What should you do if your baby seems uncomfortable in the penis area and it is swollen?
Balanitis often occurs in children under the age of 5.
Definition
Balanitis is inflammation, swelling, or puffiness of the glans penis, and often of the foreskin in uncircumcised children. This swelling causes discomfort, of course, but possibly also irritation.
Possible causes of balanitis
The cause of this inflammation is most often infectious, but it is not serious in itself and usually resolves within a few days. It is also important to note that it is not contagious, even if the glans is red and swollen.
For infants or young children diagnosed with balanitis, the cause may be:
1- associated with moisture buildup caused by residual secretions and urine, and heat in the diaper. Microorganisms such as fungi, parasites, viruses, and bacteria thrive in moist, warm, and nourishing environments.
2- a reaction to soap that caused irritation,
3- a reaction to the diaper used, related to one of its ingredients.
Clinical signs of balanitis
How does balanitis usually present itself? Here are the symptoms and clinical signs that can be observed in such cases:
- swelling of the glans and often the foreskin,
- itching that can eventually lead to lesions and ulcerations,
- discomfort or pain during urination,
- red spots may appear on the glans,
- a foul odor associated with discharge or whitish secretions may be present.
Treatment
The recommended treatments for balanitis are initially as follows:
1- Good hygiene using an antiseptic to clean the area locally, in order to remove any residual secretions.
2- It is also recommended to change soap if necessary, if it is irritating.
3- If there is no improvement, try changing the brand of diapers, as your baby may be reacting to a component in the disposable diaper.
4- Change your baby’s diaper more frequently to prevent prolonged moisture.
All of these measures can greatly help to quickly resolve balanitis without the need for other specific interventions.
Secondly, pharmaceutical treatment may be considered depending on the identified cause of the diagnosed balanitis. If it is an infection, an antibiotic will be prescribed. If, on the other hand, it is a fungus, an antifungal will be suggested, and if the cause is a parasite, an antiparasitic will be recommended.
If the balanitis does not resolve or if it recurs, the doctor may suggest circumcision for the baby to resolve the situation.
When to seek medical advice?
When parents have tried basic care for their baby to treat diaper rash and there is no improvement, and the baby also has a fever, whitish discharge, difficulty urinating, or shows signs of discomfort or pain, it is best to consult a healthcare professional to ensure the best treatment plan for your child.
Marie Fortier
The baby expert
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