Balantis or syphillis

[jb746]

Doctor,

I had read on this forum that many of the syptoms of balantis maybe confused for syphillis.  I am not exactly sure which syptoms could be syphillis.  As far my syptoms go, I had oral sex (unprotected - my stupidity) perfomed on me while at a friend's bachelor party.  A day or two afterwards I started to notice red bumps on the head of my penis, and well as some wrinkling near the top of the head.  There were no visible sores or pain while urintating.  Also there was some redness on the top of my foreskin, when rolled back (i.e. I am uncircumcized).  I went to see my doctor, who beleives that it is a case of balantis.  Moreover, I am a borderline Type II diabetic (I have not had to start on medication yet, but may soon due to my blood sugar levels).  I have been prescribed the following cream - "Clotrimazole (10 mg) & Betamethsone Dipropionate (0.64 mg) Cream – USP 1%/0.05% (base)" which I have been applying for 10 days.  Most of the redness had completly disappeared until I masturbated last night.  After masturbation, some of the redness came back.  However, there were no bumps or wrinkling near the top of the head.  There was only a little bit of redness on my head and a little bit on the top of mu foreskin.  Can you explain to me if this sounds like syphillis?  If so, I will get tested and take the proper medication.  Otherwise, can you explain why the redness comes back after masturabation?  And will this be a common occurrence?  Also, is there anything else I can do if it is a common occurrence?  Thank you in advance.

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
If the redness has decreased then topical medications that you are using should be sufficient but if it persists then oral antibiotics/antifungals and corticosteroids may be needed.Pls discuss about them with your doctor.

I hope it helps.Take care and regards.

[jb746]

Update on my status - everything has come back clean - no syphilis.  Moreover, my penis head is back to normal.  After using the cream for about 10 days, the redness went away a few days later.

Moral of the story - always use a condom at a bachelor party for any type of pleasure being performed on you.  Gives you peace of mind.

[jb746]

Dr. Singh,

Thank you for your analysis on my syptoms.  My doctor feels it is Balantis an not Syphillis.  The blood tests were done yesterday, and I am waiting for confirmation.  As far as medications, I had been applying the following cream "Clotrimazole (10 mg) & Betamethsone Dipropionate (0.64 mg) Cream – USP 1%/0.05% (base)" for the past 10 -12 days.  The redness has reduced but not completely disappeared.  You had mentioned that I should be taking some oral medications in addition to the cream.  Can you tell me which medication, so that I can ask my doctor about it?  Thank you for your help.

Regards.  JB

[Dr J Singh]

Hello,
Your symptoms are suggestive of balanitis.The other possibilities are of contact dermatitis or rash due to friction rub. It does not sound like syphilis. Syphilis presents as ulcers and not redness.

Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans penis. Oral course of antibiotics is needed.In addition,pls don’t use any cosmetics on the penis,instead use some topical antimicrobials like Bacitracin or Lotrimin.Also corticosteroids and topical immunosuppressants can be used but they are available under prescription. Also retract the foreskin daily and soak in warm water to clean penis and foreskin.In case the symptoms persist then pls consult a urologist/dermatologist for evaluation and antimicrobials and steroids prescription.

Hope it helps.Take care and regards.

[jb746]

Ron,

Thanks for the information.  The cream that I am using has the main ingredient that Canestan has, which is "Clotrimazole" plus some steroids.  This may be thriving based on my sugar levels as you had mentioned.  I just want to try to get this damn thing under control.  This has happened to me before, but it never has lasted this long.  Also, I want to be careful that I do not overuse the cream which could lead to other issues.

Lets hope for the best.  Also, I am hoping that this is not Syphillis.  I am waiting for the results on that.

Thanks.

[rmprdl1964]

It could very well be possible that you have accuired a yeast infection.
It would be best that this is confirmed by a doctor. If it is found that this is the case, than you might use Canesten or any other cream used to get rid of yeast infections.

Sinse you have mentioned being border line diabetic, you are much more prone to these type of infections sinse Candida (yeast) Thrives on sugar.

I have had neumerous bouts of Candida after the use of antibiotics. It can be difficult to get this under control.
When using a cream like Canesten it is important to cover the complete surface of the penis. Retract the foreskin and apply the cream then return the foreskin and apply the cream to the outer skin off the penis.

All the best.

Ron