Can Hydrocortisone be used for balanitis?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Can Hydrocortisone be used for balanitis?
Yes, Hydrocortisone can be used for balanitis or inflammation of the penis. It is a Corticosteroid and is often prescribed to reduce the inflammation associated with balanitis (1,2).
This treatment is considered the first line of treatment for balanitis and is tolerated well. However, Hydrocortisone is not intended to be used for a long period of time.
If you have been using Hydrocortisone repeatedly for more than 7 days, your symptoms may start to worsen instead of getting better. There are a number of corticosteroid-induced side effects and they should not be used for more than a week (1,2).
What are the side effects of Hydrocortisone when used for balanitis?
When used for balanitis, Hydrocortisone may have the following side effects: (1,2)
- Skin irritation or burning at the application site.
- Itching or rash on the skin.
- Dry or peeling skin.
- Allergic reactions such as redness, swelling, or hives.
- Thinning of the skin, especially with prolonged use or high doses.
- Changes in skin colour at the application site.
- Increased hair growth in the affected area.
- Contact dermatitis (skin inflammation) due to sensitivity to the medication.
It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and duration of hydrocortisone use, as prolonged or excessive application may increase the risk of side effects. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, consult your healthcare provider promptly.
How to know that you have Balanitis?
Balanitis is a condition that affects the head of the penis (glans) and the foreskin, causing inflammation and discomfort. If you have balanitis, you may notice the following symptoms (3):
- Redness and swelling – The glans and surrounding area may appear red, and there could be swelling.
- Itching and irritation – You might experience itchiness and irritation on the penis.
- Discharge – Some individuals may notice a discharge or unusual fluid coming from the penis.
- Pain or discomfort – Balanitis can cause pain or discomfort in the affected area, especially during urination.
- Foul odour – In some cases, there may be a foul odour associated with the inflammation.
Common treatment strategies for Balanitis
Common treatment strategies, other than the use of corticosteroids, include: (3)
Antimicrobial therapy
If the cause of balanitis is a fungal infection, antifungal medications can be prescribed to treat the infection. If the balanitis is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to fight the bacteria and alleviate the symptoms.
Good hygiene
Practising good hygiene is essential. Keep the genital area clean and dry, washing gently with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or strong soaps that could irritate the skin.
For men who are uncircumcised, gently retracting the foreskin and cleaning the area can help prevent balanitis.
Avoiding irritants
It’s crucial to avoid potential irritants, such as certain soaps, lotions, or perfumes, that may worsen the condition.
Managing underlying conditions
If balanitis is associated with an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, it’s important to manage that condition effectively to prevent recurrence.
Topical creams
Your doctor may prescribe a topical cream or ointment to apply to the affected area. These creams often contain anti-inflammatory or antifungal agents to help reduce swelling and combat infection.
Always consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can provide personalized advice based on the specific cause and severity of balanitis. Remember, early treatment can lead to a faster recovery and prevent further complications.
Final words
In conclusion, Hydrocortisone can be an effective treatment for balanitis, as it helps reduce inflammation in the penis.
However, it is important to note that Hydrocortisone should not be used for an extended period of time, as prolonged use may lead to corticosteroid-induced side effects and worsening of symptoms.
It is best to follow the prescribed duration of treatment and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist beyond seven days to explore alternative options for managing balanitis effectively.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
National Library of Medicine. Hydrocortisone: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682206.html
2.-
National Library of Medicine. Hydrocortisone Topical: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. National Library of Medicine. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682793.html
3.-
Wray AA, Velasquez J, Khetarpal S. Balanitis. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30725828. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537143
