Balanitis is an inflammation of the head of the penis according to WebMD. Medical News Today (MNT) reports balanitis is a common condition that can occur at any age, but is more likely to affect boys under age four, as well as uncircumcised males. It’s rare among circumcised males.
Inflammation can occur if the sensitive skin under the foreskin isn’t washed regularly. WebMD says this allows sweat, debris, dead skin and bacteria to collect under the foreskin causing irritation.
The presence of tight foreskin may make it difficult to keep this area clean and can lead to irritation by a foul-smelling substance (smegma) that can also accumulate under the foreskin.
The most common cause of balanitis is lack of good hygiene in uncircumcised males. Another according to MNT is diabetes. Males with diabetes are more susceptible to infection because if glucose is present in urine, some may remain on the foreskin. Glucose helps bacteria multiply more quickly.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists other diseases, including reactive arthritis and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, can lead to balanitis.
Dermatitis may cause also balanitis. WebMD says dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin, often caused by an irritating substance or a contact allergy. Sensitivity to soaps, detergents, perfumes, and spermicides can cause an allergic reaction.
An About.com Men’s Health article writes response to infection from various viruses and organisms can cause balanitis. These include human papillomavirus (HPV), strep, candida, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.
WebMD says symptoms of balanitis can include swelling, itching, pain, foul-smelling discharge, tenderness of the penile head, impotence, difficulty passing urine, and the inability to retract the foreskin. About.com states balanitis is characterized by a shiny red or reddish orange area. It can also present as a yellow patch with pinpoint spotting.
Without treatment, NIH says chronic inflammation or infection can scar and narrow the opening of the penis. About.com adds although it’s rare, the most serious complication of balanitis is phimosis, an inability to retract the foreskin from the head of the penis.
WebMD says treatment for balanitis depends on the underlying cause. If there’s an infection, treatment will include an antibiotic or antifungal medication. In cases of severe or persistent inflammation, circumcision may be recommended. Balanitis occurring with skin diseases may respond to steroid creams says NIH.
Practicing good hygiene can help prevent future episodes of balanitis. Thoroughly cleaning and drying the head of the penis and retract the foreskin daily. Avoid substances that cause irritation.
MNT advises men who tend to develop balanitis after sex should wash their penis afterward. If symptoms are linked to substances found in condoms or lubricants, use types made for sensitive skin.
Sources:
Balanitis. NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov by the National Center for Biotechnology Information and U.S. National Library of Medicine. Web 27 Nov 2011.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001865
Penis Disorders. WebMD.com by WebMD, LLC. Web 27 Nov 2011.
http://www.webmd.com/sexual-conditions/guide/sexual-health-male-reproductive-problems-penis-disorders?page=2
Balanitis. MensHealth.about.com by The New York Times Company. Web 27 Nov 2011.
http://menshealth.about.com/cs/midlifers/a/balanitis.htm
What Is Balanitis? What Causes Balanitis? MedicalNewsToday.com by MediLexicon International Ltd. Web 27 Nov 2011.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/184715.php
Reviewed December 5, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith