Treatment of the underlying disease and avoidance of factors favoring balanitis!
General measures
- Use of soap is to be refrained while the inflammation is present.
- Observance of the general hygiene measures! (Lack of hygiene – but also exaggerated hygiene, this can be the cause of balanitis by degreasing the glans skin (cleanliness balanitis)).
- Observe genital hygiene or avoidance of favoring factors of balanitis:
- Once a day wash the penis with lukewarm water (without using any care products!). When doing so, pull back the foreskin as far as possible and be sure to wash to behind the glans. There, smegma (gr. σμήγμα smégma “soap”), visible as a white to pale yellow substance settles on the penis. This consists of the sebum of the foreskin glands mixed with the cell detritus (Latin: detritus ‘wasteĺ) of the glans epithelium and bacteria. Furthermore, urine and sperm residues may be present. After washing the penis is to dry it carefully by, for example, use of unstained toilet paper.
- In the presence of phimosis (foreskin constriction → secondary infection due to urine retention in the prepuce sac/cavity between the prepuce and glans penis, i.e. between the foreskin and glans).
- The foreskin may become inflated by urine during urination; bacteria may multiply in any remaining “residual urine” under the foreskin.
- The evaporation of moisture is impeded. This can lead to the fact that in the moist environment (by eg “residual urine”) the horny layer swells, loses its protective function and at the same time the skin germs multiply strongly.
- When defecating, be sure to wipe in the direction of the anus; if necessary, use a bidet for subsequent cleaning of the anal region. Alternatively, the use of damp toilet paper is recommended.
- When switching between anal and vaginal intercourse, special attention must be paid to hygiene. If necessary, change condom or clean penis thoroughly, otherwise it can lead to inflammation of the vagina.
- Bladder emptying, before and after sexual intercourse, provides additional protection against intestinal bacterial infections.
- Underwear should be changed daily and be breathable (cotton materials). Synthetic materials impermeable to air create an ideal breeding ground for pathogens.
Conventional non-surgical therapy methods
- Performing penile baths containing chamomile.