Balanitis is a disorder that consists of inflammation of the foreskin and glans of the penis and can also refer to inflammation of the clitoris. The latter is rare, so it is usually identified as a male problem. It is one of the most common conditions in the penis.
Causes of balanitis
Good hygiene habits
There are several causes that are frequently associated with the appearance of balanitis:
– Not having good hygiene habits.
– Heart diseases and diabetes.
– Smoking.
– Hormonal imbalance.
– Anxiety.
– Neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
– Aging.
– Penis piercings.
– Aggressive masturbations.
– Using certain types of soaps that create irritation.
– Adhesions in the foreskin.
– Suffer some trauma.
– Infection by sexually transmitted disease.
– The use of condoms that cause irritation.
– Sexually transmitted diseases.
There are several types of balanitis:
– Candidal balanitis: red rash on the glans that is itchy or painful.
– Anaerobic bacterial balanitis: malodorous suppuration and edema of the glans.
– Aerobic bacterial balanitis: from loss of color of the glans (reddening) to the appearance of fissures and edema.
– Balanitis due to herpes: ulcers appear that turn into scabs in about ten days in addition to frequent inflammation of the inguinal nodes.
– Lichen sclerosus.
– Circinate balanitis associated with Reiter syndrome (affecting the eyes) or reactive arthritis.
– Risk of Queyrat erythroplakia.
– Risk of Bowen’s disease.
– Zoon’s Balanitis: affects older men who do not have a correct hygiene habit.
– Allergic balanitis.
– Fixed medicated eerythema.
Microscopic image in which balanitis is observed
Symptoms of balanitis
Pain and itching
The most common symptoms of balanitis are:
– Sores on the glans.
– Redness.
– Itching.
– Pain.
– Urethral discharge.
– Intense pain at the time of urination.
Possible complications from prolonged inflammation or infection:
– Stenosis of the meatus: scarring and narrowing of the orifice of the penis.
– Phimosis: retraction of the foreskin to expose the difficult and painful tip of the penis.
– Paraphimosis: difficult movement of the foreskin over the head of the penis.
– Defective blood supply to the tip of the penis.
– Increases the risk of developing penile cancer.
Diagnosis of balanitis
Physical examination
To diagnose balanitis, the doctor uses a simple physical examination, since the symptoms may be obvious. If there are doubts, you can order a biopsy to analyze the extracted tissue or a cystography.
Balanitis treatment and medication
First of all, take care of hygiene
The most effective element to treat the disease is to be meticulous with hygienic habits and clean the area a couple of times a day with water and appropriate soap. If a bacterial infection has been detected, the use of ointments is recommended. Finally, if balanitis appears frequently and is related to phimosis or paraphimosis, a circumcision can be performed, but this rarely happens.
Balanitis prevention
Avoid irritating factors
Taking care of hygiene is the main measure to prevent the appearance of this ailment. It is also important to avoid factors that may irritate the area, such as some condoms. It is advisable to use special condoms for sensitive skin.
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This article was published in La Vanguardia on November 7, 2020
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