BALANOPOSTHITIS
Balanoposthitis, or balanitis, is the inflammation of the glans (head of the penis) and foreskin (the skin that covers the glans).
Causes
- Poor hygiene
- Skin infections
Overgrowth of bacteria commonly found in the skin may lead to balanoposthitis.
- Phimosis
Failure to properly clean the penis causes smegma accumulation and inflammation.
- Allergies
These may be due to soap used for hygiene purposes, as well as to lubricants and condoms used during sexual intercourse.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Chlamydia, gonorrhea and genital herpes may cause balanoposthitis.
Systemic skin conditions.
Diagnosis
Can be diagnosed with clinical examination.
To determine the precise cause of balanoposthitis, the following may be needed:
- Sampling from the glans region and microbiology culture to detect the microorganism responsible for the infection
- Blood sugar measurement
- Tests for STDs
- In specific cases, where clinical findings persist, a biopsy may be ordered
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of balanoposthitis.
For this reason, the following are used:
- Antifungal creams
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics
- When phimosis co-exists, circumcision is recommended