Darrick Robles The term “balanitis” refers to an inflammation of the glans penis – the glans of the penis. If the foreskin is also affected, it is called balanoposthitis. The inflammation can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, or non-infectiously, for example as part of an autoimmune reaction or cancer. About 3% of all uncircumcised men worldwide are affected by balanitis. Inflammation of the glans penis after circumcision is rare.
Symptoms of balanitis
Balanitis is primarily noticeable through reddening and swelling of the glans . It can itch and also hurt . Other possible complaints are:
- pain when urinating
- bleeding of the foreskin
- Unpleasant odor development
- Adhesion of secretion to the foreskin
- Problems retracting the foreskin (In young children there are still adhesions between the foreskin and the glans of the penis. Here it is normal that the foreskin cannot be retracted.)
Causes of balanitis
In adults, poor hygiene is usually the cause of balanitis. Smegma, a mixture of sloughed skin cells, sweat, skin oils and moisture, provides a good breeding ground for bacteria, viruses and fungi. If the foreskin is not pushed back regularly and the glans of the penis is not washed, it can become inflamed. With a tight foreskin (phimosis), pushing back the foreskin can be difficult or impossible. Here, too, the smegma can become infected. Other possible causes are:
- Diabetes mellitus: some medications used in diabetes mellitus increase the level of sugar in the urine. As a result, inflammation occurs more frequently, since the sugar serves as a breeding ground for germs. Poorly controlled blood sugar can also lead to increased sugar concentrations in the urine.
- STI (sexually transmitted infections): Balanitis can develop as part of an STI. Possible germs are, for example, herpes viruses, gonorrhea and also chlamydia .
Risk factors for the development of balanitis are:
- Diabetes mellitus (diabetes)
- Trauma such as pinching the foreskin in the fly
- overweight
- Diseases associated with water retention such as heart failure
In children , balanitis is usually caused by narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) or adhesions of the foreskin, which make it impossible to push back the foreskin.
How is balanitis diagnosed?
Balanitis has a very typical appearance and symptoms. In combination with a detailed discussion in which your doctor can ask whether there have been injuries to the penis or unprotected sexual intercourse and how the symptoms are expressed, the diagnosis can be made clinically in most cases . If the picture is not typical, or if there are risk factors for other diseases that resemble the picture of balanitis, a swab or examination of the urine can be considered. If there is a possibility that a systemic disease or cancer is causing the symptoms, a small biopsy may also be taken so that the tissue can be examined under a microscope.
When should I go to the doctor?
If you suspect that you or your child is suffering from balanitis, your doctor can help you to relieve the symptoms with appropriate creams. In addition, the cause of the balanitis should be clarified in order to avoid future inflammation.
Balanitis: what you can do yourself
In children, the foreskin is attached to the glans. Once these attachments are released, the foreskin should be periodically retracted to remove the smegma and gently cleanse the glans with warm water . After that, it should be dried to avoid moisture accumulation under the foreskin. Before you go to the bathroom or touch your penis, you should wash your hands to minimize the transmission of germs.
If you are prone to glans infections and use condoms, you may consider using condoms made for sensitive skin . These irritate the skin of the penis less than conventional condoms. It is important to be aware that if you have applied creams to your glans, condoms can become cracked by these creams and there is no longer any security against germs and unwanted pregnancy.
It is also important for children to wash the penis every day with warm water and then dry it off. If your child wears diapers, they should be changed regularly. The use of soap and baby wipes in the intimate area can also cause balanitis. If the foreskin is still attached to the glans of the penis, it should never be pushed back by force, as over time it will come loose on its own and small tears may appear, which serve as a gateway for germs.
Treatment of balanitis
In most cases, balanitis is treated with creams or ointments that you can apply directly to the affected areas. Light cortisone creams, antimycotics or antibiotics can be used here. If you experience recurring glans infections, circumcision can also be considered. Balanitis after circumcision is very rare, since germs can no longer collect under the foreskin afterwards.
A complication of balanitis is phimosis . Inflammation can cause scar tissue to form on the foreskin, causing it to narrow.
This is how Med-Healths can help with balanitis
Since balanitis has a typical appearance and the symptoms are easy to classify, simple balanitis can be diagnosed and treated via the clinical picture. Med-Healths gives you the ability to speak to medical staff from your home and also send them a photo of the affected area. If no indication of complicating factors can be found, you can get a prescription for an appropriate cream directly from Med-Healths. If necessary, you can also get a referral for a specialist evaluation.
