Balanitis: Types, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Prevention

Balanitis is a common condition in which the head of the penis gets swollen or inflamed. Although it is not an extremely serious condition and it requires medical diagnosis and treatment by a practicing doctor. Certainly, balanitis is more common among men, it can occur in women as well, which causes inflammation of the clitoris.

Types:

Zoon’s balanitis: It makes the foreskin and the head of the penis swell and is common among uncircumcised men.
Circinate balanitis occurs due to reactive arthritis and can be identified by asymptomatic superficial lesions on the glans.
Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis: Causes small lesions to grow on the head of the penis. It also makes the skin scaly and is common among uncircumcised men.

Symptoms:

Swelling and inflammation of the glans
Lesions on the head of the penis
Tight foreskin
Pain during urination
Scaly and rough skin
Itchy skin
Redness
Foul odor

Causes:

Balanitis is usually caused as a result of an infection caused by the fungus Candida albicans. In other cases, bacterial infections and sexually transmitted infections can also be the cause. The following reasons are the major causes:

Unprotected intercourse.
Poor hygiene.
Tight foreskin.
Use of a certain type of condoms, lubricants, perfumes, detergents, soaps, etc.
Diabetes/excessive glucose in the body adds to the spreading of the infection quickly by helping the bacteria to multiply.

Treatment:

A doctor should be consulted in the first place if you have such symptoms.

Fungal infection:

If a fungus causes the infection, the doctor is likely to suggest an antifungal cream like clotrimazole and will restrict the patient from using any irritants.
Bacterial infection:

For curing a bacterial infection, the patient might be given antibiotics such as penicillin or erythromycin.
Recurrence:

If the condition keeps recurring, the doctor might prescribe a circumcision (An operation conducted to remove the penile foreskin).