Balanitis is the swelling of the glans (farther, bulkier part of the penis).
It may be due to a bacterial, viral or fungi infection, but also to the use of inadequate soaps. Sometimes, it is a symptom of other inflammatory or dermatologic diseases. The lack of airing and hygene may lead to inflammation and oedema (fluid build up) due to an accumulation of regular genital secretions.
The symptoms include reddening of the gland with red spots, reddening of the prepuce (mobile fold of the skin of the penis which covers the glans), genital pain and rashes, as well as malodorous secretions.
The diagnosis will be carried out through clinical record collection and careful physical examination.
Exceptionally, a smear of the area or a culture of the discharge may be needed to detect viruses, fungi or bacteria.
Treatment depends on the cause of the balanitis. If the cause is bacterial, it is treated with a topical and/or oral antibiotic; if the cause is a fungus, it should 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 on their removal. Oral corticosteroid and/or anti-inflammatory creams can be used to relieve symptoms of inflammation. Washing with thyme or chamomile water may also relieve symptoms. In severe cases where it is not possible to retract the skin to clean the area well, circumcision (circular cutting of a portion of the foreskin) may be the best option to avoid scarring and retraction of the member.
- Glen W Barrisford, MD, MS. Balanitis and balanoposthitis in adults. UpToDate. Jan 19, 2017.
- The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary. Available at: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/balanitis (Accessed on April 04, 2008).
- Leber M. Balanitis. Available at: www.emedicine.com/emerg/topic51.htm (Accessed on April 04, 2008).
- Palamaras I, Hamill M, Sethi G, et al. The usefulness of a diagnostic biopsy clinic in a genitourinary medicine setting: recent experience and a review of the literature. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2006; 20:905.
- Babu CS, Vitharana S, Higgins SP. Primary syphilis presenting as balanitis. Int J STD AIDS 2007; 18:497.
