Inflammation of the glans penis From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis.[1] Balanoposthitis is the proper term when the foreskin is also affected.[1] Balanitis on boys in diapers must be distinguished from redness caused by ammoniacal dermatitis.[2]
| Balanitis | |
|---|---|
| |
| Inflammation of the glans penis and the preputial mucosa of a circumcised penis | |
| Specialty | Urology |
The word balanitis is from the Greek βάλανος balanos, literally meaning 'acorn' because of the similarity in shape to the glans penis.[3] -Itis is a suffix from the Greek for 'inflammation'. Posthe is the Greek word meaning 'foreskin'.
Recurrent bouts of balanitis may cause scarring of the preputial orifice; the reduced elasticity may lead to pathologic phimosis.[4] Further complications may include:[5]
Inflammation has many possible causes, including irritation by environmental substances, certain medications, physical trauma, and infection such as bacterial, viral, or fungal.[6][7] Some of these infections are sexually transmitted, however a yeast infection, Candida balanitis, is generally not categorized as such.
It is less common among males who are circumcised; 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.[6]
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".[14]
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 the marsupial Gilbert's potoroo.[15]
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