The foreskin of the penis and the glans penis (the cone-shaped end of the penis) can be inflamed.
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis.
Posthitis is inflammation of the foreskin.
Balanoposthitis is inflammation of both the glans penis and the foreskin.
Men who develop balanoposthitis have an increased chance of later developing phimosis or paraphimosis Phimosis and Paraphimosis Phimosis and paraphimosis can develop only in uncircumcised males. In phimosis, the foreskin is tight and cannot be retracted over the glans penis (the cone-shaped end of the penis). This condition... read more 
(problems related to the foreskin) and penile cancer Penile Cancer Cancers of the penis are usually types of skin cancers. Skin cancer can occur anywhere on the penis, but it most commonly occurs at the glans penis (the cone-shaped end of the penis), especially... read more 
.
Causes of Penile Inflammation
Inflammation of the penis can be caused by infections, such as yeast infections, sexually transmitted diseases Overview of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Sexually transmitted (venereal) diseases are infections that are typically, but not exclusively, passed from person to person through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases may be caused... read more 
(STDs), and scabies Scabies Infestation Scabies is a parasitic skin infestation caused by mites. Scabies usually spreads from person to person through physical contact. People with scabies have severe itching, even though there are... read more 
. When secretions become trapped under the foreskin, they may become infected, leading to posthitis.
Noninfectious causes include skin disorders, including allergic reactions Contact Dermatitis Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by direct contact with a particular substance. The rash may be itchy, is confined to a specific area, and often has clearly defined boundaries... read more 
(for example, to a latex condom or to birth control liquids or gels), lichen planus Lichen planus of the penis Various abnormalities can affect the skin of the penis. Some are bodywide skin disorders that affect the penis as well as other parts of the skin. Examples include psoriasis, lichen planus,... read more 
, psoriasis Psoriasis Psoriasis is a chronic, recurring disease that causes one or more raised, red patches that have silvery scales and a distinct border between the patch and normal skin. A problem with the immune... read more 
, seborrheic dermatitis Seborrheic Dermatitis Seborrheic dermatitis is chronic inflammation that causes yellow, greasy scales and dandruff to form on areas of the skin that have a high number of oil glands such as the scalp and face, along... read more 
, and balanitis xerotica obliterans Balanitis xerotica obliterans Various abnormalities can affect the skin of the penis. Some are bodywide skin disorders that affect the penis as well as other parts of the skin. Examples include psoriasis, lichen planus,... read more .
Balanoposthitis often begins with balanitis. It develops more often if
Symptoms of Penile Inflammation
Inflammation of the penis causes
Pain
Itching
Redness
Swelling
Discharge from underneath the foreskin
Often, the symptoms begin within two or three days after sexual intercourse. Sores on the penis and swollen lymph nodes in the groin can develop.
Diagnosis of Penile Inflammation
A doctor's evaluation
Doctors usually diagnose penile inflammation by examining the penis and genital area. Doctors may ask about whether the man has used latex condoms.
Blood sugar may be measured to test for diabetes, and tests for yeast infections Candidiasis Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by several species of the yeast Candida, especially Candida albicans. The most common type of candidiasis is a superficial infection of the mouth, vagina... read more 
and sexually transmitted diseases Overview of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Sexually transmitted (venereal) diseases are infections that are typically, but not exclusively, passed from person to person through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted diseases may be caused... read more (STDs) may be done.
Treatment of Penile Inflammation
Good hygiene
Treatment of the cause of inflammation
Sometimes, circumcision
Sometimes doctors need to clean out the area under the foreskin and instruct the man about good hygiene. The cause of the inflammation is treated. Circumcision may be done if the foreskin remains too tight around the glans.
