Balanitis (Paediatrics)

Swelling of the glans (final and most bulging part) of the penis.

It can be due to infection by bacteria, fungus or virus, but also due to the use of inappropriate soaps. Sometimes it is a symptom of other inflammatory or dermatological diseases. Lack of hygiene or aeration of the penis can cause the secretions that often accumulate on the genitals to cause swelling and oedema (fluid accumulation).

Symptoms include redness of the glans penis with red dots, redness of the foreskin (the movable fold of skin covering the glans penis), genital pain, genital rash and foul-smelling discharge.

Diagnosis will be made by history and 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 topical and/or oral antibiotics; 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 irritant substances, the treatment will consist of 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 limb.