Balanitis (patient information)
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Balanitis |
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Balanitis On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Balanitis is swelling (inflammation) of the foreskin and head of the penis.
What are the symptoms of Balanitis?
- Redness of foreskin or penis
- Other rashes on the head of the penis
- Foul-smelling discharge
- Painful penis and foreskin
What causes Balanitis?
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
Diagnosis
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.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Tell your health care provider if you have any signs of balanitis, including swelling of the foreskin or pain.
Treatment options
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. Anti-fungal creams will be prescribed if it is due to a fungus.
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
Where to find medical care for Balanitis?
to Hospitals Treating Balanitis
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.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with medicated creams and good hygiene. Surgery is not usually needed.
Possible 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
Sources
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000862.htm Template:WH Template:WS