What is balanitis?

Introduction
Balanitis is the rare inflammation of the glans penis. It can occur in both circumcised and uncircumcised men. Balanitis involving the foreskin is called balanoposthitis. Balanitis is not sexually transmitted. It usually causes redness and/or blotchy rash on the glans and sometimes with a discharge. The condition may be itchy or uncomfortable but often feels completely normal. Young boys generally are affected only if they have a very tight foreskin that is difficult to pull back which is called phimosis For more information on phimosis, please see the article on phimosis.

Cause
Poor personal hygiene is the most common cause of balanitis. If the foreskin is tight, secretions can accumulate which provides an environment where germs can flourish. Laundry detergent from clothing can cause further irritation and swelling of the areas. Diabetes can make balanitis more likely, especially if the blood sugar is poorly controlled.

Treatment
If your problem is caused by a yeast infection, you should use an antifungal cream. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) are very effective over-the-count medications. Apply it to the affected areas three times daily for 10 days. The basis of treatment is to keep the foreskin clean and dry. Men should be taught to pull back the foreskin and wash with clear water.

• When you have your daily shower, slide your foreskin back towards your body until the glans is completely uncovered. Do not use any force. If there is any resistance or discomfort, check with a doctor.
• Wash the end of your penis and foreskin thoroughly using warm water only. Alternatively, sorbolene and glycerin cream may be used as a substitute for soap.
• After washing, dry the end of the penis and foreskin thoroughly. If convenient, sit with the glans exposed to the air for 10 minutes. More thorough drying can be achieved by using a fan or hair dryer.
• After drying, replace the foreskin.
• When you urinate, slide the foreskin back so that urine does not wet the foreskin. After urination, dry the end of the penis and replace the foreskin.
• After sex, wash the penis as described above. Make sure the glans is completely dry before replacing the foreskin.

When to see the doctor

• The penis continues to swell and becomes more painful.
• You notice a discharge from the tip of the penis.
• It does not respond to hygiene measures and an over-the-counter antifungal medication.
• The balanitis keeps returning.
• You have diabetes, because balanitis may be a signal that your blood sugar is not well controlled.
• Urination becomes impossible (this is an emergency).

More Reading
http://www.stdservices.on.net/std/balanitis/facts.htm
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9105/25828/210577.html?d=dmtHealthAZ
http://www.surgerydoor.co.uk/medcons/detail.asp?Recno=23069281