Balanitis is an inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis.
Alternative NamesBalanoposthitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsBalanitis is usually caused by poor hygiene in uncircumcised men. The inflammation can be due to infection, harsh soaps, or failure to properly rinse soap off while bathing. Several other diseases, including reactive arthritis and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, can lead to balanitis. Men with uncontrolled Diabetes are at risk of developing balanitis.
SymptomsYour dermatologist or urologist may be able to diagnosis the cause of your balanitis by examination alone. However, additional skin tests for viruses, fungi, or bacteria are often needed. Occasionally, a skin biopsy is required.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause of the balanitis. For example, infectious balanitis may be treated with antibiotic pills or creams. Balanitis occurring with skin diseases may respond to steroid creams. In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option.
Expectations (prognosis)Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with medicated creams and good hygiene. Surgery is not usually necessary. Outcomes are nearly always positive.
ComplicationsChronic inflammation or infection can:
Notify your health care provider if you are experiencing any signs of balanitis including swelling of the foreskin or pain.
PreventionGood hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. During bathing, the foreskin should be retracted to adequately clean and dry the area beneath it.
ReferencesFort GG, Lieber JJ, Mikolich DJ. Balantis. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009.
Jordan GH, Schlossberg SM. Surgery of the penis and urethra. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed.Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 33.
Balanitis is swelling (inflammation) of the foreskin and head of the penis.
Alternative NamesBalanoposthitis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsBalanitis is usually caused by poor hygiene in uncircumcised men. Other possible causes include:
Your health care provider may be able to diagnose your balanitis by examination alone. However, you may need skin tests for viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Sometimes, a skin biopsy is needed.
TreatmentTreatment depends on the cause of the balanitis. For example, balanitis that is caused by bacteria may be treated with antibiotic pills or creams. Balanitis that occurs with skin diseases may respond to steroid creams.
In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option. If you cannot pull back (retract) the foreskin to clean it, you may need to be circumcised.
Expectations (prognosis)Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with medicated creams and good hygiene. Surgery is not usually needed.
ComplicationsLong-term inflammation or infection can:
Tell your health care provider if you have any signs of balanitis, including swelling of the foreskin or pain.
PreventionGood hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. When you bathe, pull back (retract) the foreskin to clean and dry the area under it.
ReferencesElder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 539.
Ferry FF. Diseases and disorders. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2012. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2011:section 1.
Jordan GH, Schlossberg SM. Surgery of the penis and urethra. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed.Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 33.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/16/2011
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington, School of Medicine; Scott Miller, MD, Urologist in private practice in Atlanta. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Balanitis is usually diagnosed based on a brief physical examination.
Balanitis is usually not contagious. It is caused by unhygienic practices.
Uncircumcised men are more at risk for balanitis due to the presence of the foreskin
Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, while topical antifungals such as clotrimazole can combat balanitis caused by Candida
Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO)-- A chronic, progressive, hardening skin inflammation of the penis.
Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans (the rounded head) of the penis.
There is a wide variety of complications associated with balanitis. These include irritation,infection, pain, discomfort, excessive swelling and problems passing water.
Diabetes can increase the risk of developing the condition
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A balance sheet is something used in the accounting side of a business. It is essentially a snapshot of the company's financial condition.
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In circumcised men, who lack a foreskin, these symptoms only affect the tip of the penis