Preventing balanitis

By NHS Choices Last updated Apr 23, 2021 8

The best way to prevent balanitis developing is to always maintain good levels of hygiene.

For example:

if you get up during the night to urinate, make sure that the tip of your penis (glans) is completely dry and free of urine before going back to bed
carefully wash the head of your penis every day and gently clean under your foreskin
avoid using perfumed shower gels; using water on its own or with a mild soap is enough to clean your penis; alternatively, using aqueous cream as a soap substitute will help avoid irritation
after bathing or showering, make sure you dry your penis thoroughly before getting dressed

For tips on keeping your penis and testicles clean, read how to wash a penis .

Hygiene and children

The hygiene tips above also apply to children, although young boys may not yet be able to clean under their foreskin. This should not be forced and should eventually become possible as they get older.

Babies and young children who still wear nappies may also be at a higher risk of balanitis due to the warm and moist conditions. Make sure you change your child’s nappy regularly and use a barrier cream or ointment after each nappy change.

This will reduce the contact that your baby’s skin has with urine and faeces. Zinc cream, zinc oxide ointment and petroleum jelly are all suitable barrier creams. Ask your pharmacist for advice about which cream is most suitable for your baby.

Avoiding irritants

The advice outlined below, regarding potential irritants, will also help you to avoid getting balanitis.

Urine – after urinating, make sure the tip of your penis is completely dry and free of urine before replacing your foreskin.
Condoms and lubricants – sometimes, the chemicals used in condoms or lubricants can irritate the penis. There are condoms made for sensitive skin. Ask your pharmacist, GP or nurse at your local sexual health or genitourinary medicine (GUM) clinic for advice.
Detergents – wash your underwear with non-biological washing powder and make sure the detergent has been rinsed out of your underwear before wearing it.
Chemicals – wash your hands before using the toilet if you work with chemicals or if you have traces of other products on your hands, which could irritate the delicate skin of your penis.