Related articles: Balanopostitis
Definition
Balanoposthitis is an inflammation that affects the glans (balanitis) and the foreskin (postitis), two structures present at the distal end of the penis.
This inflammatory process recognizes irritative causes (eg trauma or rubbing of the penis against too tight clothing) and infectious (eg, candidiasis, chlamydial or gonococcal urethritis, infection with herpes simplex virus, scabies, soft ulcer, syphilis and trichomoniasis). Furthermore, balanoposthitis can also be of an allergic nature (eczematic contact balanopostitis associated, for example, with the use of latex condoms), degenerative (balanite xerotica obliterans and erythroplasia of Queyrat) or immunological (lichen planus, psoriasis and reactive arthritis) .
Balanoposthitis often occurs in patients with phimosis (stenotic foreskin), a condition that does not allow adequate hygiene. The disorder can also be observed during metabolic diseases (eg diabetes mellitus). Sometimes, however, there is no obvious cause.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Dysuria
- Pain in the penis
- Testicular pain
- Edema
- Pus emission from the penis
- Erythema
- Skin erosion
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Curved penis
- Urethral leaks, sometimes visible only after squeezing the glans
- itch
- Urethral itching
- Strangury
- Skin Ulcers
Further indications
In most cases, balanoposthitis occurs 2-3 days after sexual intercourse, with pain in the penis, irritation (local redness and permanent swelling of the glans) and drip of serous or purulent secretions from the preputial sac.
Symptoms such as dysuria (painful and difficult emission of the urine), itching, flaking and swelling of the foreskin may also appear. Over time, inflammation can lead to local erosion and / or ulceration and inguinal adenopathies. Balanoposthitis often involves the balanopreputial sulcus, an area particularly exposed to maceration and superinfection.
Chronic inflammation gradually leads to fibrosis of the structures involved and increases the risk of balanitis xerotica obliterans, phimosis and paraphimosis. Sometimes, balanoposthitis can predispose to the development of tumors.
The treatment is aimed at the specific causes of inflammation. Antifungal medications, antibiotics, antihistamines and, if you are not dealing with an infection, may be prescribed corticosteroids. At the same time, proper hygiene measures will have to be taken. Sub-partial irrigation may be necessary to remove secretions and concretions.
In patients with persistent phimosis, the possibility of circumcision should be considered after resolution of the inflammation.
