Balanitis: How to Care for Your Child

Balanitis (bal-uh-NIH-tus) is when the head of the penis is inflamed (swollen, sore, and red). Uncircumcised males with balanitis might also have a swollen foreskin (called balanoposthitis). With proper care, it gets better quickly and rarely leads to lasting problems.

• Your child should take any prescribed medicine and apply any prescribed ointments as directed by the health care provider.

• To ease swelling and discomfort, your child can soak in a tub of warm water without soap for 10–20 minutes. Add a few tablespoons of baking soda or salt to the water. Repeat a few times a day.

• Placing a clean, warm washcloth on the affected area also can help with discomfort.

• For pain, a medicine can help:

  • For children under 6 months, you may give acetaminophen (Tylenol^® or a store brand).

  • For children over 6 months, you may give acetaminophen (Tylenol® or a store brand) or ibuprofen (Advil^®, Motrin^®, or a store brand), if recommended by your health care provider.

  • Follow the directions on the label for how much they should take and how often.

• If it hurts to pee, your child can sit in a tub with some warm water to pee. 

• Sexually active males should avoid sex until treatment is complete. 

• Schedule any follow-up visits as directed.

Your child:

• Has swelling or pain that gets worse

• Doesn't start to feel better in 3–5 days

• Has a fever

• Has trouble peeing or can't pee

• Has bleeding from the penis

• Gets better, but then symptoms return

Your child:

• Can't pee

• Is uncircumcised and the foreskin is stuck below the head of the penis

What causes balanitis? Balanitis can happen from:

• Not cleaning the area well

• Infection by yeast or bacteria

• Irritation from detergents or soaps

• Irritation from a condom spermicide or lubricant

• Injury (for example, from pulling the foreskin too hard, or from the penis rubbing against the clothes or getting caught in a zipper)

What can help prevent balanitis? 

• Circumcised males can gently wash the area each day with warm water and a mild soap.

• Uncircumcised males can gently pull the foreskin back and wash the area each day with warm water (avoid soap). They shouldn't pull the foreskin back more than it naturally goes.

• It can help to avoid bubble baths, powders, and creams that can irritate the area.

• Males who are sexually active can use condoms that don't have lubricant or spermicide.