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Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis, posthitis is inflammation of the prepuce, and balanoposthitis is inflammation of both.
Inflammation of the head of the penis has both infectious and noninfectious causes (see Table 1: Penile and Scrotal Disorders: Causes of Penile Inflammation ). Often, no cause can be found. Balanoposthitis often occurs in patients with a tight prepuce (phimosis), which interferes with adequate hygiene. The subpreputial secretions may become infected with anaerobic bacteria, resulting in inflammation. Diabetes mellitus predisposes to balanoposthitis. Balanitis usually leads to posthitis except in circumcised patients. Chronic balanoposthitis increases the risk of balanitis xerotica obliterans, phimosis, paraphimosis, and cancer.
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Table 1
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| Causes of Penile Inflammation |
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Category
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Examples
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Infectious
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Candidiasis
Chancroid
Chlamydial urethritis
Gonococcal urethritis
Herpes simplex virus infection
Scabies
Syphilis, primary or secondary
Trichomoniasis
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Noninfectious
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Balanitis xerotica obliterans
Contact dermatitis
Fixed drug eruptions
Erythroplasia of Queyrat
Lichen planus
Psoriasis
Reactive arthritis*
Seborrheic dermatitis
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*Reactive arthritis can cause shallow, painless ulcers of the glans (balanitis circinata).
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Symptoms and Signs
Soreness, irritation, and a subpreputial discharge often occur 2 or 3 days after sexual intercourse. Phimosis, superficial ulcerations, and inguinal adenopathy may follow.
Diagnosis
Patients should be tested for the causes listed, especially candidiasis. Blood should be tested for glucose. The skin should be examined for lesions that suggest a dermatosis capable of genital involvement. History should include investigation of latex condom use.
Treatment
Hygiene measures should be instituted and specific causes treated. Subpreputial irrigation to remove secretions and detritus may be necessary. If phimosis persists after inflammation has resolved, circumcision should be considered.
Last full review/revision October 2008 by Paul D. Lui, MD
Content last modified January 2010
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