What is balanitis?
Definition Balanitis is an irritation and inflammation of the foreskin and glans, often associated with poor hygiene. There is usually an infective component to the condition, and there may be an associated nappy rash.
What is balanoposthitis?
Balanoposthitis occurs more often in males who have diabetes or a tight foreskin. Balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO): Also called lichen sclerosus, BXO occurs when skin on the glans hardens and turns white.
What happens if balanitis is not treated?
Untreated balanitis can cause chronic (long-term) inflammation (redness and irritation). Lasting inflammation can cause health issues, including: Balanoposthitis: Balanitis can lead to balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin and glans).
How is balanitis diagnosed?
Healthcare providers diagnose balanitis with a physical examination to determine if an infection is causing your symptoms. Your provider may swab your urethral opening (the hole at the tip of the penis) and send the sample to a lab for testing. Your provider may also order a urine or blood test to check for diabetes and other infections.
What is balanitis? Balanitis is pain and inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the glans (head) of the penis that happens most often in uncircumcised males. Circumcision is a procedure performed to remove skin (the foreskin) from the head of the penis (the glans).
Can balanitis cause inflammation of the foreskin and glans?
Balanoposthitis: Balanitis can lead to balanoposthitis (inflammation of the foreskin and glans). This only occurs in uncircumcised males. Signs of balanoposthitis include itching, irritation, and swollen foreskin and glans. Balanoposthitis occurs more often in males who have diabetes or a tight foreskin.
How do you get rid of balanitis?
Treatments can include: Antifungal creams: If a yeast infection is causing balanitis, your provider will prescribe an antifungal cream such as clotrimazole to treat the infection. You will need to apply the cream to the glans (head of the penis) and foreskin as prescribed.
What is the rate of incidence for balanitis?
It’s estimated that up to 10% of males will have balanitis during their lifetime. Balanitis is more likely to occur in uncircumcised men and boys under the age of 4. What are the types of balanitis? Balanitis is classified into three types: