Balanitis

Balanitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the glans penis (head of the penis), which can cause discomfort, itchiness, and erythema (redness). While balanitis itself is restricted to the glans, it can often be part of a more generalized condition, balanoposthitis, which involves both the glans and the prepuce (foreskin).

Balanitis on an intact penis

Causes and Risk Factors

Balanitis can be caused by a wide range of conditions and factors, including poor hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, reactive arthritis, and irritants such as soaps or lubricants. Infectious causes can include yeast infections (primarily Candida species), sexually transmitted infections like herpes simplex virus or syphilis, and bacterial infections. It is more common in uncircumcised men, due to the warm, moist environment under the foreskin that can facilitate the growth of microbes.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with balanitis may present with symptoms like redness, swelling, and discomfort or pain in the glans penis. Other symptoms can include a foul-smelling discharge, difficulty retracting the foreskin, and painful urination (dysuria). In chronic or severe cases, balanitis can result in phimosis (inability to retract the foreskin) or paraphimosis (inability to return a retracted foreskin to its normal position).

Diagnosis and Treatment

The diagnosis of balanitis is typically made based on the clinical presentation. In some cases, laboratory tests like a swab test or a biopsy may be needed to identify the exact cause, especially if the condition is persistent or recurrent.

Treatment for balanitis usually involves addressing the underlying cause. This can include antifungal medications for Candida infections, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or corticosteroids for inflammatory conditions. Good hygiene practices, such as regular cleaning of the penis and avoidance of irritants, are essential. In refractory cases, circumcision may be considered.

Prevention

Prevention of balanitis includes maintaining good hygiene, managing chronic conditions like diabetes, using condoms during sexual intercourse, and avoiding potential irritants. Circumcision is considered a definitive prevention method but is usually reserved for recurrent or severe cases.

See Also

• Phimosis
• Paraphimosis
• Candidiasis
• Sexually transmitted infection

References

Balanitis Resources
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