Thursday, February 14, 2008

Balanitis

An inflammation of the glans penis or the head of the penis; sometimes the foreskin can also be affected. This kind of condition is common among men who are not circumsized and do not practice proper hygiene for themselves

Kinds

Zoon’s balanitis - also known as Balanitis Circumscripta Plasmacellularis or plasma cell balanitis (PCB) a rare and benign penile dermatosis. Circumcision is often the best treatment.

Circinate balanitis - also known as balanitis circinata, a serpiginous annular dermatitis associated with Reiter’s syndrome

Causes

Lack of aeration and irritation due to smegma and discharge surrounding the glans penis causes inflammation and also edema. It is common and can occur at any age. It happens more often in men who haven’t been circumcised.

Diabetes can make balanitis more likely to occur if the blood sugar is poorly controlled. Sometimes an existing skin condition such as psoriasis may cause or be mistaken for balanitis.

Symptoms

Some symptoms include:

* red skin around the head of the penis
* swelling of the head of the penis
* irritation, and soreness of the head of the penis
* thick, lumpy discharge under the foreskin
* pain when passing urine.

These symptoms can also be a sign of another condition, such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or thrush. The skin of the glans is very sensitive and can be easily damaged, which may lead to infection.


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