What is Balanitis?

Ouch! Inflammation at the end of the penis?  Don’t worry, this is common among men. The medical term for this is Balanitis. Balanitis is a common problem that can occur in men at any age. It is said that circumcision plays an important role in Balanitis. Studies suggest that Balanitis is more common in uncircumcised men than circumcised men. Let us walk you through the cause, symptoms, and treatment of Balanitis.

What are the symptoms of Balanitis?

The most common symptoms include:

• Redness at the end of the penis glans.

• Constant irritation of the glans.

• Thick clumpy discharge from under the foreskin.

• Small patches of redness confined to the skin surface of the glans.

• Painful swelling of the glans.

• Discomfort when passing urine.

• Any unpleasant smell from the privates.

• Tight foreskin that cannot be pulled back (phimosis).

What causes Balanitis to develop?

Balanitis can develop due to various causes like: 

• Poor hygiene leading to smegma buildup

• Irritants like soaps and shower gels

• Bacterial infection

• Sexually transmitted infection

• Skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis etc. 

Causes and treatment approach for balanitis:

The treatment and cause of balanitis are interdependent. Given below are few causes and how to tackle it:

1. Candida

This is the most common cause of balanitis, Candida the infectious yeast.

Treatment:

Application of an antifungal cream to the affected area.

2. Bacterial infection

Some bacteria can also cause Balanitis.

Treatment:

Doctors will prescribe an antibiotic orally or intravenously.

3. Allergic reaction

An allergic reaction can also trigger this condition.

Treatments:

• Prescribed mild steroid cream.

• Avoiding allergic agents like soap, detergents can also help in dialing down the symptoms.

Another common condition that is closely associated with balanitis is phimosis. It is a skin condition in which the tight foreskin can not be pulled back over the head of the penis. It is often a cause as well a symptom of balanitis. Also, chronic balanitis can lead to phimosis and hence both are closely interrelated. Treatment of phimosis involves application of steroid creams or circumcision.