Patient's question:
My glans seems to be inflamed, with some small bumps appearing. I've also noticed this while taking baths myself. However, I want to go to the hospital for a thorough examination to determine if it's balanitis, caused by a fungus or bacteria, but I don't know how to distinguish between them. How can I differentiate between fungal and bacterial balanitis?Doctor's answer:
The general symptoms of balanitis are red spots, red patches, white scales, pus formation, and pain. Fungal balanitis typically presents with white scales, general symptoms, and severe itching. Bacterial balanitis, on the other hand, usually does not cause itching but rather presents with purulent discharge and more inflammatory exudation. Fungal balanitis can be treated with nystatin; bacterial balanitis should be treated with cephalosporin antibiotics. It is important to maintain good hygiene in the genital area. Balanitis patients can, while understanding and undergoing symptomatic treatment, also use dietary therapy as a supplementary treatment in daily life. A balanced diet should be maintained in daily eating habits to avoid foods.