What is balanitis?
What is balanitis? Balanitis is pain and inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the glans (head) of the penis that happens most often in uncircumcised males. Circumcision is a procedure performed to remove skin (the foreskin) from the head of the penis (the glans).
What are the treatment options for balanitis?
The treatment for balanitis depends on what is causing the condition. Treatments can include: Antifungal creams: If a yeast infection is causing balanitis, your provider will prescribe an antifungal cream such as clotrimazole to treat the infection. You will need to apply the cream to the glans (head of the penis) and foreskin as prescribed.
What causes balanitis to flare up?
It can also be caused by a type of arthritis known as reactive arthritis or Reiter’s syndrome, which can affect your joints and eyes. Some medications can cause allergic reactions that can lead to balanitis, including tetracycline and aspirin -type medicines.
What is the rate of incidence for balanitis?
It’s estimated that up to 10% of males will have balanitis during their lifetime. Balanitis is more likely to occur in uncircumcised men and boys under the age of 4. What are the types of balanitis? Balanitis is classified into three types:
How do you treat balanitis?
You will be asked to take a sitz bath which can reduce the symptoms, warm water can reduce discomfort. Balanitis is easy to treat but there are some complications which can occur, which can include: To prevent infections, the head of the penis and the foreskin should be kept clean. Daily cleaning of the penis is essential.
How common is balanitis in boys?
This is a common condition that affects approximately 1 in every 30 boys who are uncircumcised at some point in their life. Balanitis can occur due to phimosis, which is a condition in which the foreskin of the penis is tight. Women can also have balanitis, the term is used to describe an inflammation of the clitoris.
What are the health risks of long lasting balanitis?
Lasting inflammation can cause health issues, including: Balanoposthitis: Balanitis can lead to balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin and glans). This only occurs in uncircumcised males.
How is balanitis diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose balanitis with a physical examination to determine if an infection is causing your symptoms. Your provider may swab your urethral opening (the hole at the tip of the penis) and send the sample to a lab for testing. Your provider may also order a urine or blood test to check for diabetes and other infections.
What is balanoposthitis?
Balanoposthitis occurs more often in males who have diabetes or a tight foreskin. Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO): Also called lichen sclerosus, BXO occurs when skin on the glans hardens and turns white.