Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis.[1] When the foreskin is also affected, the proper term is balanoposthitis.[1] Balanitis on boys still in diapers must be distinguished from redness caused by ammoniacal dermatitis.[2] The word balanitis is from the Greek βάλανος balanos, literally meaning 'acorn', used because of the similarity in shape to the glans penis.[3]
Balanitis | |
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Inflammation of the glans penis and the preputial mucosa of a circumcised penis (balanitis) | |
Specialty | Urology |
Recurrent bouts of balanitis may cause scarring of the preputial orifice; the reduced elasticity may lead to pathologic phimosis.[4] Further complications may include:
Inflammation has many possible causes, including irritation by environmental substances, certain medications, physical trauma, and infection such as bacterial, viral, or fungal.[5][6] Some of these infections are sexually transmitted.
It is less common among people who are circumcised, as in many cases, a dysfunction of the foreskin is a causal or contributing factor.[1] Both not enough cleaning and too much cleaning can cause problems.[1]
Diagnosis may include careful identification of the cause with the aid of a good patient history, swabs and cultures, and pathological examination of a biopsy.[5]
Initial treatment in adults often involves simply pulling back the foreskin and cleaning the penis.[1] However, some topical antibiotic and fungal ointments may be used for treatment for mild cases. Depending upon severity, hydrocortisone and other steroidal creams may be used upon consultation.
Balanitis "is a common condition affecting 11% of adult men seen in urology clinics and 3% of children" in the United States; globally, balanitis "may occur in up to 3% of uncircumcised males".[13]
In dogs, balanoposthitis is caused by a disruption in the integumentary system, such as a wound or intrusion of a foreign body. A dog with this condition behaves normally, with the exception of excessive licking at the prepuce, and a yellow green, pus-like discharge is usually present.
In sheep (rams/wethers), ulcerative enzootic balanoposthitis is caused by the Corynebacterium renale group (C. renale, C. pilosum & C. cystidis).
For the condition in bulls, caused by a virus see Bovine herpesvirus 1.
Balanoposthitis is believed to have contributed to the decline to near-extinction of Gilbert's potoroo.[14]