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How long does it take for balanoposthitis to resolve?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

When I retract the foreskin (prepuce), there is a mild foul smell with signs of infection. I also have mild discomfort and pain. I have been having this for more than six months. I have consulted a dermatologist and my wife's gynecologist, who treated both of us with tablet Doxicyclin 100 mg for two weeks, and Clotrimazole cream for two weeks. I was also prescribed capsule Itraconazole 200 mg once daily in the morning after food for two weeks and tablet Forcan 150 for a week. No other issues, such as diabetes or other health issues. Despite all these treatments, I still have burning and pain. When I was on treatments, I used to be symptoms-free, but then again, symptoms recurred.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern. Could you please help me with a few details so that things are a little clear: Do you have difficulty retracting the foreskin back? Is the skin red or inflamed? Do you have any problem passing urine, like straining or urgency? Do you have any pain after ejaculation? Do you have any pain in the area between your testicles and anus? Do you have a discharge from the urethra?

    Patient's Query

    Hi doctor,

    Thank you for the reply.

    I can retract easily but foreskin is bruised with red streaks, so little pain. Foreskin has streaky red marks, but not inflamed. I can pass urine normally without pain. No pain at all in any other areas. Pain is very much localized to foreskin with no discharge.

    Hi,

    Welcome back to icliniq.com.

    It sounds like you have balanoposthitis. Could you please upload a photo for me to assess? Following that I will write down a treatment plan for you.

    Patient's Query

    Hi doctor,

    Thank you for the reply.

    I have attached picture of glans with retracted skin. Plenty of wounds but applied Betadin so somewhat colour of wounds are masked. Red streaks are visible.Picture can be moved up and down as some parts of picture is hidden.

    Hi,

    Welcome back to icliniq.com.

    Like I said earlier, it is balanoposthitis, inflammation of the prepuce and glans. The best treatment for this would be to get a circumcision. I can see a lot of smegma in the photo you have uploaded (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), so a circumcision will not only get rid of the inflamed skin but also give you better hygiene. I recommend getting a diabetic workup done, as this condition is more common in people with diabetes. Circumcision is a safe and straightforward procedure from which you will completely recover in two weeks if you want to buy some time. You can use a steroid cream twice daily for a maximum of five to seven days. Prolonged usage does more damage than help. I hope this all makes sense. Please let me know if I can be of any further help.

    Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

    Published At January 28, 2023
    Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2023

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