Balanitis is inflammation of the glans on the penis. It often affects the inside of the foreskin as well. The causes are hygiene errors, infections, allergies and skin or general diseases.
- Balanitis (inflammation of the foreskin) in children can result from an untreated narrowing of the foreskin.
- © iStock.com/eldemir
Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans of the male member (glans penis). Often the inside of the foreskin (preputium) is also affected. In these cases there is also talk of balanoposthitis or glans and foreskin inflammation.
Balanitis is a common disease. According to studies, more than ten percent of all male patients in urological practices have an inflammation of the glans. The disease occurs more frequently with untreated narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis), as can be observed especially in children and adolescents. The frequency of the disease also increases significantly with advanced age.
Recognize teething troubles with these pictures
Men who have had their foreskin removed surgically (circumcision) are much less likely to develop balanitis than uncircumcised men. The reason for this is believed to be that circumcision facilitates hygiene on the penis and glans. In addition, the increased contact of the glans with atmospheric oxygen protects against infections.
Depending on the cause of the disease, different forms of balanitis are distinguished. They have in common that the glans and possibly the foreskin are affected. The glans inflammation turns out to be predominantly an independent disease process. In rare cases, however, it can also occur as a symptom in the context of diseases that affect the entire organism.
Typical symptoms of balanitis: redness, swelling, itching
The most common symptoms of glansitis are one reddened glans and foreskin, the redness being unevenly distributed and of Pustules, nodules, swellings or ulcers (ulceration). Also sometimes occur Itching, burning, pain and oozing on. Swelling of the glans penis and / or foreskin and purulent discharge from the urethra are typical symptoms of balanitis. In special cases, the glans may also be bluish or whitish. In the case of protracted or repeated illness, scarring and shrinking of the foreskin can result, as a result of which a foreskin narrowing (phimosis) can develop.
Different course of balanitis
In the case of mild complaints that last only a short time, patients may try to get a glans inflammation under control themselves through improved hygiene measures. If the balanitis does not improve quickly and permanently, a doctor, if possible a dermatologist, should be consulted.
Balanitis can hide serious and possibly easily transmitted diseases such as syphilis or herpes. In the case of glans inflammation, sexual intercourse should therefore be avoided, as it can possibly lead to a serious health risk to the sexual partner. This applies increasingly to unprotected sexual intercourse and also applies to oral (mouth) or anal (anus) sexual practices.
Causes of the glans inflammation
The causes of balanitis can essentially be divided into three groups. On the one hand, infections are a possible cause of balanitis. In addition, non-infectious causes or skin and general diseases can also be behind balanitis. For some, rarer forms of balanitis, the causes are still unknown.
Infections as a cause of balanitis
Glans infections can be caused by infections with:
Mushrooms: The yeast Candida albicans in particular is often detected.
bacteria: In addition to germs that are part of the normal colonization of the skin (normal skin flora), the pathogens of syphilis (Treponema pallidum) and other sexually transmitted diseases.
Viruses: The herpes simplex virus and various forms of the human papilloma virus (HPV) are particularly widespread.
Parasites: Mites (scabies), pubic lice and trichomonads (single-celled parasites) should be mentioned here.
In addition to the infection with infected contact persons, inadequate intimate hygiene plays a role in this group of causes. If the glans and foreskin are cleaned too seldom, an infection can develop on the breeding ground for the smegma (grease from sebum, urine and sperm residues between the glans and foreskin). In addition, intimate hygiene can be impaired by congenital or inflammatory narrowing of the foreskin.
Non-infectious causes of balanitis
Allergies and irritations: Inflammation of the glans can be caused by contact with allergy-causing or irritating substances. These include latex (condoms), fragrances, ointment components, detergents, intimate sprays. Too frequent and too intensive washing can also lead to glans inflammation due to the mechanical irritation.
Fixed toxic drug eruption: This is a rare reaction to certain medicines. Examples include antibiotics from the tetracycline group, sulphonamide antibiotics, drugs that are chemically similar to the pain reliever acetylsalicylic acid, and other drugs.
Involvement of the glans in skin and general diseases
Unknown cause of balanitis
For some special forms of balanitis, the exact cause is not yet known. This includes:
Balanoposthitis chronica circumscripta plasmacellularis Zoon: Typical are characteristic changes in the inflamed tissue with tissue swelling (edema) and deposition of so-called plasma cells.
Lichen sclerosuset atrophicus (LSA): This is a rare chronic connective tissue disease of the skin, which in men can also affect the foreskin and glans.
25 myths and facts about the penis
Diagnosing balanitis: what happens to the doctor?
The exact diagnosis of glansitis is often not easy due to the numerous possible causes of the disease. The doctor uses different methods. After a detailed discussion about the previous medical history and the current symptoms (anamnesis), the doctor will carry out a general physical examination. In doing so, the doctor gathers knowledge about skin and general diseases that could have led to the balanitis. He then records the exact appearance of the change in the glans and foreskin and, if necessary, scans them.
Then smears and possibly tissue samples are taken from the skin and examined in the laboratory for germs and tissue changes. In the case of recurring or persistent glans inflammation, blood tests may be performed to rule out diabetes and other general diseases as the cause.
Balanitis therapy: ointments, creams for treatment
Acornitis can be treated in a number of ways. What is decisive is the suspected cause of the disease.
Balanitis, which can be traced back to infections, is treated as specifically as possible with agents that are directed against the causing fungi (antimycotics), bacteria (antibiotics), viruses or parasites. Most of the time, the agents are used locally as ointments, creams and the like. In addition, the doctor will discuss with the man which measures can contribute to improved hygiene and prevent relapses.
Cortisone ointment for external use
Balanitis with a non-infectious cause are treated externally with cortisone ointment for a maximum of one week. The duration of treatment must be limited in order to prevent skin damage from the cortisone. In addition, modern drugs are available that, for example, influence the immune system's defensive behavior (e.g. tacrolimus, pimecrolimus). In allergic balanitis and balanitis due to external irritation, the irritant substance should be avoided in particular. For example, if you are allergic to latex, only latex-free condoms should be used.
Balanitis in the context of skin or general diseases must be treated in connection with the underlying disease.
Constrictions of the foreskin (phimosis) as well as persistent or recurring glans inflammation can be relieved by circumcision (circumcision). The foreskin is removed under local or general anesthesia. Circumcision offers extensive protection against glans inflammation. The operation does not affect sexual sensation or ability.
How can men and parents prevent balanitis?
An inflammation of the glans cannot be prevented in all cases by taking preventive measures. This applies, for example, if balanitis develops as part of a disease of the body's immune system.
Proper hygiene as a home remedy
Inflammation of the glans caused by infections can largely be avoided through careful but not excessive hygiene and protective measures during sexual intercourse, for example the use of condoms. As a suitable hygiene measure, to prevent balanitis, it is recommended to pull back the foreskin as part of the body cleansing and to clean the area below and then to dry it thoroughly. In allergic balanitis and balanitis due to external irritation, the triggers should be avoided. For example, men with a latex allergy should only use latex-free condoms.
In addition, it is possible to significantly reduce the risk of illness through circumcision.