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Balanitis - Balanitis symptom, treatment, causes

What is Balanitis ?

Balanitis is the inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis, Causes include bacteria, fungal or viral infection; allergy; chemical or mechanical irritation; and dermatitis, for example ECZEMA or PSORIASIS. Some forms of balanitis are sexually transmitted, as HERPES SIMPLEX and TRICHOMONIASIS are, Some are more common in uncircumcised men.

Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. When the foreskin (or prepuce) is also affected, it is termed balanoposthitis. Males at any age can get balanitis. Balanitis in young boys is usually associated with a tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back behind the glans (phimosis). Balanitis can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men, although it occurs more commonly in men who are not circumcised. Lack of aeration and irritation because of smegma and discharge surrounding the glans penis causes inflammation and edema. Balanitis is not sexually transmitted. It results from an overgrowth of organisms which are normally present on the skin of the glans. Balanitis (which is also referred to as balanoposthitis) can be caused by a variety of other fungal or bacterial infections, or may occur due to a sensitivity reaction to common chemical agents. The environment under the foreskin is warm and moist, and these conditions often favour the growth of the organisms that cause balanitis. Symptoms include redness, irritation, and soreness of the end of the penis. It can range from a small patch of redness confined to part of the skin surface of the glans, to the whole glans becoming red, swollen and painful. It can usually be prevented with good hygiene and isn't normally serious.

Several other diseases, including Reiter's syndrome and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, can also produce balanitis. Phimosis leads to deficient hygiene and persistent contact of urine and smegma with the skin of the glans. Diabetes can make balanitis more likely, especially if the blood sugar is poorly controlled, because this makes it harder for the body to fight infections. Rarely, when an infection keeps returning, it is transmitted back and forth between partners during sexual contact. One common organism associated with balanitis is a yeast known as Candida albicans.  Balanitis may occur because of excessive growth of Candida, due to moisture and warmth under the foreskin. Certain skin conditions may cause a balanitis, or be mistaken for a balanitis. For example, psoriasis and some uncommon skin conditions can affect the penis. If the balanitis is caused by an infectious organism, the organism should be identified and the appropriate medical treatment determined based on the identifed infectious agent. Biopsy may be necessary for proper diagnosis.

Causes of Balanitis

The common causes and risk factor's of Balanitis include the following:

• Poor hygiene in uncircumcised men.
• The inflammation can be due to infection, harsh soaps, or failure to properly rinse soap off while bathing.
• Chemical irritants (ie condoms) an allergic reaction.
• Various viruses and organisms can cause balanitis. These include HPV (human papilloma virus).
• Obesity.
• Several other diseases, including Reiter's syndrome and lichen sclerosis et atrophicus, can also produce balanitis.
• Taking a course of antibiotics (which can encourage bacteria to grow).

Symptoms of Balanitis

Symptom of Balanitis include pain and swelling of the glans and fore skin, with redness and/or a rash. Often the skin covering the glans weeps, or pus is discharged from under the foreskin. There may be pain or burning on passing urine. Some sign and symptoms related to Balanitis are as follows:

• A red, inflamed rash on the head and shaft of the penis or under the foreskin.
• Tenderness of the glans penis.
• Joint pains.
• A white, clumpy or yellowish discharge from the affected skin or from under the foreskin.
• Itching affected area.
• Difficulty urinating or controlling urine stream (in very severe cases).
• Sore mouth.
• Inability to retract foreskin (phimosis) in severe cases.

Treatment of Balanitis

Balanitis is treated with pain-relieving medication, bathing to remove discharges. antibiotics if appropriate, or treatment of other underlying causes. Sexual intercourse should be avoided until the inflammation has subsided. If the fore skin is difficult to retract because it is too long or too tight, circumcision may be advised. Some types of balanitis can be avoided by daily bathing (gently) under the foreskin to remove accumulated secretions and dirt.Here is list of the methods to treat Balanitis:

• Steroid creams of mild to moderate strength are used in short-term courses for non-infective eczematous or inflammatory skin conditions.
• Apply bacitracin (not Neosporin) for pediatric patients if bacterial infection is suspected.
• Phimosis and paraphimosis sometimes require circumcision to prevent recurrence.
• An anti-yeast cream or a course of anti-yeast tablets is a common treatment as many cases are due to candida.
• Antibiotics will clear infection caused by bacteria (including certain sexually transmitted infections).
• Your doctor also may recommend a prescription antifungal treatment, either in a cream or pill form.