&lt;h1 data-start=&quot;185&quot; data-end=&quot;226&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Balanitis: What&amp;rsquo;s Going On Down There?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h1&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;228&quot; data-end=&quot;690&quot;&gt;Let&amp;rsquo;s talk about something that doesn&amp;rsquo;t always make it into everyday conversation &amp;mdash; but really should. If you&amp;rsquo;ve noticed irritation, redness, or discomfort around the head of the penis or under the foreskin, you might be dealing with &lt;strong data-start=&quot;462&quot; data-end=&quot;475&quot;&gt;balanitis&lt;/strong&gt;. It&#39;s more common than you might think &amp;mdash; about &lt;strong data-start=&quot;523&quot; data-end=&quot;538&quot;&gt;1 in 10 men&lt;/strong&gt; will experience it at some point. While anyone can get it, it tends to show up more often in &lt;strong data-start=&quot;632&quot; data-end=&quot;653&quot;&gt;uncircumcised men&lt;/strong&gt;, and it doesn&amp;rsquo;t discriminate by age.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;692&quot; data-end=&quot;793&quot;&gt;So what is balanitis, what causes it, and most importantly &amp;mdash; what can you do about it? Let&amp;rsquo;s dive in.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;692&quot; data-end=&quot;793&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;800&quot; data-end=&quot;832&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;What Exactly &lt;em data-start=&quot;817&quot; data-end=&quot;821&quot;&gt;Is&lt;/em&gt; Balanitis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;834&quot; data-end=&quot;1112&quot;&gt;Balanitis is just a fancy word for &lt;strong data-start=&quot;869&quot; data-end=&quot;918&quot;&gt;inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; sometimes including the foreskin too. Think redness, swelling, itching, and maybe some discomfort or unusual discharge. It&amp;rsquo;s your body&amp;rsquo;s way of saying, &amp;ldquo;Hey, something&amp;rsquo;s not right down here.&amp;rdquo;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;834&quot; data-end=&quot;1112&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1119&quot; data-end=&quot;1149&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Why Does Balanitis Happen?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1151&quot; data-end=&quot;1248&quot;&gt;There&amp;rsquo;s no single culprit &amp;mdash; but rather a mix of potential causes. Here&amp;rsquo;s what might be behind it:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1252&quot; data-end=&quot;1350&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.hk/penile-yeast-infection&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1252&quot; data-end=&quot;1285&quot;&gt;Yeast or bacterial infections&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1252&quot; data-end=&quot;1350&quot;&gt;A warm, moist environment under the foreskin can promote yeast (like &lt;em data-start=&quot;390&quot; data-end=&quot;399&quot;&gt;Candida&lt;/em&gt;) or bacterial infections. These are more common if the foreskin is tight (phimosis), making cleaning difficult.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1353&quot; data-end=&quot;1395&quot;&gt;&lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.hk/stis-in-hong-kong&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1353&quot; data-end=&quot;1395&quot;&gt;Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/span&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1353&quot; data-end=&quot;1395&quot;&gt;Infections like herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis can cause redness, discharge, or sores that mimic balanitis symptoms. Safe sex and regular testing help reduce the risk.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1398&quot; data-end=&quot;1557&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1398&quot; data-end=&quot;1414&quot;&gt;Poor hygiene&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1398&quot; data-end=&quot;1557&quot;&gt;Not cleaning under the foreskin allows &lt;strong data-start=&quot;818&quot; data-end=&quot;828&quot;&gt;smegma&lt;/strong&gt; (a smelly mix of oils and dead skin) to build up, causing irritation. On the flip side, over-washing with harsh products can also lead to inflammation.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1560&quot; data-end=&quot;1657&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1560&quot; data-end=&quot;1578&quot;&gt;Skin irritants&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1560&quot; data-end=&quot;1657&quot;&gt;Scented soaps, detergents, or even leftover urine can irritate the sensitive skin, especially if it&#39;s not rinsed off properly. Switch to gentle, fragrance-free products if needed.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1660&quot; data-end=&quot;1712&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1660&quot; data-end=&quot;1679&quot;&gt;Skin conditions&lt;/strong&gt; like &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1685&quot; data-end=&quot;1695&quot;&gt;eczema&lt;/strong&gt; or &lt;strong data-start=&quot;1699&quot; data-end=&quot;1712&quot;&gt;psoriasis&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1660&quot; data-end=&quot;1712&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;Eczema and psoriasis can affect the genital area, causing dryness, redness, and itching. These conditions can make the skin more prone to inflammation.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1715&quot; data-end=&quot;1803&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1715&quot; data-end=&quot;1727&quot;&gt;Diabetes&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1715&quot; data-end=&quot;1803&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;High blood sugar encourages yeast growth and weakens your immune system. If you have frequent balanitis, get your blood sugar checked.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1806&quot; data-end=&quot;1904&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;1806&quot; data-end=&quot;1818&quot;&gt;Phimosis&lt;/strong&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;1806&quot; data-end=&quot;1904&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;A tight foreskin can trap moisture and bacteria, leading to recurring balanitis. In some cases, &lt;span style=&quot;text-decoration: underline; color: #0000ff;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.hk/circumcision-hong-kong&quot;&gt;circumcision&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/span&gt; may be recommended.&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;1911&quot; data-end=&quot;1952&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Common Signs You Might Have Balanitis&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;1954&quot; data-end=&quot;2009&quot;&gt;The symptoms can vary, but here are the usual suspects:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2013&quot; data-end=&quot;2072&quot;&gt;Redness and swelling of the foreskin or head of the penis&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2075&quot; data-end=&quot;2105&quot;&gt;Itching, pain, or discomfort&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2108&quot; data-end=&quot;2129&quot;&gt;Pain when urinating&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2132&quot; data-end=&quot;2168&quot;&gt;Foul-smelling discharge or buildup&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2171&quot; data-end=&quot;2201&quot;&gt;A sore or irritated appearance&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2203&quot; data-end=&quot;2308&quot;&gt;Some of these symptoms can be mistaken for an STI, so don&amp;rsquo;t panic &amp;mdash; but do get it checked out to be sure.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2203&quot; data-end=&quot;2308&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2315&quot; data-end=&quot;2344&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Is Balanitis Treated?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2346&quot; data-end=&quot;2437&quot;&gt;The good news? &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2361&quot; data-end=&quot;2395&quot;&gt;Most cases are simple to treat&lt;/strong&gt; and clear up quickly with the right care.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2439&quot; data-end=&quot;2479&quot;&gt;Here&amp;rsquo;s what your doctor might recommend:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2483&quot; data-end=&quot;2579&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2483&quot; data-end=&quot;2531&quot;&gt;Antifungal or antibiotic creams or ointments&lt;/strong&gt;, depending on what&amp;rsquo;s causing the inflammation&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2582&quot; data-end=&quot;2679&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2582&quot; data-end=&quot;2602&quot;&gt;Improved hygiene&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; gently cleaning under the foreskin daily with warm water (no harsh soaps!)&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2682&quot; data-end=&quot;2748&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;2682&quot; data-end=&quot;2722&quot;&gt;Medication for underlying conditions&lt;/strong&gt; like diabetes or eczema&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;2751&quot; data-end=&quot;2893&quot;&gt;In some cases, &lt;strong data-start=&quot;2766&quot; data-end=&quot;2782&quot;&gt;circumcision&lt;/strong&gt; may be recommended &amp;mdash; especially if balanitis keeps coming back and is related to foreskin issues like phimosis&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;2900&quot; data-end=&quot;2934&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;How Can You Prevent Balanitis?&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;2936&quot; data-end=&quot;3014&quot;&gt;A few small lifestyle habits can go a long way in preventing future flare-ups:&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;ul&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3018&quot; data-end=&quot;3082&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3018&quot; data-end=&quot;3043&quot;&gt;Keep it clean and dry&lt;/strong&gt; &amp;mdash; rinse with water and pat dry daily&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3085&quot; data-end=&quot;3147&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3085&quot; data-end=&quot;3145&quot;&gt;Avoid strong soaps, scented products, or harsh cleansers&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3150&quot; data-end=&quot;3201&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3150&quot; data-end=&quot;3171&quot;&gt;Practice safe sex&lt;/strong&gt; to reduce your risk of STIs&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3204&quot; data-end=&quot;3260&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3204&quot; data-end=&quot;3223&quot;&gt;Manage diabetes&lt;/strong&gt; and other underlying health issues&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;li data-start=&quot;3263&quot; data-end=&quot;3331&quot;&gt;&lt;strong data-start=&quot;3263&quot; data-end=&quot;3288&quot;&gt;Consider circumcision&lt;/strong&gt; if you experience frequent or severe cases&lt;/li&gt;
&lt;/ul&gt;
&lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h2 data-start=&quot;3338&quot; data-end=&quot;3368&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Have Concerns? Let&amp;rsquo;s Talk.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h2&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3370&quot; data-end=&quot;3611&quot;&gt;Balanitis might feel like an awkward topic, but you&amp;rsquo;re not alone &amp;mdash; and there&amp;rsquo;s no need to suffer in silence. If you&#39;re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or just want to learn more, come and have a chat with one of our doctors.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;p data-start=&quot;3613&quot; data-end=&quot;3721&quot;&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;h3 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; data-start=&quot;3613&quot; data-end=&quot;3721&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Book an appointment now&amp;nbsp;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h3&gt;
&lt;h5 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot; data-start=&quot;3613&quot; data-end=&quot;3721&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Speak with one of our experienced doctors in a safe, supportive environment.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;h5 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;https://www.pulse-clinic.com.hk/booking&quot;&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;https://cms.eu-health.org/Files/Buttons/Booking-an-appointment-at-PULSE-CLINIC.png&quot; width=&quot;318&quot; height=&quot;35&quot; /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;
&lt;h5 style=&quot;text-align: center;&quot;&gt;&lt;strong&gt;You don&amp;rsquo;t have to wait &amp;mdash; take the first step toward feeling better today.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/h5&gt;

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