Inflammation of the glans and foreskin

Explanation

This refers to infectious or non-infectious inflammation of the head of the penis (glans). This is known as balanitis. If the inside of the foreskin is also inflamed, this is known as balanoposthitis.

Causes

Balanitis is usually caused by a bacterial or yeast infection. The risk of developing balanitis can be increased by poor hygiene, diseases such as diabetes, and being severely overweight.

Non-infectious forms of balanitis can also occur in some rheumatological conditions, such as psoriasis or reactive arthritis. A relatively common example is balanitis xerotica obliterans, a special form of lichen sclerosus affecting the glans. (Phimosis).
Balanitis caused by an infection is, however, far more common than non-infectious balanitis.

Treatment

Infectious balanitis is treated by washing the penis with antiseptic solutions suitable for sensitive mucous membranes (e.g. Octenisept^®). Baths containing chamomile are also often recommended. Antifungal or antibacterial creams are also used.

Cases which fail to resolve or where the cause is unclear may require further investigation by taking swabs or in some cases a biopsy. If balanitis reoccurs frequently, circumcision should be performed.

In non-infectious balanitis, the first step is to treat the underlying disease. Balanitis xerotica obliterans can be treated with a topical steroid cream.