Balanoposthitis is inflammation of the glans, popularly called the head of the penis, and the foreskin, which is the retractable tissue that covers the glans, leading to the appearance of symptoms that can be quite uncomfortable, such as swelling of the region, redness, burning and itching..
Balanoposthitis can have several causes, however it happens more often due to infection by the fungus Candida albicans and can happen in men of any age. It is important that the cause of balanoposthitis is identified so that the most appropriate treatment is indicated and, thus, it is possible to relieve symptoms.
Main causes
Balanoposthitis can have several causes and because of that it can be classified into:
- Infectious balanoposthitis, which occurs due to infection by fungi, bacteria, parasites or viruses, the most frequently being Candida albicans , Staphylococcus sp.; Streptococcus sp . ; HPV, Treponema pallidum , Mycoplasma hominis , Mycoplasma genitalium , Trichomonas sp.; Inflammatory balanoposthitis, which occurs due to inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as lichen planus, scleroatrophic lichen, atopic dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis; Pre-neoplastic balanoposthitis, in which the symptoms of inflammation are related to the proliferation of cancer cells, and may be related to Bowen's disease and Queyrat's erythroplasia, for example.
In addition, balanoposthitis can happen due to contact with any substance that causes local irritation or allergy, such as condom latex or chlorine present in swimming pools, for example, or due to the lack of proper hygiene of the intimate region.
Balanoposthitis is more common in men who use drugs that decrease the activity of the immune system, are over 40, have not been circumcised, have multiple sexual partners or have decompensated diabetes, since in this case there is a great loss of glucose in the urine, favoring the development of microorganisms in the area.
Balanoposthitis symptoms
Balanoposthitis is mainly characterized by itching, redness and burning in the glans and foreskin. Other symptoms that may also be present are:
- Pain or discomfort when urinating; Malaise; Difficulty in exposing the glans; Local swelling; Dry skin; Emergence of penile discharge; Appearance of wounds on the penis.
The diagnosis of balanoposthitis must be made by the urologist by assessing the signs and symptoms presented by the man, as well as by assessing his clinical history and life habits. In addition, to confirm the diagnosis of balanoposthitis, it may be recommended by the doctor to carry out blood and urine tests, as well as a microbiological examination based on penile secretion or urine.
In the case of recurrent balanoposthitis, a biopsy may be indicated to check for signs and proliferation of malignant cells, in addition to surgery to remove excess skin from the foreskin, in order to facilitate hygiene and reduce local humidity.
How is the treatment
The treatment of balanoposthitis is indicated by the urologist according to the cause, most of the times the use of topical or oral antifungals or antibiotics according to the microorganism related to the inflammation. The treatment of balanoposthitis is often the same as balanitis, which is inflammation only of the head of the penis, in which the use of corticoid ointments, such as Hydrocortisone, antifungals, such as Ketoconazole, Itraconazole or Clotrimazole, or antibiotic ointments, such as Clindamycin, is indicated.. Understand more about balanitis treatment.
In the most severe cases, in which balanoposthitis is recurrent, there are associated risk factors, there is a risk of complications and the symptoms are very uncomfortable and interfere with the quality of life of the man, surgery for phimosis may be recommended, in which it is removed excess skin from the penis. See how phimosis surgery is done.
It is also important that men keep the genital area always clean and dry, avoid mechanical trauma and avoid using antiseptic soaps, as it can remove microorganisms beneficial to male health.
