Balanitis

Answer 1

Definition

Balanitis is an inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis.

Alternative Names

Balanoposthitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Balanitis 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.

Symptoms

• Redness of foreskin or penis
• Other rashes on the head of the penis
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Painful penis and foreskin

Signs and tests

Your 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.

Treatment

Treatment 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.

Complications

Chronic inflammation or infection can:

• Scar and narrow the opening of the penis (meatal stricture)
• Make it difficult and painful to retract the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis (a condition called phimosis)
• Make it difficult to reposition the foreskin over the head of the penis (a condition called paraphimosis); swelling can affect the blood supply to the tip of the penis

Calling your health care provider

Notify your health care provider if you are experiencing any signs of balanitis including swelling of the foreskin or pain.

Prevention

Good hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. During bathing, the foreskin should be retracted to adequately clean and dry the area beneath it.

References

Fort 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.

Answer 2

Definition

Balanitis is swelling (inflammation) of the foreskin and head of the penis.

Alternative Names

Balanoposthitis

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Balanitis is usually caused by poor hygiene in uncircumcised men. Other possible causes include:

• Diseases such as reactive arthritis and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus
• Infection
• Harsh soaps
• Not rinsing soap off properly while bathing
• Uncontrolled diabetes

Symptoms

• Redness of foreskin or penis
• Other rashes on the head of the penis
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Painful penis and foreskin

Signs and tests

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.

Treatment

Treatment 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.

Complications

Long-term inflammation or infection can:

• Scar and narrow the opening of the penis (meatal stricture)
• Make it difficult and painful to retract the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis (a condition called phimosis)
• Make it difficult to move the foreskin over the head of the penis (a condition called paraphimosis)
• Affect the blood supply to the tip of the penis

Calling your health care provider

Tell your health care provider if you have any signs of balanitis, including swelling of the foreskin or pain.

Prevention

Good hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. When you bathe, pull back (retract) the foreskin to clean and dry the area under it.

References

Elder 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 By

Review 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.