Definition
The postite indicates an inflammatory process against the retractable mucocutaneous leaflet that covers the glans of the penis (foreskin). In most cases, postitis is also associated with balanitis (balanoposthitis).
Causes
The etiological factors implicated in the appearance of the postite are almost the same as those listed for balanitis and balanoposthitis: infectious agents (eg Candida albicans, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, Herpes simplex, scabies, syphilis and trichomoniasis), allergies, contact dermatitis, lichen planus, psoriasis and incorrect intimate hygiene.
Risk factors for postitis: diabetes and autoimmune diseases in general, phimosis, unprotected sexual intercourse → the post is one of the sexually transmitted diseases
Symptoms
The postitis begins with whitish spots affecting the foreskin, often associated with burning, swelling, irritation, and itchiness of varying degrees. High symptoms include: dyspareunia, pain during urination, bloody wounds on the foreskin, cutaneous excoriations, preputial sores, xerosis (localized dry skin).
Information on Postitis - Postitis Care Drugs is not intended to replace the direct relationship between health professional and patient. Always consult your doctor and / or specialist before taking Postitis - Postitis Treatment Medications.
drugs
An accurate andrological diagnostic examination is essential in suspicious episodes: in fact, only through the identification of the triggering cause, the doctor is able to prescribe the most suitable pharmacological treatment for the patient.
Given that the post is one of the possible venereal diseases, it is imperative that even the partner with whom unprotected sexual intercourse has taken place undergoes pharmacological treatment, even when there are no symptoms.
Postitis from Candida albicans : the most widely used drugs in therapy are azoles. Depending on the severity of the post, the doctor prescribes topical and / or systemically applied drugs (to be taken orally):
- Clotrimazole, 1% (eg Canesten, Mycelex): in the form of a cream, powder or solution; apply to the infected area twice a day for 10 days.
- Miconazole, 2% (eg Cruex, Micatin): it is recommended to take miconazole for candida-dependent forms of post. The drug is available in the form of a cream, powder or spray, to be applied to the infected area twice a day for 10 days
- Fluconazole (eg Diflucan): the recommended dose is 150 mg (tablets), taken in a single dose. For relapsing forms, the dosage must be corrected by the doctor, based on the response to the cure.
- Nystatin (eg. Mycostatin, Nizoral) The administration of 500.00 IU tablets of nystatin per ml (or 100, 000 IU / ml oral suspension) three times a day is recommended. The duration of therapy must be established by the doctor.
Postitis from Trichomonas vaginalis : in this case, it is very likely that the inflammation of the foreskin depends on an infection of the partner, transmitted to humans through sexual intercourse.
- Metronidazole (eg Flagyl, Metronidazole-Same, Rozex): the drug (antibiotic, class nitroimidazole) is particularly indicated in case of Trichomonas postites. In most cases, topical application of metronidazole-based creams or ointments is recommended for humans, as indicated by the doctor. However, it is also possible to administer 2 grams of the drug once a day (alternatively, take 500 mg of active twice a day or 375 mg of a drug twice a day for a week).
- Tinidazole (eg. Trimonase, Fasigin-N): even if it is not the drug of choice for trichomonas postitis treatment, it is possible to administer this active product at a dose of 2 g / day, preferably on a full stomach. Generally, the therapy should be continued for 7 days, except for further medical indications.
Gonorrhea postitis : in the case of Neisser gonococcus postitis (gonorrhea), it is recommended to undertake a therapeutic procedure consisting of several drugs (two or three, depending on the severity of the morbid condition). Also in this case, it is necessary to subject the sexual partner to therapy. Listed below are some examples of drugs used to treat gonorrhea:
- Ofloxacin (eg. Exocin, Oflocin): in the case of gonorrhea, it is advisable to take 400 mg orally every 12 hours. The duration of therapy must be established by the doctor. When instead gonorrhea occurs without serious complications, the recommended dose is 400 mg (to be taken orally), in a single administration. It is possible that the postite is due not only to gonorrhea, but also to a chlamydial co-infection: in this case, it is recommended to take even a single dose of Azithromycin (eg Zitrobiotic, Rezan) or doxicline (eg Doxicicl, Periostat, Miraclin, Bassado) for a week.
Scabies : as we have seen, scabies represent a potential risk factor for postits. Scabies is responsible for annoying itching and irritation even at the level of the penis, and often involves the foreskin and / or glans; among the most widely used drugs, we recall:
- Crotamitone (eg. Eurax Crema, Crotaglin, Veteusan): this drug (acaricide) is indicated exclusively for scabies-related postitis, associated with ferocious localized itching. It is advisable to apply the product 2-3 times a day, as indicated by the doctor.
- Permethrin (eg Scabiacid): apply the cream on the damaged skin and leave it to act for 8-14 hours.
- Antihistamines: useful for reducing itchy manifestations. The choice of drug is up to the doctor, after a careful diagnosis of the patient.
In the case of infectious postitis, cortisone should not be taken, responsible for a possible worsening of symptoms
Non-infectious postite:
Not all posts only related to bacterial or fungal infections: therefore, some doctors recommend cortisone-based creams or ointments. For example:
- Denoxymethasone (eg. Flubason) or hydrocortisone (eg Locoidon, Colifoam): apply the cortisone cream locally, once or twice a day, as indicated by the doctor. Care is recommended for non-infectious posts; particularly indicated when inflammation depends on contact dermatitis.
- Methylprednisolone (eg. Advantan, Metilpre, Depo-Medrol, Medrol, Urbason): indicated in case of non-infectious postitis, especially when associated with dermatitis. Apply the cortisone drug directly to the injured skin, according to the instructions given by the doctor.
- Clobetasol (eg Clobesol, Clobetasol PFA) apply to the affected skin once a day, according to the doctor's instructions.
Serious postit
When the patient does not respond positively to pharmacological treatment - be it topical or systemic - circumcision is recommended: it has been observed, in fact, that the practice of circumcision is simple and effective in preventing relapses of postitis.
