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Balanitis

 

The balanitis is the inflammation of the glans , the end of the penis and when swelling also affects the foreskin is called balanoposthitis; often both inflammations occur together. It is a fairly common condition in men of all ages, in fact, it constitutes 10 or 11% of genitourinary disorders in men. It can be caused by various causes, as we will see below, and depending on it, a medical or other treatment must be established. Therefore, it is advisable to be attentive to the symptoms and go to the doctor or urologist to undergo the appropriate tests and initiate the appropriate treatment in each case.

Causes and types of balanitis

As we have already advanced, the inflammation of the glans can be caused by different causes, although among all of them, the most common are poor or poor hygiene of the genital area and the use of soaps, intimate hygiene products or condoms that are irritating to the skin of the penis due to the chemicals they contain. However, in addition to these, other possible causes of balanitis are the following:

  • Yeast infections, such as the one caused by the yeast candida albicans . In this case, the balanitis is called candidal balanitis.
  • Bacterial infections: syphilis , vaginalis, T. vaginalis, group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus .
  • Virus infections, such as that caused by the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or the herpes virus.
  • Dermatologic conditions, such as psoriasis , lichen sclerosus, pemphigus , Zoon’s balanitis, circinate balanitis, Bowen’s disease, or Queyrat’s erythroplasia (squamous cell carcinomas in situ ).
  • Trauma or blows to the genital area.
  • Consumption or use of some drugs.
  • Systemic diseases, such as diabetes or HIV.

Symptoms of balanitis

The signs and symptoms of balanitis can vary considerably from one male to another depending on the origin of the inflammation, but generally when this condition is suffered, manifestations such as:

  • Red, irritated and inflamed foreskin and glans.
  • Discomfort, pain and itching in the foreskin and glans.
  • Eruptions on the glans or the appearance of red sores.
  • Abnormal discharge from the penis, discharge of whitish and foul-smelling fluid.
  • Discomfort when urinating
  • Difficulty or inability to retract the foreskin.

Diagnosis of balanitis

First, to diagnose balanitis and its cause, the doctor or urologist will carry out an evaluation of the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination of the genital area. In addition, urine and blood tests and a balanopreputial smear can be performed to check for a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

Only in those cases in which the specialist has doubts about the tumor origin of the lesions in the explored area, a skin biopsy will be performed under local anesthesia.

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Balanitis treatment

The treatment of balanitis will depend in each case on the factor or condition that is causing the inflammation and irritation of the glans.

When balanitis is caused by fungal infections, the application of antifungal creams is prescribed to help stop the excessive growth and proliferation of the fungus responsible for the infection. Likewise, if balanitis is the result of a bacterial infection, the use of antibiotic pills or creams will be recommended, which will be selected depending on the causative germ.

On the other hand, if the inflammation of the glans is due to some type of skin or dermatological condition, the doctor may prescribe the use of steroid creams to relieve and reduce the symptoms.

In some more serious cases, circumcision may be the best option, especially in those men who cannot retract their foreskin to clean properly.

In addition to the treatment indicated for each case, it is very important to take extreme measures of intimate hygiene. It is usually recommended to wash the genital area with warm water or using a physiological saline about twice a day and avoid the use of soaps, hygiene products or substances that can aggravate the irritation of the glans while it is inflamed. To properly clean the area, the foreskin should be retracted to be able to clean the glans well and prevent dirt and urine from accumulating on it and the frenulum. Next, the area should be gently dried with a clean towel. Excessive or rough washing is also not recommended, as it could cause further irritation and worsen injuries.

As a natural treatment for balanitis, washing the genital area with chamomile infusions or with a mixture of water and apple cider vinegar can be very soothing. These natural remedies are great for soothing irritation, itching, stinging, and other symptoms of balanitis.

How to prevent balanitis

Proper hygiene is essential to prevent disease.

To prevent balanitis, basically the following recommendations should be taken into account :

  • Maintain good hygiene in the genital area, using specific and hypoallergenic soaps for this area, and trying to clean the entire glans very well.
  • Avoid the use of irritant and aggressive soaps, detergents, intimate perfumes.
  • Make sure that the genital area is dry and not damp.
  • Use a condom in all sexual relations, whether vaginal, anal or oral.
  • Avoid high-risk sexual practices.
  • Temporarily suspend sexual intercourse in case of any type of infection to avoid possible contagion

 

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Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of ​​Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.

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