HomeAnswersDermatologycandidal balanoposthitisWhy do I get recurrent irritation around the head of the penis?

I get recurrent irritation around my penis head and antibiotics did not help. Kindly help.

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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

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At December 23, 2020
Reviewed AtAugust 29, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have a recurrent irritation around the head of my penis. I have been to an STI clinic, and they have ruled out herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, Mgen. I have a week course of Ciprofloxacin, and it seemed to clear up irritation, but a month later, it was back. I had a week's course of Doxycycline, and it seems to work for about three weeks.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Do you have any associated symptoms? Is there itching or burning, or painful urination? Do you indulge in excess scratching and rubbing? Are your hygiene improper? Do you get recurrent balanitis? Are you a diabetic? Is there swelling and inflammation of the glans penis? Answer the questions and attach the picture of the lesion for confirmation of diagnosis.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

No lesions and no painful urination. The irritation is akin to a slight sting. I do not believe I am diabetic, but I do have a family history of it. I had a fungal infection on the scrotum about four months ago. Hygiene is good, and I shower daily. I am circumcised. There are two small glands around the head of the penis. They are tiny, and I asked the STI clinic about them, and they said it was sebaceous glands and not to be concerned.

Hello,

Welcome back to iclinq.com.

It is a candidal balanoposthitis. Wash genitals with a mild cleanser like Episoft cleaner or Cetaphil cleanser or No soap cleanser daily with lukewarm water. Use Candid cream at night for 15 days, Desonide cream in the evening for five days (to reduce inflammation). Do not continue it. Apply in a very little quantity as it is a steroid. Use Fucidin cream at daytime for seven days and take tablet Levocetirizine 5 mg at night for seven days, and Fluconazole 150 mg once a week for three weeks. Maintain proper genital hygiene as hygiene plays a significant role. Avoid occlusion, friction, or maceration. Also, avoid moisture as it favors fungal growth. Maintain sugar levels under control. Rule out diabetes, as when the urine dribbles, sugar in urine comes in contact with the penile surface and may cause growth of yeast, fungal, or bacterial infection. Please avoid scratching or rubbing lesions as it may cause secondary bacterial infection. Wear loose, comfortable thin cotton inner. Keep the area dry as much as possible. Pat area dry after the bath.

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

Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav
Dr. Dhepe Snehal Madhav

Venereology

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