Balanitis: Common Penile Inflammation, Causes, and Prevention
Balanitis, an inflammation of the glans penis, is a common condition that mainly affects uncircumcised individuals. It can also cause inflammation of the foreskin, known as posthitis. The condition is not serious but can cause discomfort and is often preventable with good hygiene in the genital area.
Balanitis can manifest in various ways, with symptoms including swelling, redness, soreness, pain, itching, unusual penile discharge, sores, and a foul smell. There are three main types: Zoon's balanitis, Circinate balanitis, and Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis. Those at risk include children under 4, uncircumcised middle-aged adults, and individuals with phimosis.
The primary cause of balanitis is irritation in the genital area, often due to a warm, moist environment under clothing, mechanical or chemical irritants, and infectious agents like bacteria (Enterococci, Staphylococci, Streptococci, Gardnerella) or fungi (especially Candida albicans). Other causes can include allergic reactions, sexually transmitted infections, scabies, certain medical conditions, and injuries. Improper hygiene, such as not washing enough, over-washing, or using irritating products, can also lead to balanitis. It's important to note that while balanitis itself is not contagious, the infections and mites that can cause it can be transmitted to others.
Balanitis, while not typically serious, can cause discomfort and should be treated promptly. Good hygiene, including regular and gentle cleaning of the genital area, can help prevent the condition. If you experience symptoms of balanitis, it's crucial to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Read also:
- Inadequate supply of accessible housing overlooks London's disabled community
- Strange discovery in EU: Rabbits found with unusual appendages resembling tentacles on their heads
- Duration of a Travelling Blood Clot: Time Scale Explained
- Fainting versus Seizures: Overlaps, Distinctions, and Proper Responses
