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Balanitis

Overview

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Symptoms of balanitis include the head of the penis being swollen, itchy, sore or red. You may also have pain when peeing, discharge or bleeding.

To diagnose balanitis, a doctor or nurse will look at your penis and may wipe a cotton bud over the head of your penis to test for an infection.

Treatment for balanitis depends on the cause. A GP may prescribe steroid cream, antifungal cream or antibiotics.

You can ease symptoms of balanitis by washing your penis every day and using an emollient instead of soap or shower gel.

Causes of balanitis include not washing your penis properly, thrush, sexually transmitted infections or skin irritation from shower gel or condoms.

Balanitis is where the head of the penis is swollen and sore. It's important to see a GP to find out what's causing it.

Page last reviewed: 30/05/2023
Next review due: 30/05/2026