Inflammation of the glans penis is characterized by balanitis - a pathology often caused by pathogens (streptococci, gonococci, trichomonads, staphylococci, spirochetes, Escherichia coli, etc.), as well as an allergic reaction to chemicals, herpes infection. The development of balanitis can also be caused by microtrauma of the head of the penis and urethra, salts excreted in the urine in case of urolithiasis. If the immune system is weakened due to malfunctions of the endocrine system, an inflammatory reaction can occur even on opportunistic organisms.
The manifestation of the inflammatory process
If treatment of balanitis in men does not begin immediately, the inflammation will rapidly develop and spread to neighboring tissues. The first symptoms are redness, swelling of the head of the penis, exfoliation of the epidermis, itching, burning. Then erosion appears (single or multiple), subsequently turning into extensive ulcers. The pathological process leads to phimosis, while pus accumulates in the fold of the skin of the foreskin. In rare cases, gangrenous balanitis develops, in which necrotic tissue breakdown occurs. If symptoms of inflammation are found, consult a urologist or dermatovenerologist. You can diagnose pathology by examining samples of secretions taken from ulcers formed or from the surface of the skin.
Treatment of balanitis
The choice of method of therapy depends on the form of the pathological process. If the inflammation is poorly expressed, the affected area is washed with disinfectant solutions of nitrofural, potassium permanganate, rivanol. The mentioned procedures must be carried out three times daily. After their implementation, the area is treated with xeroform or tannin. What other means are used to eliminate such an ailment as balanitis? Treatment with zinc based ointment brings quite good results. Apply the drug to the affected area several times a day.
Candidiasis balanitis
Therapy should be aimed at the destruction of the fungus. For these purposes, you should regularly wash the head of a member with laundry soap. It will create an alkaline environment in which fungi cannot multiply. In addition, treatment of balanitis should be carried out by rubbing the head and adjacent tissues with the solutions listed above, and also use levorin or nystatin ointment. Oral antifungal medication may be prescribed.
Ulcerative balanitis
If the inflammatory process has led to the formation of ulcers, treatment of balanitis should be carried out with agents that contribute to the regeneration of damaged tissues. These include, for example, Levomekol, an ointment containing chloramphenicol and methyluracil. Tetracycline, erythromycin and synthomycin ointments, as well as ointments based on garamycin and fusidine are also widely used.
Gangrenous balanitis
This form of pathology requires complex therapy. To remove dead tissue, apply hydrogen peroxide. Antibiotics are injected intravenously and intramuscularly for two weeks (on average). After this, balanitis treatment involves oral administration of antibiotics. This eliminates intoxication of the body.