Balanoposthitis
Balanitis is swelling of the foreskin and head of the penis.
Balanitis is most often caused by poor hygiene in uncircumcised men. Other possible causes include:
Symptoms include:
Your health care provider may diagnose the problem with only an exam. However, you may need skin tests for viruses, fungi, or bacteria. A skin biopsy may also be needed. An exam by a dermatologist may be helpful.
Treatment depends on the cause of the balanitis.
In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option. If you cannot pull back (retract) the foreskin to clean it, you may need to be circumcised.
Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with medicated creams and good hygiene. Surgery is not needed most of the time.
Long-term swelling or infection can:
Tell your provider if you have any signs of balanitis, including swelling of the foreskin or pain.
Good hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. When you bathe, pull back the foreskin to clean and dry the area under it.
Augenbraun MH. Genital skin and mucous membrane lesions. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.
McLarney RM, Heymann WR. Balanitis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell D, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22.
Virasoro R, Jordan GH, McCammon KA. Surgery for benign disorders of the penis and urethra. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 82.
BACK TO TOPReview Date: 7/1/2023
Reviewed By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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