Managing Symptoms of Possible Balanitis: Effective Strategies and Tips - Urology

Suspected balanitis, current improvement methods available?

---

Hello, about 12 days after engaging in unprotected oral sex (on October 26), I visited a urologist primarily because I noticed some granular, rash-like growths on my foreskin.
However, the symptoms were mild (I mentioned during the consultation that there was a slight itching and discomfort), and I was unsure of what it was.
The doctor diagnosed it as too small to confirm whether it was a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and suggested it was likely inflammation, prescribing me a topical ointment (Acyclovir) to apply twice daily.
At that time, I also mentioned that my glans occasionally appeared red, and the doctor advised applying the ointment to the red areas and the growths, suggesting I return in three weeks if they enlarged or did not resolve.
On November 5, since there was no improvement and I suspected more growths, I returned for an earlier follow-up.
The doctor examined the area and mentioned that what I thought were growths were actually folds of skin.
He also looked at the previously suspected inflamed rash but did not provide further comments.
I noted that the area around my glans and the frenulum felt red, but the sensation was mild (no itching or pain, more of a cool sensation or some unusual feeling).
The doctor simply advised me to maintain cleanliness, and I did not receive any new medications during this visit.
I have continued to apply the Acyclovir ointment twice daily until now (November 14).

Yesterday (November 13), I noticed that the urethral opening and frenulum began to appear red.
Typically, this redness would subside after some time, and I have a habit of cleaning myself thoroughly after urination (I even suspect that excessive wiping might be the cause...).
This time, the redness did not come with any particular sensation (just a slight cool feeling, no pain or discomfort, and touching it does not elicit any special sensation).
I thought I would wait to see if it would subside, but today the redness still seems quite pronounced, although it feels similar to before, without any significant discomfort.
The original rash-like growths on my foreskin have not enlarged but remain present, and it has been nearly three weeks.
I initially planned to wait until my scheduled follow-up to ask the doctor about these concerns, but since these questions have been on my mind, I wanted to inquire here if there are any recommendations.
The ointment seems to have limited effectiveness (I have been applying it from October 26 to November 14, and the rash is still present, with intermittent redness around the glans and frenulum that has lasted longer than before).
My questions are mainly as follows:
1.
Regarding the redness around the urethral opening and the slightly wrinkled, uneven granular condition, could this be due to excessive wiping, or is it a result of inadequate cleaning? I ensure that I clean under the foreskin daily during showers, dry the area with tissue after bathing, and apply the ointment to the rash and any red areas.
Additionally, I wipe the urethral opening with tissue to remove any residual urine after using the restroom.
2.
Is it safe to continue using Acyclovir ointment for three weeks? Initially, I thought that applying it for a period would lead to improvement, but now I feel that while it hasn't worsened, there hasn't been significant improvement either.
3.
Regarding STIs, I plan to return for a diagnosis later, so my questions are focused on the inflammation issue.
Since it occurs intermittently and following the doctor's advice to maintain cleanliness has not led to noticeable improvement, I would like to know if there are any methods I can try in the meantime.
Thank you, doctor.

---

KY, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/11/14