Balanitis - The Disease of Uncircumcised Men

Information

Approximately 3% of uncircumcised men worldwide are affected by balanitis. The condition can occur at various ages.

What is balanitis?

Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans (head) of the penis. The male external genitalia are in contact with the environment and can become inflamed relatively easily. Balanitis and balanoposthitis are conditions in men that are conventionally divided into acute and chronic, infectious and non-infectious. Approximately 3% of uncircumcised men worldwide are affected by balanitis. The condition can occur at various ages.

And posthitis?

Posthitis is an inflammation of the inner surface of the foreskin's skin (the thin, elastic skin located at the tip of the penis and covering its head). The inflammatory process is never isolated, which is why we speak of balanoposthitis. Infectious balanitis is a social problem with a tendency to become chronic. Involvement of the foreskin predisposes to the development of maceration.

Maceration is a condition characterized by softening of the tissues due to prolonged exposure to moisture. In maceration, the skin appears wrinkled, soft, with an altered color (white), and easily susceptible to infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This prolongs the recovery phase even with adequate treatment. Infectious balanitis is observed more often in patients without circumcision, as well as in patients with diabetes.

What are the symptoms of balanitis?

It is a good idea for men to see a dermatologist in the presence of erythema (redness), which is a 100% symptom. Also with edema (swelling), discharge, and dysuria (pain and burning during urination). Bleeding and ulceration (a small eroded area, an erosion) occur much more rarely. To make a diagnosis, a consultation with the patient and an examination are needed. The infectious agents themselves can be confirmed microbiologically.

Which specialist should men see? A dermatologist or a urologist?

Balanoposthitis should be treated by a team of specialists.

You are a man and a dermatologist. Why are men uneasy about seeing a dermatologist?

In my opinion, men prefer to be examined by male specialists, and women by female specialists.

Which men are at risk for the condition?

Balanitis occurs more often in patients without circumcision. The reasons include more difficult hygiene, poorer aeration, and it can also occur as a result of irritation caused by smegma. The condition can be very severe in patients with diabetes mellitus.

What are the risk factors for balanoposthitis?

Phimosis plays a predisposing role - it is a narrowing of the foreskin and an inability to retract it back toward the base of the penis. Lack of hygiene, irritation from clothing or fabric, diabetes, and reduced resistance of the body, such as that seen in immunocompromised patients with AIDS, are also significant. In addition, the patient may develop allergic contact dermatitis as a result of using various medications to treat balanitis.

What steps does treatment involve?

Treatment itself begins after adequate diagnosis and involves treating the causes that led to the condition.

What are the dangers if a pregnant woman has sexual contact with a man with balanoposthitis?

Infection of the pregnant woman can lead to problems in carrying the pregnancy to term. The limited range of medications available for pregnant women must also be taken into account.

What does prevention involve?

Prevention involves a high level of hygiene and the use of intimate hygiene gels.