Patient's question:
It's been a while, and I've noticed that my glans is particularly dry, with some flaky stuff falling off, like dandruff. I also feel itchy and painful. Is this balanitis? Please ask: How should balanitis be diagnosed and treated?Doctor's answer:
Balanitis, initially characterized by local redness, the skin of the penis becomes red and swollen, with a sensation of heat and itching in the glans. Flipping back the foreskin reveals congestion and purulent discharge on the inner surface of the foreskin and glans, with even broken skin. Secondary infection may lead to small ulcers and foul-smelling, creamy purulent secretions. Friction with underwear causes pain, and patients often experience difficulty in movement. It may be accompanied by swelling and tenderness of the inguinal lymph nodes. The basic principle of treating balanitis is usually a combination of internal and external treatment. First, identify the causative bacteria of the infection, then provide targeted treatment. For acute superficial balanitis and annular purulent balanitis, erythromycin and tetracycline-class antibiotics are the first-line treatments.