Why does balanitis recur upon stopping antifungals?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with balanitis (slight redness of the penis & smelly discharge) and I am currently using Candid B cream for the past 10 days and have had one dose of Fluconazole 150 mg tablet. Once I stop applying the cream, the symptoms manifest again. Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. Balanitis involving the foreskin and prepuce is termed balanoposthitis. Predisposing factors include poor hygiene or overwashing, use of over-the-counter medications, and nonretraction of the foreskin. It can also be associated with diabetes or candidal infections.

I advise you to follow the below-mentioned instructions.

Get tested for blood sugar levels and KOH mount for candidiasis.
Gently retract the foreskin daily and soak it in warm water to clean the penis and foreskin.
recurrence can occur due to the use of steroid-containing cream or sexual intercourse with an infected (leucorrhoea) partner.
Use a combination of Fusidic acid and Clotrimazole (Benzyl alcohol) twice daily for one month.
If balanitis does not respond to topical therapy, then you can take Ketoconazole (butylated hydroxyanisole) 200 mg twice daily for two weeks.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk to them, and take the medication with their consent.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.