How to treat balanitis and prevent it from returning

Balanitis is a type of skin infection that affects the head of the penis. It is quite common, affecting up to 11% of all men and people assigned male at birth during their lifetime and is most commonly caused by a fungal infection.

Symptoms of balanitis can be similar to symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). If you have had a new sexual partner recently, you should get an STI check - use the NHS Sexual Health Clinic finder to find a clinic near you or order an at-home test privately. Occasionally balanitis can be caused by an STI.

What are the symptoms of balanitis?

The head of the penis is usually itchy, swollen and sore, sometimes with a discharge coming from under the foreskin. Sometimes the foreskin can also be affected and there can be pain when urinating (peeing) or a smell.

As the infection worsens, the skin can split, weep and bleed.

If there are blisters, open sores or swelling in the area surrounding the genitals, this can be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection, and you should get tested as soon as possible.

Balanitis treatment

Most cases of balanitis are fungal. Fungal balanitis is caused by an overgrowth of fungus that naturally lives on the skin, usually Candida albicans, which likes to grow in warm and moist environments like in and around the genitals.

For balanitis that is very sore and itchy, you can use a cream containing an antifungal with a mild anti-inflammatory steroid like Daktacort or Canesten HC.

This added steroid, Hydrocortisone, will help relieve the discomfort quickly while the antifungal kills the overgrowth, bringing the skin back to a healthy balance.

If the infection isn’t too uncomfortable or you have already used Daktacort or Canesten HC for up to seven days, you should use a plain antifungal cream like Canesten. This must be applied 2-3 times a day for at least two weeks, even if the symptoms have completely cleared up.

This makes sure the fungus has been controlled and reduces the likelihood that the balanitis will return.

We offer prescription-only Daktacort and Canesten HC as balanitis treatment via our online doctor and over-the-counter Canesten cream from our online pharmacy. We will ask you to describe your symptoms in your consultation, and we never request photos of your genitals. Our service is professional, fast and highly confidential.

Find out more about our clinical team, led by Dr Roisin McHugh, who has a special interest in Dermatology, which is managing and treating skin conditions.

Why balanitis occurs

Balanitis is often caused by an overgrowth of fungus that lives naturally on the skin. This is most likely to happen when skin gets wet and can’t dry properly, like getting sweaty after playing sports.

You are also more likely to get an overgrowth of fungus if the skin barrier is damaged. This can happen when it is irritated by a soap or a substance like a lubricant on a condom. Genital skin is more delicate than skin on other body areas and can be more prone to irritation.

People with phimosis (a tight foreskin) are more likely to get balanitis. Phimosis is when the foreskin is so tight that it doesn’t pull back easily over the head of the penis. We also supply treatment for Phimosis.

Will balanitis go away?

No, it will not usually go away without treatment.

If you get balanitis regularly, or it never seems to clear up completely, you should see your doctor or a sexual health clinic.

Can balanitis spread?

Yes, if left untreated, the fungus overgrowth will likely continue to spread. It can also transfer to other areas of your body, so washing your hands frequently and practising good general hygiene are very important.

You can also pass the infection to sexual partners, and they can then pass it back to you. You should use condoms if you have sex while being treated for balanitis, including for the weeks after symptoms have cleared while you are still using the antifungal cream.

If your sexual partner also has symptoms of a genital fungal infection (vaginal or anal thrush), they should also seek treatment.

Condoms for sensitive skin would be a good choice to avoid lubricant, fragrance or other ingredients that could irritate already sore genitals.

Who to see with balanitis

You should visit your GP or a sexual health clinic if;

• You are unsure that you have balanitis
• You have soreness or swelling in areas around the penis
• You have broken skin, ulcers or silvery-grey shiny areas of skin
• You have had balanitis more than once in the last year
• You think you might have had an allergic reaction to something new like a different brand of condom or lubricant, a body wash or new underwear
• You have already tried to treat the balanitis but it isn’t getting better or is only improving very slowly
• You have any other new symptoms, especially peeing more often or feeling thirsty

How to prevent balanitis

To prevent balanitis from coming back you should;

• Make sure you wash your penis regularly, including cleaning gently under the foreskin. Warm water is enough, do not use soap or shower gel
• Make sure the skin on your penis is dry after washing
• Wear clean underwear every day
• Wash your hands after touching your penis

If you get balanitis again despite these steps, you should see your usual doctor or a sexual health clinic.

More information on balanitis

For more information, see the NHS webpage about Balanitis or the Patient UK Balanitis information page.

Balanitis FAQs

Can balanitis cause a UTI?

This is possible if bacteria travel from the penis into the urethra (the hole and tube you wee from). This is much less likely with fungal balanitis, which is the more common cause.

It’s important to remember that balanitis causes sore and broken skin, which can sting when you wee or feel sore around the urethra like the symptoms of a UTI.

If you have other signs of an infection, like a temperature, leaking or needing to wee more often, you should see your doctor. You should also see them if you are unsure.

Should I worry about balanitis?

Usually not, it is estimated to affect around 11% of men and people assigned male at birth during a lifetime. If you get balanitis often or it never seems to completely clear up, then you should see your doctor or visit a sexual health clinic.

Does balanitis smell?

Not really, and not strongly. If you do notice a strong smell, this is likely a sign of a bacterial infection and you will need something stronger than the treatments we recommend here. See your doctor or a sexual health clinic as soon as you can.