The Balanitis is inflammation of the glans or head of the penis , when it is accompanied by infection or inflammation of the foreskin is called balanoposthitis.
Causes
Balanitis occurs predominantly in men who have not been circumcised, because the glans is covered by the skin of the foreskin and this causes the area to remain moist and is a suitable medium for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi . However, circumcised men can also suffer from Balanitis.
Balanitis is usually caused by poor hygiene in uncircumcised men . The inflammation may be due to infection, harsh soaps or failure to properly rinse soap bathing. Some other diseases, such as reactive arthritis and lichen scleroatrophicus, can cause balanitis. Likewise, men with poorly controlled diabetes are at risk for developing this disease.
This is very common in cases of Phimosis. Phimosis is the difficulty to retract the foreskin, which is the skin that covers the glans (head of the penis). In these cases, a white substance called smegma accumulates between the foreskin and the glans, which is greasy in appearance, leading to infections and a bad smell in the glans.
Smegma is produced by the Tyson glands. These glands can be seen as white dots on the glans, specifically at the base, between the crown of the glans and the inner layer of the foreskin.
Another cause of problems is Paraphimosis occurs when the foreskin narrows over the glans, producing a kind of strangulation, with significant inflammation. Balanitis can occur due to a sexually transmitted disease such as Gonorrhea or Candidiasis .
In Candidiasis Balanitis, known as Candida Balanitis, there are red spots on the glans, red or white spots, itching, burning, and a white coating called thrush often forms over it. Other possible causes of Balanitis can be irritations or allergies caused by the use of spermicides, condoms, soaps, vaginal lubricants or some other type of substances.
Diabetics are at risk of contracting this disease because their pathology makes them prone to infections. The origin of a type of Balanitis known as Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO) is not yet known. This disease produces white spots on the glans, which then transform into hard ivory or bluish-white plaques.
In these cases there are also cracks or fissures in the glans, dilation of the capillaries and blisters. In more severe cases, these plaques can occlude the urinary meatus, making it difficult or preventing the exit of urine .
Symptoms
Pain, redness and inflammation of the glans or glans.
- Inflammation of the foreskin.
- Ulceration of the penis .
- Swollen lymph glands in the groin.
- Chills and fever (rarely).
- Foul-smelling discharge from the penis (rarely).
- Burning when urinating (rarely).
- Pain in the foreskin and penis
- Rash , red spots, itching, or burning on the glans and foreskin.
- White matter under the foreskin.
- White coating on the glans
- Bad smell in the penis.
- Scale-like plaque formation on the glans.
- Dryness and fissures in the glans.
- Blisters on the glans.
Risk factors
- Lack of hygiene under the foreskin.
- Minor trauma or injury to the foreskin and penis, for example from excessive masturbation or excessively vigorous sexual intercourse .
Prevention
- Circumcision of boys.
- Wash daily with soap and water, especially after sexual intercourse.
- Clean the foreskin carefully.
- When the skin of the glans is too tight, gently stretch it daily.
- Use a condom during intercourse.
Signs and tests
A dermatologist or urologist can diagnose the cause of balanitis by examination alone; however, additional skin tests for viruses, fungi, or bacteria are often required. Sometimes a skin biopsy is required .
Diagnosis and treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the balanitis. For example, infectious balanitis can be treated with antibiotic pills or creams, while balanitis that occurs with skin conditions can respond well to steroid creams. In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option.
Diagnosis
History and physical examination by a doctor . Laboratory culture of the secretion of the infected area.
General measures
To relieve pain, soak the penis in warm water.
Medication
Your doctor may prescribe:
- Steroid creams to control inflammation.
- Topical or oral antibiotics to fight infection.
- Aspirin or paracetamol to relieve minor pain and fever.
Exercise
- If you have a fever, stay in bed.
- During treatment, avoid sexual intercourse.
- Go back to your normal activities when the infection clears.
Diet
No special diet is required .
Possible complications
- Produce scarring and narrowing of the opening of the penis (urethral stricture).
- Making it difficult and painful to retract the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis (a condition called phimosis).
- Making it difficult to reposition the foreskin to cover the head of the penis (a condition called paraphimosis); swelling can affect the blood supply to the tip of the penis.
- Ulceration of the penis.
- Spread of infection to deeper dermal layers.
- Septicemia.
Forecast
Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with medicated creams and good hygiene. Surgery is generally not required and the expected results are almost always positive. With medical treatment it is cured in 1 or 2 weeks.