I want to know if Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is effective for balanitis.

Patient's question:

In June, it recurred again with symptoms similar to the previous time, just that the redness on the head was severe. I bought these three types of medicine from the pharmacy again, using the same method as before. After a week, the effect was very small. The last time, it took four days for the ulcer to heal.

Doctor's answer:

1. Symptomatic treatment
Maintain local cleanliness, avoid various irritants, and circumcision should be performed in cases of excessive prepuce.
2. Local treatment
For erosion, exudation, or purulent discharge, apply a 1% ethidium solution or a 1:8000 potassium permanganate solution as a wet dressing. For dryness with scaling, apply topical corticosteroid ointment.
3. Etiological treatment
If the cause is identified, appropriate medication should be administered. For example, for candidal balanitis, topical nystatin ointment, clotrimazole, econazole, or miconazole cream can be used, or oral antifungal drugs such as itraconazole, fluconazole, miconazole, or ketoconazole. For trichomoniasis balanitis, metronidazole, tinidazole, or griseofulvin can be selected. For amoebic balanitis, emetine, metronidazole, or tinidazole should be given. If the sexual partner also has candidal or trichomonal vaginitis, both must be treated simultaneously.