Balanitis is the swelling of the glans (farther, bulkier part) of the penis.
It may be due to a bacterial, fungal or viral infection, but may also be due to the use of unsuitable soaps. Sometimes, it may be a symptom of other inflammatory or dermatological diseases. Lack of hygiene or airing of the penis may lead to inflammation and edema (build up of liquid) due to secretions that usually build up in the genitals.
Symptoms include reddening of the glans with red dots, reddening of the prepuce (mobile fold of the skin of the penis which covers the glans), genital pain, genital rash and discharge with fetid smell.
Diagnosis will be achieved through clinical questioning and careful physical examination. Exceptionally, a sample swab of the area or a culture of secretions may be necessary to detect viruses, fungi or bacteria.
The treatment depends on the cause of the Balanitis. If the cause is suspected to be bacterial, it is treated with topical and/or oral antibiotic; if the cause is a fungus, it must be treated with an antifungal cream; if the cause is irritative due to the use of gels or condoms with irritating substances, the treatment will consist in removing these products. In order to ease the symptoms, creams with corticosteroids / antiinflammatories may be applied. Washing with camomile or thyme tea may also ease the symptoms. In severe cases where it is not possible to slide down the skin to clean the area properly, circumcision (circular cut of part of the prepuce) may be the best option to avoid scarring and retraction of the member.
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