Swollen, Red Penis? Balanitis May be Caused by Bacteria

Monitoring penis health is important for all men. Often a man will notice that he has developed a rather red penis, or more specifically that the glans of the penis has reddened or has red patches around it. This is often a sign of balanitis, a fairly common condition, especially among men whose foreskin is intact. There are many causes of balanitis, with a yeast infection being the most common; however, bacteria can also play a big role in creating a red penis from balanitis.

Balanitis

As mentioned, men with a foreskin are more likely to contract balanitis than men who are circumcised. And some studies indicate that men with an especially long foreskin may be even more at risk of balanitis. We’ll look at why that might be the case after learning a little more about balanitis.

Balanitis is, simply put, an inflammation of the glans of the penis, typically caused by an infection of some sort. In addition to a red penis, common symptoms include an itching or burning sensation in the penis and/or a white or yellowish, clumpy discharge in the area. Often there is an unpleasant smell as well. In most cases, balanitis is not considered serious, especially if it is treated early, and most cases respond quickly to treatment, typically clearing up in 3 to 5 days after treatment has begun.

Hygiene

As mentioned, bacteria is often a cause of balanitis, which is why monitoring penis health and practicing good penis hygiene is so important. One reason that balanitis is more common among uncircumcised men is that it can be more challenging to clean the penis skin underneath the foreskin - and this problem can become more pronounced with longer foreskin, which may be difficult to retract all the way. At least one study has found that men who are circumcised tend to have fewer anaerobic bacteria, which is more likely to cause balanitis, than men who are intact. Cleaning underneath the foreskin regularly is one excellent way to keep away the bacteria that can cause balanitis.

This includes cleaning the penis after sex. Studies have also found that the same kind of anaerobic bacteria responsible for a bacterial infection in the vagina is also a cause of balanitis - so that male and female partners who are infected can spread the bacteria between each other. So washing soon after sex can help decrease the chances of balanitis.

There are other things a guy can do to help decrease bacteria on the penis. One of the most important is changing underwear regularly. A clean pair every day is necessary - and changing more than once a day is a good idea during times when a guy is going to sweat more (such as when working out, playing a game of football, etc.) It also helps to wear looser underwear and pants, rather than tight ones, and to choose fabrics that are lightweight and can "breathe" better.

Some guys may choose an antibacterial soap to help keep away the red penis caused by balanitis, but sometimes such soaps may be harsh on delicate penis skin. An alternative may be to daily apply a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) instead (or in addition to the soap). In such cases, be sure that the crème contains vitamin A, which is well known for its potent antibacterial properties. As a bonus, vitamin A also helps to fight unpleasant and persistent penis odor. The best crème should also include a range of other vitamins, such as B5, C, D and E, which together can help maintain penis health at an appropriate level.

His Red Penis: Balanitis for Her

When "red penis" refers to an erect penis that is a glowing red due to an influx of blood, it’s a thing a man tends to be proud of. But when "red penis" describes a blotchy red rash, typically on the glans of the penis, it indicates a troubling penis health issue.

Often this latter kind of red penis means that balanitis is present; while an annoyance, most men know that it’s nothing too serious. But when a woman encounters this blotchy red penis, she is likely to be concerned about what it might mean for her. This article is intended to explain balanitis to her.

The basics

Balanitis is something that occurs in between 3% and 11% of all men at some time - but it is much more common among men (and boys) whose foreskin is intact. Most men who are circumcised do not get balanitis - but it is possible. This means balanitis is more rarely seen in populations in which circumcision is widely practiced.

Balanitis is typically known by the red blotches that almost always occur on the glans (the tip) of the penis. It often itches, and there may be swelling (beyond that which occurs when in an erect state), pain or even a discharge associated with it. If a man has balanitis that is also on the foreskin, the portion on the foreskin is referred to as balanoposthitis.

Causes

So why does a guy get this red penis condition? In most cases, it is due to improper hygiene - but women should realize that improper hygiene does not always mean inadequate hygiene. Yes, often balanitis does present because a man has not washed adequately. If a man does not wash enough, bacteria may grow and cause inflammation.

But sometimes it can be due to washing the penis too much! If a man washes too often, especially with a soap with harsh chemicals in it, that may bring about the inflammation.

In some instances, it’s not that the man is washing infrequently; instead, he may not be retracting his foreskin frequently enough. If the foreskin remains unretracted for long stretches at a time, lack of aeration can bring about balanitis.

There also can be other causes. For example, diabetes is associated with balanitis, as are some medications.

Prevention

Preventing balanitis, of course, depends upon the cause. Since hygiene is often a major factor, a guy needs to be sure he is following proper hygiene practices. These include:

- Washing the penis regularly with a mild soap that is free of harsh chemicals or fragrances;

- Pulling back the foreskin and washing underneath as well;

- Drying the penis (including underneath the foreskin) after showering or bathing;

- Retracting the foreskin for it to "air out" as needed;

- Washing (including under the foreskin) after partner sex and after masturbating.

Treatment

Assuming the cause of the red penis is balanitis, treatment involves good hygiene (such as mentioned above), plus keeping the skin hydrated. If the condition persists, consulting a doctor is necessary to determine if the assumption of balanitis is correct and to explore other treatment options.

A red penis due to balanitis is inconvenient but is not usually serious, but women should encourage their men to keep an eye on their penis health. One way to do this is to regularly apply a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). The best options include both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E) to keep the skin moisturized. The crème should also include vitamin C, which helps in production of collagen and is beneficial for penis skin tone and elasticity.

That Red Penis – Balanitis or Balanoposthitis?

A healthy red penis is something a man desires, but sometimes that redness can be a sign that a penis health issue is present. Very often the redness indicates an inflammation, but is that red penis inflammation due to balanitis or balanoposthitis? Or maybe plain old posthitis? And what is the difference between the three terms anyway?

To be sure, sometimes a red penis can be due to other causes, such as simple rawness from friction or even the presence of some sexually-transmitted infections (STIs). But often it’s an inflammation linked to one of the above conditions.

Defining each of these conditions can help a guy to understand better what they are.

- Balanitis. This is an inflammation of the penis, specifically of the glans. (The glans, sometimes called the head, is the kind of cone-shaped top of the penis). Any man can potentially come down with balanitis.

- Posthitis. When there’s an inflammation of the foreskin, it is called posthitis. Only men whose foreskins are intact can contract posthitis.

- Balanoposthitis. When both the glans and the foreskin are inflamed, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. As with posthitis, only intact men can have balanoposthitis.

In other words, each specific kind of inflammation is defined by where the inflammation occurs. However, it should be noted that not all doctors use the terms with 100% accuracy. For example, it is common for a doctor to tell a patient he has balanitis when in fact he has balanoposthitis.

Causes

But how does a man get balanitis or any of its similar brethren? Inflammation implies infection, and sometimes these conditions come about due to an STI. However, it is usually more likely that inadequate hygiene is to blame. Other common causes are a yeast infection (thrush), an allergic reaction to soap or chemicals, a skin condition (such as psoriasis or eczema), or a bacterial infection.

Balanitis, posthitis and balanoposthitis are generally more of a problem for intact men. Why? Because inflammation often is accompanied by swelling; if the glans becomes too swollen, it may make retraction of the foreskin difficult to achieve, which can be painful. Similarly, it may be difficult to pull a retracted foreskin back over the glans.

Symptoms

In addition to a red penis, men with one of these conditions may notice some of the following symptoms:

- Soreness and itchiness

- A strong odor

- A discharge from the penis

- Swelling

- Pain, especially when urinating or when moving the foreskin forward or backward over the glans.

Treating it

It’s good to take a red penis to the doctor for evaluation. If there is an underlying cause (such as an STI or a yeast infection), the physician can recommend an appropriate course of action.

Often treatment for balanitis and these other inflammations involves paying proper attention to hygiene. It’s important to thoroughly wash the penis (including under the foreskin) to prevent inflammations from occurring. If the inflammation is due to an allergic reaction to soap or cleanser, it’s important to find a new cleaning option that doesn’t affect sensitive penis skin.

When a red penis is caused by balanitis, posthitis or balanoposthitis, it can leave the member feeling sore and tender. Using a top rated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help alleviate that soreness and improve the health of the penis skin. Be sure to select a crème that contains a combination of moisturizing agents, such as Shea butter (a high-end emollient) and vitamin E (a natural hydrator). In addition, the crème should include alpha lipoic acid. A potent antioxidant, alpha lipoic acid fights free radicals and thereby strengthens and protects penis skin.

An Itchy Penis May Accompany Plasma Cell Balanitis

Every man falls prey to an itchy penis at one time or another, inevitably finding themselves caught while scratching away when they thought they were in a private situation. Often that itchy penis is caused by some penis health condition, hopefully one that is fairly minor and basically benign. In that category is plasma cell balanitis, a penile issue often accompanied by some degree of itchiness.

Plasma cell balanitis

Also known as Zoon balanitis (after the man who described it in the medical literature in 1952), plasma cell balanitis is usually considered as distinct from "regular" balanitis. The latter is an inflammation of the penis, usually spread out over much of the glans (or head). Plasma cell balanitis differs in that it almost always presents in a much more localized form; rather than being spread out, it appears as a smaller, more concentrated area, looking like one plaque or rash. Sometimes the red plaque may also have smaller pin-sized dots of a different shade.

Plasma cell balanitis is much more common in men who are intact than in men who are circumcised. Although it can occur at any age, it is almost always found in middle-aged or older men. (A female variant, plasma cell vulvitis, can occur in women.)

Cause unclear

Although it was first described in 1952, not a lot is known about this condition. The cause, for example, is not well-defined. The fact that it often occurs in intact men suggests some connection with the foreskin, and indeed one of the primary accepted causes has to do with irritation to the glans caused by smegma building up. (Urine sneaking under the foreskin and drying may also be partially to blame.) As the foreskin rubs back and forth across the glans, this creates an inflammatory irritation.

This would imply that the disorder occurs only in intact men who do not practice adequate penis hygiene. However, it has been noted in some intact men with superior hygiene, as well as in a much smaller number of circumcised men. In such cases, friction, heat or some form of external irritating factor may be to blame. Some doctors theorize that bacterial infection, or possibly even HPV, could be causes as well.

Benign

Although many men mistake plasma cell balanitis for an STI, it is in fact a benign condition that is not sexually transmitted. It may cause a red, itchy penis - and may in some cases be accompanied by some minor pain - but it is essentially harmless.

Treatment

In some cases, initiating and maintaining proper penis hygiene may result in the disappearance of the balanitis. Topical steroids are often recommended, as are topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs). Photodynamic therapy (using drugs which are then exposed to special lights) has been used by some doctors. In many cases, circumcision may be recommended.

With treatment, most cases resolve within 4-8 weeks, although an individual may find that the period is longer or shorter.

Plasma cell balanitis is considered a rare dermatological issue, but its exact rate is unknown; many doctors believe it is significantly underreported and that there may be more cases than is generally thought.

When plasma cell balanitis creates an itchy penis situation, a man will want to take steps to help alleviate the itchiness. One way to help treat an itchy penis is to regularly use a first class penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Penis skin that is well hydrated is less likely to itch, so select a crème with both a high-end emollient (such as Shea butter) and a natural hydrator (such as vitamin E). Skin will be further strengthened if the crème contains a potent antioxidant, such as alpha lipoic acid, to fight the free radicals that can contribute to harmful oxidative stress.

Penis Irritation: Balanitis in the Bedroom

Penis irritation is unpleasant for all men, and something which at least occasionally strikes most men. When that irritation is caused by balanitis, it can sometimes have an impact on a man's bedroom activities. Even when sexual activity is not affected, simple penis care concerns should compel a man to seek relief from this common cause of penis irritation.

Defining balanitis
 
The basic definition of balanitis is an inflammation of the glans of the penis. (When both the foreskin and the glans are inflamed, the condition may be known as balanoposthitis.) Balanitis is very common among young boys; in men, it is much more likely to occur in intact males than in those who are circumcised. Men with diabetes are also more likely to experience balanitis.

There can be numerous causes of balanitis, including:

- Poor hygiene
- psoriasis (an immune system reaction that causes dry, scaly skin);
- dermatitis (skin issue caused by an allergic reaction or direct contact with an agent of irritation);
- lichen planus (skin disease affecting mucous membranes and skin, presenting as purplish bumps);
- sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
- urine "dribbles" irritating the glans.

Symptoms
 
So how does a guy know he has balanitis? There are many common symptoms, such as:

- swollen glans (meaning the head of the penis is swollen due to infection, rather than sexual excitement);
- redness of the glans and surrounding area;
- itchiness, irritation and soreness around the glans;
- strong odor;
- tightness of the foreskin in intact men.

Bedroom issues
 
Balanitis itself is not contagious; however, sometimes the cause of the balanitis (such as an STI or a yeast infection) is contagious. Therefore, learning the cause is important. If balanitis occurs simply because the skin is experiencing an allergic reaction or is reacting to direct contact with an irritant, it is not contagious. When balanitis is due to a contagious condition, a man needs to seek treatment and avoid sexual contact until the issue is cleared up.

Often, balanitis can cause more transient issues in the bedroom. For example, the soreness and penis irritation may dampen a man's sexual readiness. Or a man may be quite willing to engage in sex but once the experience begins, the soreness may cause him to withdraw from the activity earlier than desired. Sometimes a man with balanitis fulfills his sexual obligations, but does so without experiencing the same level of elation and satisfaction himself due to the tenderness created by the condition.

Other times, a man with balanitis may be ready, willing and eager to engage in all manner of sexual activities - but he may find that the physical manifestations of the balanitis may cause potential partners to lose interest. For example, a couple may engage in passionate kissing and clothed fondling and seem to be on the road to an exciting encounter; however, when the penis is unveiled and exhibits an unbecoming redness and/or scaliness, the potential partner may decide she is no longer interested. The same may be true if the manhood exposure is accompanied by an intense and off-putting odor.

Men with such penis irritation issues (whether accompanied by balanitis or not) need to make use of a top-drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil), both to help maintain the interest of sexual partners and to keep the manhood in proper health. Selecting a crème that has moisturizing capability is vital. Those that contain both a potent hydrator (such as vitamin E) and a respected emollient (such as Shea butter) are the best options. What about persistent penis odor? A crème with vitamin A can play a major role in bringing that odor under control. Vitamin A is known to possess strong anti-bacterial properties which get at the root cause of many strong penis odor issues. Beating back symptoms associated with balanitis with Man1 Man Oil, along with proper hygiene, can be a big lift for a man.

Avoiding a Red Penis: Steps for Preventing Balanitis

Guys take great pride in the appearance of their rods, so an inflamed, red penis is something most men prefer to avoid. Penile redness is often the result of balanitis, and employing routines that ensure proper penis health is an excellent way to prevent this condition.

What is it?

Simply put, balanitis occurs when the glans of the penis becomes inflamed. In addition to redness, there is usually significant soreness, swelling and itchiness. An unpleasant odor may also develop.

Balanitis is more common in men who are intact than in men who are circumcised, but men who are cut do sometimes get balanitis. There can be several things that cause the condition, including STIs. However, a man shouldn’t jump to the conclusion that his red penis means he has an STI; there are many less worrisome causes, and a doctor can determine what is at the root of the problem.

Causes

Among the possible causes of balanitis are phimosis (a situation in which the foreskin is too tight) and diabetes, as well as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, lichen planus and thrush. Bacteria and allergic reactions to items such as soap or detergent can also bring it about.

Most of these causes can be addressed through proper penis care. Phimosis and diabetes are the exceptions. Balanitis caused by phimosis may be helped by gradually loosening the skin; cases caused by diabetes can be addressed through proper management of that condition.

Penis health

Far too many men assume that a quick rinse in the shower is all that is required to keep the penis in proper health. In fact, a bit more preventive care is necessary.

For example, a doctor’s advice may be necessary if skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis are chronic. Various ointments or medications may be prescribed to treat the underlying cause that makes the penis skin more likely to suffer.

Once the underlying cause of balanitis can be determined and treated, a man needs to make guided penis care a part of his daily routine. This includes:

- Washing the penis regularly. If the man is intact, he needs to take a little extra time to make sure that he is cleaning underneath the foreskin. Dirt and bacteria can build up under the foreskin, and that can exacerbate existing balanitis or create conditions for a recurrence of the problem. Also, men who are prone to balanitis should wash the penis soon after engaging in sexual activity.

- Using an appropriate cleanser. For individuals with skin conditions, a doctor may recommend a special hypoallergenic soap for use on the penis. Those using “everyday” cleanser should look for a soap that has natural ingredients and does not include unwanted chemicals or fragrances; these can cause irritation to the sensitive skin of the penis. Whatever cleanser is used, it should be washed completely off of the penis.

- Drying carefully. Because the glans is so sensitive, men should use a soft towel and gently dry the equipment after washing. Rubbing too vigorously and/or with a rough towel can cause extra irritation.

- Applying an appropriate crème. Regularly using a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) on a red penis can help keep the tool healthy and strong and can deliver soothing relief when balanitis is present. It’s important to select a crème that is infused with potent but natural hydrating ingredients. Shea butter, a high-end emollient, should definitely be listed in the crème’s ingredients, as should vitamin E. This powerful combination will help create a moisturizing seal that provides significant protection. Another combination to look for: acetyl L-carnitine and alpha lipoic acid. This dynamic duo reverses damage to cell mitochondria and restores penile cell health, aiding in the fight against balanitis.

Reducing Balanitis Risk - Proper Cleansing for the Uncircumcised Penis

They say that cleanliness is next to godliness, but if men spend too much time lathering up and too little time rinsing off, they could end up with a numb penis or a painful foreskin as a reward. That's because irritants in soap can cause balanitis, and when that condition takes hold, intense penis care may be required in order to soothe the pain.

Understanding Balanitis
The skin that covers the penis is designed to bend and stretch, so it can support the expansion that the penis goes through when things get a little heated in the bedroom. This kind of movement of the skin is, in general, not painful at all. But when the skin stretches due to irritation, the sensation is far from pleasurable.

The term balanitis refers to any kind of swelling that impacts the foreskin or the head of the penis. It's a common problem for men who haven't been circumcised, as balanitis is often associated with improper cleansing. Discarded cells and bodily fluids trapped beneath the foreskin can turn into a toxic mixture that makes tissues swell, and that problem is often referred to as balanitis.

However, the condition can also strike when harsh soaps or perfumed cleansers come into contact with the sensitive skin that lines a man's Johnson. This skin tends to live a coddled life, as it's tucked into underwear and pants for most of the day, and it can react with intensity when it's harshly treated. Even when the rest of the body doesn't react, penile tissues can be dramatic when they're exposed to chemicals.

Typically, the reaction isn't immediate. A man's shower might move forward without much pain at all. But a few hours later, a niggling sensation of pain might set in, and without treatment, swelling and numbness can take hold.

Prevention is Key
Most cases of balanitis clear up with a bit of medicated cream prescribed by a doctor. These ointments can combat any infection that's taken hold, and they can help to calm and soothe irritated tissues. However, men can also take steps to prevent balanitis altogether, so they have no need for any kind of medical intervention at all.

Often, this means cleaning the penis and foreskin with warm water and massaging fingertips. No harsh cleansers are needed in order to keep the area clean. A simple stream of water and a manual scrub down should do the trick.

Ideally, all irritating substances should not touch the penis at all, including:

• Perfumed soaps
• Body washes
• Scented bath water
• Shampoo

If these substances do happen to come into contact with a man's privates, a clear stream of water can be a lifesaver. Spending a minute or more just rinsing off, both over and under the foreskin (if applicable), can help to wash the irritants down the drain, so they won't have time to do anything horrible to a man's vital tool.

A penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) might also play a role in balanitis prevention. These products help penile skin to stay moist and supple, rather than cracked and dry, so particles of soap and irritants won't have a place to lodge and cause harm. The vitamin content of a quality product can also help to nourish penile skin, so it's prepared to fight off an infection. Applying a penis health creme after a shower can also help a man to remove the smallest trace of irritants that a rinse may have left behind. With a penis health creme at the ready, he'll keep his skin both healthy and happy, free of the bad kind of swelling.

Foreskin Pain and Swelling - Treating and Preventing Balanitis

Throbbing, aching and swelling in the foreskin can strike fear into the hearts of men, leaving them worried that a recent unprotected encounter has left them with an unwelcome souvenir. While this could be a real penis health concern, other conditions may cause similar symptoms. For instance, uncircumcised men may develop a condition known as Balanitis. While painful, this issue is easily treatable if men follow some simple rules for penis hygiene and care.

What Is It?
Balanitis is a fancy word that describes a nasty condition involving foreskin pain. It is most often found in men who have not been circumcised, and they might notice the problem when they attempt to retract the sheath of skin that covers the head of the penis. That little tug might cause a sickening wave of pain, along with a distinctive odor that has often been described as fishy, fetid, buttery or cheesy.

The head of the penis might also be red and itchy, and a chunky, white discharge might be visible underneath the foreskin.

What Causes It?
The tight wrapper of the foreskin is designed to protect the sensitive head of the penis from the outside world, as well as acting as a natural lubricant. However, this sheath of skin also creates a warm, moist environment that is ideal for the growth of bacteria. These little germ cells can invade that space and replicate at will, irritating the skin and leaving nasty scents behind.

Often, this condition appears when a man has not been on top of his cleaning game for quite some time. Dead skin cells mixed with bodily fluids can be trapped under the foreskin, allowing Balanitis to develop. Sometimes, however, underlying health conditions can affect the body's immune system, reducing the ability of cells to fight off natural invaders. Men who have diabetes, for example, might develop balanitis due to their disease, no matter how hygienic they might be.

What Happens Next?
Foreskin pain like this can be intense, and in time, a man might find that even going to the bathroom hurts. Unfortunately, when the condition is in full swing, it is best to get a doctor involved. The area simply must be cleaned so that healing can begin, and that means tugging down the foreskin and swabbing out the dead cells. This is not the sort of thing most men with balanitis can do without fainting, unless a doctor helps. Additionally, men who develop this condition should get a blood test, just to ensure that there are no other medical conditions in play that are affecting their immune systems.

When the area is clean, medications might help to remove the bacterial invaders. Most often, these drugs are applied directly to penile skin, but oral medications might sometimes play a role in serious Balanitis cases that do not resolve with cream-based care.

Does Prevention Work?
Just reading about foreskin pain can make some men cringe, and even the toughest guy out there might be more willing to invest in prevention, rather than dealing with an infection. Thankfully, this is a condition can often be prevented altogether, as long as a man's health is good and he uses proper penis care techniques.

A daily rinse with cool water, when the foreskin is completely retracted, should be enough to cleanse away bacteria. No soaps, powders or deodorants are required, and often, these sorts of ingredients can irritate penile skin, so they should be avoided altogether.

Using a penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) could also be beneficial. The moisturizing agents in these products can keep skin soft, so fewer dead cells accumulate to feed hidden bacteria. The vitamins in products like this can also nourish the disease-busting cells that line the penis, which may help them to fight off invaders. A daily application might be one great way to keep the foreskin healthy and free of pain.

Penis Pain and Cracked Foreskin - When is it a Cause for Concern

All men want to put their best foot forward, and when it comes to sexual health, they want the most attractive penis possible. Cracked skin on, around and under the foreskin is not a pretty sight -- but what’s more important - it may be a sign of a serious health issue. So if one finds a little cracking on their cock, it is important not to blow it off as a minor cosmetic issue until all options have been explored. A doctor can best diagnose this condition and help determine proper treatment and the best course of action for continued penis care to eliminate unsightly cracks down under.

What is Balanitis?
 
Balanitis is a fancy term for irritation or inflammation of the foreskin or glans of the penis. It may appear as small cracks or erosions on the foreskin of the penis, is often red and may be accompanied by discharge and penis pain. It is a relatively common condition and, while it is not exclusively experienced by uncircumcised men, it is a more common problem in men with foreskins.
 
What Causes Balanitis?
 
Balanitis is caused by chronic irritation, dryness, yeast, or poor hygiene - one of the most common causes being the latter of these. In an uncircumcised man, it is important to fully retract the foreskin in order to wash the skin underneath and remove bacteria, yeast and urine. However, on the flip side, balanitis can also be caused by excessive washing of the penis with harsh soap, which leads to irritation of the delicate skin. Finding the right balance may be the best way to cleanse the penis.

Balanitis is often an easily treated, easily diagnosed problem, but in some cases it is an indication of a more serious condition. Men who struggle with chronic irritation and infections of the penis and foreskin area should seek medical treatment. Balanitis may be an early indication of penile cancer, a warning sign of diabetes, or a signal that one’s diabetes is no longer well controlled. Poorly controlled blood sugar is associated with balanitis, thus diabetic men who see recurring balanitis need to seek medical attention immediately. Balanitis may also occur as an allergic reaction, a side effect of medications, or due to a recent change in medications. With so many possible causes of this condition, it is easy to see the importance of checking in with a urologist if the problem is frequent and persistent.

How is Balanitis treated?
 
For the most common, mild types of balanitis, treatment is often easy. Being more diligent with hygiene, changing to a gentle soap, keeping the area clean and dry and possibly using an over the counter antifungal cream are often the first treatments a doctor would recommend. More invasive treatments are reserved for chronic, recurrent infections and irritation and they include a dorsal slit, in which an incision is made through the scar tissue in the foreskin to allow for easier retraction; or a formal circumcision, in which the entire foreskin is removed. Circumcision is, of course, reserved only for cases in which all other options have been exhausted.

Penis Care Tips
 
Taking excellent care of the penis is easy and may just prevent recurrent breakouts of balanitis. Washing the penis daily with a mild cleanser - taking care to fully retract the foreskin - is a good way to cut down on bacteria and prevent excessive yeast. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly, particularly under the foreskin, to avoid soap irritation. After the shower, gently patting the area with a towel and leaving some dampness on the skin is a much better method than vigorously rubbing the area until dry - as that can irritate and damage the skin. Immediately applying a penis vitamin creme (most professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil) to the still damp skin can help lock in the moisture to help avoid dry skin, which is more prone to cracking. Choosing a penis vitamin oil containing Shea butter - known for its rich moisturizing properties - and vitamin A - a bacteria busting must-have - can help fight two of the main causes of balanitis so the penis looks and feels healthier.