Balanitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Balanitis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Balanitis is inflammation around the glans penis and the skin that covers it.

Definition

Balanitis is inflammation around the head of the penis (glans penis) and the surrounding skin which is generally caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. This disease is more experienced by boys or men who are not circumcised.

Reason

Balanitis can occur due to a lack of attention to hygiene factors around the penis area. As a result, these areas are more susceptible to infection, which can include:

  • Fungal infection
  • A bacterial infection that breeds under the foreskin (on an uncircumcised penis)
  • Sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes  simplex, chlamydia, or syphilis

Balanitis can also be caused due to skin disorders on the penis such as:

  • Eczema (also called atopic dermatitis), which is a skin disorder due to allergies characterized by dry, red and itchy skin.
  • Psoriasis, which is an autoimmune disorder of the skin characterized by very dry skin and thick skin crusts.
  • Contact dermatitis, an inflammation of the skin due to exposure to certain chemicals, such as condoms, soap, and so on.

A person is more susceptible to balanitis if he has the following conditions:

  • Diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are not controlled. High sugar levels in the urine of diabetics can cause bacteria in the penis to multiply rapidly and cause infection.
  • Phimosis, which is the condition of the foreskin of the penis that is too tight and causes the foreskin of the penis to not be pulled back.
  • An uncircumcised male who does not clean the discharge (smegma) under the foreskin of his penis.

Diagnosis

To ensure this disease, doctors generally need to check the condition of the penis and do not always need to do laboratory tests. However, if there is a suspicion of diabetes, it is necessary to check blood sugar.

Symptoms

Balanitis causes several symptoms, including:

  • Redness and swelling on the head of the penis
  • Smelly penis
  • Itching or burning sensation on the head of the penis
  • Presence of pus under the foreskin of the penis
  • Pain when urinating

Treatment

If balanitis is caused by a yeast infection, then the treatment is usually with antifungal drugs that are applied to the penis. Meanwhile, if a bacterial infection is the cause, treatment is usually by administering an antibiotic cream.

Certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis also require a separate set of treatments. If balanitis occurs repeatedly, then circumcision (circumcision) needs to be done.

Prevention

To prevent infection of the penis, the head of the penis and foreskin must always be cleaned and kept dry. Also, pay attention to the following things that need to be done:

  • When cleaning the penis, the foreskin must be pulled back so that the glans can be cleaned properly
  • Clean with warm water. Use mild soap.
  • After cleaning, dry the head of the penis with a towel or tissue.

According to Medgeeks What is Balanitis – A Clinical Review

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