balanitis treatment

[EM784]

I'm pretty sure i have balanitis based on pictures I've seen online.  I picked up 2% miconazole for an OTC treatment, but in looking on the web, it seems that most sites recommend clotrimazole.  Is one better then the other, or does it not really matter?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Balanitis is inflammation of the head of the penis and can occur due to a variety of causes. It is caused by bacterial, fungal or other infections and causes. however, the treatment for balanitis varies from cause to cause.

the medications you have inquired regarding here are anti fungals and would not help unless you have a fungal infection. you may go to a doctor to get a diagnosis.

there is some research which says that balanitis may occur more commonly in individuals who have not been circumcised.

hope this helped. let me know if you need more help

[EM784]

Hmm.  I thought balanitis is a fungal infection?  The technical term for the "male yeast infection" from what I read online.

Could you reference my original post on my problem:

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/show/574198

Or some pictures:

http://www.slipoftime.com/p/IMG_3255.JPG
http://www.slipoftime.com/p/IMG_3256.JPG
http://www.slipoftime.com/p/IMG_3257.JPG

I tried hydrocortisone for 3 days, no changes.  I've had the large "rash" section on the head many months.  But more recently, the bumps on the sides of the head and to the left of the large section appeared.  I am also now seeing purple looking skins below the head.  Nothing goes below the section of skin that was rolled back from being circumsized as a child.    

There has been no pain and I've not noticed any itching, but just yesterday I started to have the feeling like I always need to pee, even t hough I don't.

I have an appointment with a Dermatologist next Monday (earliest I could get) but I'm trying to see if there might be something I can start with sooner.

[EM784]

Oh yes, I forgot to mention. It's possible I have mixed up information in regards to balanitis and a male yeast infection. I've been reading a lot to try and determine what I may have.  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

This could be balanitis. Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. When the foreskin (or prepuce) is also affected, it is termed balanoposthitis.

Inflammation has many possible causes, including irritation by environmental substances, physical trauma, and infection by a wide variety of pathogens, including bacteria, virus, or fungus—each of which require a particular treatment.

Retract the foreskin daily and soak in warm water to clean penis and foreskin. Apply bacitracin  if bacterial infection is suspected.
Apply topical clotrimazole for adult men with probable candidal balanitis.

If the symptoms persist, you would need to consult your doctor.

Let us know if you need any other information.

Regards.