Balanitis Disease

BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Balanitis: inflammation of glans penis
Posthitis: inflammation of the foreskin
System(s) affected: Skin/Exocrine, Renal/Urologic
Genetics: N/A
Incidence/Prevalence in USA: N/A
Predominant age: Adult
Predominant sex: Male only

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Pain, penile
Dysuria
Drainage, site of infection
Erythema
Prepuce swelling
Ulceration
Plaques

CAUSES

Allergic reaction (condom latex, contraceptive jelly)
Fungal (Candida albicans) and bacterial infections (Borrelia vincentii, Streptococci)
Fixed drug eruption (sulfa, tetracycline, barbital)
Plasma cell infiltration (Zoon's balanitis)
Autodigestion by activated transplant exocrine enzymes

RISK FACTORS

Presence of foreskin
Oral antibiotics in male infants can predispose to Candida balanitis

DIAGNOSIS

LABORATORY

Microbiology culture
Wet mount
Serology for syphilis
Serum glucose

Drugs that may alter lab results: None
Disorders that may alter lab results: None

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Plasma cells infiltration with Zoon's balanitis

SPECIAL TESTS

Biopsy, if balanitis persistent

IMAGING

N/A

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

Biopsy, if persistent

TREATMENT

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Outpatient

GENERAL MEASURES

Warm compresses or sitz baths
Local hygiene

SURGICAL MEASURES

Consider circumcision as preventative measure

ACTIVITY

No limitations

DIET

No special diet

PATIENT EDUCATION

Need for appropriate hygiene
Avoidance of known allergens

FOLLOW UP

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE

Proper hygiene and avoidance of allergens
Circumcision

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Meatal stenosis
Premalignant changes from chronic irritations
Urinary tract infections

EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS

With appropriate treatment it should resolve

MISCELLANEOUS

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Diabetes mellitus

AGE-RELATED FACTORS

Pediatric: Oral antibiotics predispose infants to Candida balanitis
Geriatric: Condom catheters can predispose to balanitis
Others: N/A

PREGNANCY

N/A

OTHER NOTES

N/A

ABBREVIATIONS

N/A

Clinical Investigations

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY

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