagenlehner FME, Matsumoto T, Cho YH, Krieger JN, Shoskes D, Naber KG, editors. Urogenital Infections and Inflammations. Duesseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2017. doi:10.5680/lhuii000027
- Dayal S, Sahu P. Zoon balanitis: A comprehensive review. Indian J Sex Transm Dis AIDS. 2016;37(2):129-138. doi:10.4103/2589-0557.192128
- Rajiah K, Veettil SK, Kumar S, Mathew EM. Study on various types of infections related to balanitis in circumcised or uncircumcised male and its causes, symptoms and management. Afr J Pharm Pharmacol. 2012;6(2):74-83. doi:10.5897/AJPP11.651
Tips
- Always consult a doctor when dealing with advanced infections such as balanitis.
- Yeast grows in moist areas. Therefore, men who are uncircumcised are more likely to develop balanitis. Wearing loose cotton undergarments will help to increase airflow to the groin, helping to prevent moisture from perspiration.
Warnings
- Do not apply white vinegar directly to the affected area of your skin. The acid in the vinegar can severely burn already infected skin.
- Men can contract balanitis by having sex with a woman who has a yeast infection and can pass the infection to women. Do not return to sexual intercourse until the balanitis has been gone for at least two to three days.
Writer Bio
Samantha Volz has been involved in journalistic and informative writing for over eight years. She holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with a minor in European history. In college she was editor-in-chief of the student newspaper and completed a professional internship with the "Williamsport Sun-Gazette," serving as a full-time reporter. She resides in Horsham, Pennsylvania.