What is Balanitis: Treatment and Management

What is Balanitis?

Balanitis is an infection or inflammation of the skin on the head of the penis. In men who are not circumcised, this area is covered by a flap of skin known as a foreskin. Balanitis may occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men. But it is more common in men who are not circumcised. Young boys are usually affected, only if they have a very tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back.

Who is affected by balanitis?

The moist, warm area under the foreskin is the perfect location for yeast and bacteria to develop. So, balanitis mostly affects uncircumcised males. It can affect anyone at any age. It is more common in males with phimosis (a tight foreskin that does not move easily over the head of the penis). The groups at higher risk of balanitis include men who:

• Follow poor hygiene practices.
• Middle-aged or older.
• Have diabetes because increased glucose (sugar) on the skin will promote bacterial and fungal growth.
• People who are obese.
• Have sexually transmitted diseases;
• Have a sensation for chemical irritants.

Types of Balanitis

There are 3 kinds of balanitis. They’re showing up in different ways:

• Zoon balanitis is the most common type of balanitis. It causes a red, painful head of the penis. This is the kind people usually mean when they’re talking about balanitis.
• Circinate balanitis can occur in men with reactive arthritis, a type of arthritis caused by infection. When you get this kind, you get sores on the head of your penis, along with redness and swelling.
• Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis is rare and affects only men over 60 years of age. It produces scaly warts on the head of the penis.

There are two conditions related to balanitis that are very similar:

• Balanoposthitis is an inflammation or infection of the head of the penis that excludes the foreskin. Technically, balanitis is an inflammation or infection of the head of the penis.
• Phimosis is when you can’t pull back or retract the skin from the head of your penis (foreskin).

Symptoms of Balanitis

You could have:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Itching
• Discharge in the tip of your penis
• White, shiny skin on your penis
• Swelling
• An unpleasant smell
• Sores on the penis
• Bleeding around the foreskin
• Difficulty pulling back the foreskin (Remember that it is common for young children to have a tight foreskin)

Skin folds can trap dead cells, discharges, and oils. If you don’t wash regularly, this dirt will build up smegma that smells bad.

As it gets serious, it will start to hurt when you pee or have trouble with your sex life. Getting an erection would be very difficult for you.

What causes balanitis?

• Balanitis is commonly found in uncircumcised males. Bad hygiene may lead when the area under the foreskin is not regularly cleaned, and bacteria, skin, and sweat accumulate. Some underlying medical conditions may also increase the risk of balanitis.
• Allergies to some chemicals may cause allergic balanitis. There may be chemicals in soaps or other items in touch with the gland of the penis.
• Some infections (especially yeast infections) can cause balanitis. Reactive arthritis is synonymous with penis head inflammation (circinate balanitis).
• Balanitis is not a sexually transmitted disorder (STD) but can have similar symptoms (e.g., itching and redness).

Treatment

The treatment of balanitis depends on the cause. In most cases, the doctor will advise which medicines to avoid and provide the patient with hygiene information.

Allergic reaction

Suppose the inflammation appears to be due to an allergic reaction or an irritant. In that case, a moderate steroid cream, such as one percent hydrocortisone, can be prescribed by the doctor for swelling.

The doctor may prescribe antifungal or antibiotic medicine. These can be available over-the-counter or online.

If there is an infection, a steroid cream should not be used on its own.

All soaps and other potential irritants should be removed during treatment until signs and symptoms are completely gone.

Candida

Candida is an infection of the yeast. Your doctor will prescribe antifungal creams, such as clotrimazole or miconazole. The doctor should consider the patient’s sex partner for treatment. When therapy is ongoing, they should either refrain from intercourse or use a condom.

Bacterial infection

If there is a bacterial infection, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic such as penicillin.

If there is no inflammation and no irritant, then a dermatologist specializing in skin disorders may see the patient.

Recurrence

If the patient has a tight foreskin and balanitis keeps coming up, the doctor may suggest circumcision. Alternatively, a slit may be cut to the top of the foreskin to separate it from the penis. A seating bath can better manage symptoms, as warm water can reduce discomfort.

What are the complications associated with balanitis?

Untreated balanitis can cause chronic (long-term) inflammation (redness and irritation). Lasting inflammation can cause health problems, including:

• Balanoposthitis: Balanitis can lead to balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin and gland). This happens only in uncircumcised males. Signs of balanoposthitis include itching, pain, and swollen foreskin and gland. Balanoposthitis happens most commonly in males with diabetes or a tight foreskin.
• Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO): Also known as lichen sclerosis, BXO develops when the skin on the gland hardens and becomes white. Hard tissue can make it difficult for semen and urine to flow through the urethra.
• Phimosis: long-term inflammation can lead to scarring on the penis, which may cause the foreskin to become constricted. The foreskin can become so tight that it cannot retract (pull back) over the gland.

What do you do to help relieve the symptoms of balanitis?

To relieve the irritation and inflammation of balanitis, you should:

• A bath often: Shower every day. Make sure to pull the foreskin back so that you can clean it underneath.
• Avoid harsh soaps: Try not to use harsh soap or lotions that can irritate the skin.
• Remain dry: After urinating, dry the area under the foreskin so that the urine is not stuck under the foreskin.
• Teach proper hygiene: Teaching boys proper hygiene, especially if they are uncircumcised.

How can you prevent balanitis?

The prevention of balanitis begins with the practice of proper hygiene. It would help if you bathed regularly to avoid balanitis. Take the time to get the foreskin back and clean underneath. Do use condoms when having sex to prevent sexually transmitted diseases that can cause balanitis.