Balanoposthitis

Balanoposthitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the foreskin and glans of the penis. The foreskin or prepuce is a fold of skin that covers the glans of the penis, and the glans or head is the rounded tip of the penis. 

Affecting 12-20% of males, balanoposthitis is a common treatable condition that can occur at any age. Since the foreskin is surgically removed during circumcision, balanoposthitis occurs only in uncircumcised males. 

Several infectious and non-infectious causes can result in balanoposthitis, with infections being the most common causes. 

Infections that can cause balanoposthitis include:-

1. Penile yeast infections (the most common cause of balanoposthitis)
2. Fungal infections
3. Human papillomavirus (HPV)
4. Trichomoniasis
5. Herpes simplex
6. Chlamydia
7. Gonorrhoea
8. Primary or secondary syphilis

Non-infectious causes of balanoposthitis include:-

1. Accidents and injuries
2. Irritation from chemical exposure like chlorine in a swimming pool
3. Irritation from rubbing and scratching
4. Tight foreskin
5. Eczema
6. Chronic balanitis
7. Reactive arthritis
8. Psoriasis - a skin disorder that causes dry, itchy patches

Risk Factors of Balanoposthitis

Balanoposthitis commonly occurs in people who:-

1. Are obese
2. Have diabetes
3. Practice poor hygiene
4. Have a tight foreskin
5. Have an uncircumcised penis

Symptoms of balanoposthitis can range from mild to severe and make urination and sexual intercourse uncomfortable for the person. The common symptoms of balanoposthitis include:-

1. Discolouration of skin
2. Burning or itching under the foreskin
3. Pain during urination
4. Lichenification, or thick and leathery skin
5. Redness or tenderness
6. Unusual discharge with a foul smell
7. Skin erosion
8. Phimosis, or tight foreskin

In the diagnosis of balanoposthitis, the doctor will identify the cause of the symptoms. Your healthcare provider (urologist or dermatologist) will begin by asking you about the symptoms you are experiencing and examining your penis. Depending on your symptoms, the healthcare provider may order the following tests:-

1.  a swab from the head or foreskin of your penis to test for infection
2. a blood test to determine the glucose level
3. a urine test to diagnose diabetes
4. a biopsy 

The treatment for balanoposthitis is based on the cause of the condition. Treating the underlying cause often relieves the symptoms of balanoposthitis. Treatments include:-

1. Antibiotics: If balanoposthitis is caused because of sexually transmitted diseases, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. The antibiotic and its duration depend on the type of the infection.
2. Antifungal Creams: If the cause of balanoposthitis is a yeast infection, your doctor will recommend antifungal creams like clotrimazole and miconazole to treat the infection. You will have to apply the cream to the glans and foreskin as prescribed by your doctor. 
3. Anti-Itch Creams: Prescription and over-the-counter anti-itch creams can help relieve itchiness and redness around the penis. 
4. Steroid Creams: Doctors may recommend creams containing corticosteroids to help with inflammation and itching. 
5. Diabetes Management: If you have diabetes, your doctor will recommend a treatment plan to manage the condition, which usually involves medication and specific lifestyle changes to control the sugar level. 
6. Improved Hygiene: Regularly washing and drying the foreskin can help prevent balanoposthitis. Moreover, doctors also recommend avoiding harsh soaps and potential irritants. 

Relives from the symptoms

Balanoposthitis is generally not serious and can be treated with antibiotic creams. However, if left untreated, it can lead to:-

1. Chronic inflammation
2. Further infections
3. Tightening of skin (phimosis)
4. Difficulty urinating
5. Scarred opening of the penis
6. Reduced blood flow to the penis
7. Retraction of foreskin becomes painful