Balanitis is a type of inflammation that affects the mucosa that lines the glans, better known as the head of the penis. It can be accompanied – or not – by infection and usually affects men with phimosis, although it is not a rule.
When inflammation affects the glans and foreskin simultaneously, the condition is called balanoposthitis. Although balanitis is extremely unpleasant, the good news is that there is a treatment for the problem.
Want to know the symptoms, causes and ways to treat this inflammatory disease? Read the article and learn more.
Main symptoms of balanitis
Balanitis is an inflammatory condition that generates several physical manifestations, including local pain, irritation, heat in the region, itching and peeling of the mucosa. Purulent discharge and odour under the foreskin are also common.
Usually, the head of the penis is red, ulcers may appear on the surface and swelling that causes the narrowing of the urinary canal. Another frequent sign is the swelling of the ganglia located in the groin.
Causes
Balanitis may be related to the narrowing of the foreskin, which makes it difficult to clean the glans properly and ends up favouring the appearance of local and urinary infections due to poor intimate hygiene. The main cause of inflammation in the head of the penis is precisely the inadequate hygiene of the region.
The absence of proper cleanliness contributes to the formation of smegma, a clear secretion consisting of the flaking of fats and dead cells produced by the penile glands and infected by bacteria, fungi and viruses that accumulate below the foreskin, giving rise to inflammation.
Eventually, contact with irritating substances present in creams, soaps, ointments, spermicides, oils and medications can also influence the appearance of balanitis.
Some risk factors are able to increase the propensity to balanitis, among them, it is possible to mention obesity, low immunity, use of antibiotics and type 2 diabetes, due to the high concentration of sugar in the urine. Candidiasis and sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, herpes and gonorrhoea are also considered risk factors.
Treatments for the condition
When talking about balanitis treatment, it is important to highlight that the therapeutic approach chosen must address the cause of the disease. Phimosis surgery, for example, is the best indication when narrowing the foreskin makes it impossible to expose the glans and interferes with full site hygiene.
If the condition, in addition to being inflammatory, is infectious, the urologist in Noida should advise the patient on the use of drugs (antifungals, antibiotics and antimycotics) to fight the infection. Self-medication is contraindicated in all cases. Remember that only the best urologist in Noida can recommend the type, dosage and duration of the medication.
If balanitis has been caused by irritating substances, the use of such substances should be discontinued. Antiallergics should be used when necessary. It should be noted that good hygiene, in addition to helping in prevention, contribute to treatment.
Want to know more about balanitis? I am available to answer any questions you may have and I will be very happy to answer your comments on this matter.