|
|
Balanitis |
| Definition: |
| An inflammation of the foreskin and head of the penis. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Balanoposthitis |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
| Balanitis is usually caused by poor hygiene in uncircumcised men. Bacterial, fungal, viral, or non-infectious inflammation may occur. Exposure to caustic soaps or failure to properly rinse soap off while bathing can also result in inflammation. Several other diseases, including Reiter's syndrome and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus can also produce balanitis. |
| Symptoms: |
|
| Signs and tests: |
| Your dermatologist or urologist may be able to diagnosis the cause of your balanitis by examination alone. Additional tests, such as skin culture for viruses, fungi, or bacteria, are often needed, however. Occasionally, a skin biopsy is required. |
| Treatment: |
|
Treatment depends on the cause of the balanitis. For example, infectious balanitis may be treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Some balanitis which occurs in association with skin diseases may respond to topical steroid creams. In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with topical medication and good hygiene. Surgery is not usually necessary. Outcomes are nearly always positive. |
| Complications: |
| Chronic inflammation can result in scarring and narrowing of the opening of the penis (urethral stricture). Chronic inflammation or infection can also make it difficult and painful to reposition the retracted foreskin to its normal position covering the head of the penis. Inflammation can also cause the retracted foreskin to swell, leading to constriction of the penis and possibly penile injury. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Notify your health care provider if you are experiencing any signs of balanitis including swelling of the foreskin or pain. |
| Prevention: |
| Good hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. During bathing, the foreskin should be retracted to adequately clean and dry the area beneath it. |
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
 |
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch). |
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
