HomeAnswersDermatologybalanitisWhenever I am on an antibiotic course, I develop balanitis. Why?

Whenever I am on an antibiotic course, I develop balanitis. Why?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 15, 2018
Reviewed AtAugust 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a 49-year-old male. For the past six to seven years, whenever I am on an antibiotic course (Augmentin Duo 625 mg). It results in balanitis and smegma production, which troubles me for two to three weeks and then disappears. About two months ago, I was on an antibiotic (Augmentin) for a throat infection, and I got balanitis. Now it is refusing to get cured completely. It gets cured, then it comes back again after a few days. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Hi,

I am glad you chose icliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

I need a few details to help you in a proper manner.

For what condition are you taking antibiotics?

Is it self-medication or prescribed by a doctor?

Have you got your blood sugar levels checked?

Any significant medical history. Are you sexually active?

If yes, then is it a single partner?

Does your partner have any complaints? Please provide answers.

Thank you.

I appreciate your trust in icliniq.com and for giving me the chance to serve you.

Our goal is to prioritize your health and help you according to your preferences and needs.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I am not taking antibiotics continuously. Before two months, I took only a week for a throat infection. Yes, I am sexually active, my wife has no problem, and I have a single partner. My blood sugar level is 100 mg/dL. It has happened to me about four times in the last ten years, and every time it starts when I am on an antibiotic course. It takes about a month to go. But this time, it has taken two months, and it has become better. Again it gets worse, and the cycle is going on. I tried Fluconazole. It seemed to make little difference. Now, I am not taking any medicine.

Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

Thanks for asking again.

Can you please send your clear photos?

Regards.

Once more, thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

We value the high level of confidence you have in us!

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have attached my photos. There is also a little swelling on the foreskin.

Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

Thanks for asking again.

I have gone through the attachment (attachment removed to protect patient identity). There is a lot of redness (erythema) on the glans and the entire penis. You can start applying Flutibact cream (Fluticasone propionate with Mupirocin) twice daily for three days and then send photos. Reducing the inflammation is necessary. Then we can begin further treatment. Revert back after three days.

Regards.

Once more, thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

We value the high level of confidence you have in us!

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

Now, it has become painful to pull the foreskin back. I have applied the cream. Can I take a tablet instead of cream?

Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

Thanks for asking again.

You can start capsule Syntran 100 mg (Itraconazole) twice daily after meals. Use Onabet cream (Sertaconazole) twice a day. Apply it over the area visible. Do a follow up after three days. If it does not get better, it is necessary to visit a doctor in person.

Regards.

Once more, thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

We value the high level of confidence you have in us!

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have been using the medicine prescribed by you for three days, and now I feel better. The redness is gone, and I can see new skin has grown at the foreskin tip, which is raw and tender. It is tight and unable to pull back. I tried to pull it back today to take a picture of the glans, but it resulted in a bruise. But other than this, it looks fine.

Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

Thanks for asking again.

It is good to know that you are better. Please continue the above treatment for another week and send photos after that.

Regards.

Once more, thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

We value the high level of confidence you have in us!

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I feel a lot better now. The redness is completely gone. However, the foreskin is still tight and not as elastic as before. It causes discomfort if I pull it back. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

Thanks for asking again.

The inflammation has reduced so has the erythema. The capsule Syntran has to be taken for a total of fifteen days. Kindly make sure that you do so. If the tightness continues after a week, please visit a doctor in person.

Regards.

Once more, thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

We value the high level of confidence you have in us!

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I am totally cured now and back to my normal life for the last three to four weeks. Thanks for your advice. I have one last question. Is it fine to keep the foreskin pulled back all the time to avoid balanitis?

Answered by Dr. Meha Malhotra

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I do understand your concern.

Thanks for asking again.

Good to know that you are doing well. Ideally, you should consult a Urosurgeon. Retracting the foreskin throughout the day is not advised, but you can undergo circumcision if advised by a specialist doctor.

Regards.

Once more, thank you for allowing us to be of service to you.

We value the high level of confidence you have in us!

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Meha Malhotra
Dr. Meha Malhotra

Dermatology

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