Balanitis
What is balanitis? Everything about the causes, symptoms, and most effective treatments for glans inflammation and foreskin irritation.
Symptoms and Causes
Balanitis is the term used to describe inflammation of the glans, which in most cases is benign. When the foreskin is also irritated, which is very common, it is called balanoposthitis. The origin of this inflammation can vary widely, leading to different types of the disease:
- Candidal Balanitis: Caused by a fungus, Candida albicans, and is usually sexually transmitted. In addition to inflammation, the glans presents redness and pustules.
- Circinate Balanitis: Associated with certain autoimmune diseases such as Crohn’s disease or Reiter’s syndrome. It presents as ring-shaped erosions on the glans.
- Zoon’s Balanitis or Plasma Cell Balanitis (PCB): Of unknown origin, it is characterized by bright red lesions.
- Bacterial Balanitis: Typically caused by Streptococcus, Chlamydia trachomatis, Staphylococcus aureus, Gardnerella vaginalis, Mycoplasma, or Pseudomonas.
- Balanitis Xerotica Obliterans (BXO): A form of lichen sclerosus of unknown origin that can affect any area of the skin and manifests similarly to psoriasis.
- Herpes Balanitis: Ulcers develop that form scabs, along with inflammation of the inguinal lymph nodes.
- Allergic or Irritant Balanitis: The triggering agent is usually unknown, and its manifestation varies widely.
- Chronic Balanitis: Occurs recurrently and is often associated with other conditions such as human papillomavirus (HPV), diabetes, psoriasis, or Reiter’s syndrome.
Symptoms
The wide range of balanitis types results in diverse symptoms. The most common ones, present in all forms, include inflammation, pain, and redness of the foreskin and glans.
Other associated symptoms, which manifest depending on the cause of the disease, include:
- Itching or pruritus
- Pustules
- Bright red spots with a moist appearance
- Circular lesions with whitish or reddish borders
- Spots with whitish scales
- Ulcers with scabs
- Pain while urinating
- Abnormal discharge
Causes
As mentioned above, balanitis can be caused by different agents. Additionally, it is often associated with:
- Poor hygiene
- Use of unsuitable soaps
- Foreskin adhesions
- Postcoital hypersensitivity
Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the likelihood of developing balanitis include:
- Having phimosis or difficulty retracting the foreskin
- Having suffered trauma
- Engaging in high-risk sexual activity
- Having allergies
Prevention
Although balanitis cannot always be prevented, the risk can be reduced by adopting measures such as:
- Maintaining proper hygiene and keeping the foreskin and glans free of urine
- Using condoms during sexual intercourse
- Avoiding soaps that may alter the genital mucosa
Which Doctor Treats Balanitis?
Urologists, pediatricians, and family doctors diagnose and treat balanitis.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of balanitis is clinical, as it is confirmed through symptom analysis and a physical examination of the foreskin and glans.
In some cases, samples may be taken for culture to determine the agent causing inflammatory balanitis, or a blood test may be conducted if an infection is suspected.
Treatment
The treatment for this condition depends on its nature and severity. Balanitis creams are highly effective and are usually the first option before resorting to other therapies. The most common treatments include:
- Antibiotic creams to combat infection
- Antifungal creams to eliminate fungi
- Steroid creams to reduce inflammation
- Oral antibiotics or antivirals when the infection does not improve with topical treatment
- Circumcision: Removes the foreskin to reduce the risk of urine accumulation and facilitate hygiene. It is recommended for chronic balanitis once inflammation is under control.
