What is balanoposthitis?
Balanoposthitis is the inflammation of the ball of the penis and can occur at any age. Often, at the same time, there is also inflammation of the foreskin (the skin that covers the glans). The inflammation occurs more often in boys under the age of four and in uncircumcised men.
Genital herpes is a recurring vesicular rash of the skin and mucous membranes, usually preceded by precursor symptoms such as itching, burning and stinging.
What causes balanoposthitis?
There are many different causes that can cause balanoposthitis:
- Poor hygiene of the area: Poor hygiene combined with a tight foreskin, which prevents exposure of the glans and removal of sebum, is the most common cause.
- Non-sexually transmitted infections: There are various germs and fungi, which are normally present on the skin, but in some cases they can overgrow and cause balanoposthitis. The most common fungus that causes a problem is Candida, which also often causes sore throats in women.
To develop microbial balanoposthitis, there is often a predisposing factor:
- Pre-existing aseptic inflammation of the area from some allergy or irritation
- Diabetes
- Phimosis, which prevents the removal of sebum and good hygiene of the area
- Sexually Transmitted Infections: There are several sexually transmitted infections that cause balanoposthitis, such as genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea.
- Allergies-irritations: The skin of the ankle is particularly sensitive, and contact with some substances can cause an allergy or irritation, such as:
– Urine and sebum remaining under the foreskin can cause inflammation.
– Certain soaps, laundry detergents and fabric softeners.
– Condoms and lubricants used during sexual intercourse.
How is balanoposthitis diagnosed?
Usually, a clinical examination by your doctor is enough to establish the diagnosis. The possible cause that caused it in many cases can be determined from the image of the ballan. In some cases, if the doctor is not sure of the cause, he may suggest one of the following:
- Culture from the area of the glans to find the microbe causing the infection.
- Check for diabetes mellitus if it is suspected that it may be behind balanoposthitis.
- Screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
- Rarely, when the clinical picture persists, material for biopsy can be taken from the area of the lesion.
Treatment
Visit your dermatologist immediately, for the diagnosis and the administration of the appropriate medication