Balanitis - Find a Doctor and Get Information

Balanitis refers to inflammatory processes affecting the glans penis, which may also involve the foreskin. Men with this condition usually experience pain or itching. The causes of inflammation of the glans are classified as either infectious or non-infectious.

In many cases, the inflammation of the glans spreads to the foreskin. This is referred to as balanoposthitis. Uncircumcised men are generally at a higher risk of developing balanitis.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the glans and foreskin

Inflammation of the glans can have various causes:

• Poor genital hygiene: A substance called “smegma”—a mixture of bacteria, sebum deposits, and dead skin cells—accumulates on the glans and under the foreskin. This can contribute to balanitis.
• Overly aggressive cleaning of the glans and foreskin: For example, using irritating cleansing lotions or overdoing the frequency of intimate hygiene can irritate the glans to the point where these inflammatory processes occur.
• Allergic reactions to detergents, lotions, or condoms can trigger the condition.

In addition to these causes, infectious processes may also play a role:

• Fungal skin infections, which are most commonly transmitted through sexual intercourse
• Certain viruses, such as the herpes virus or papillomaviruses (HPV)
• Gonococci or Treponema pallidum (the causative agent of syphilis)
• Skin conditions, such as psoriasis
• Reiter’s disease, which—usually following intestinal or urethral infections—leads to inflammatory processes throughout the body
• Diabetes mellitus—sugar-containing urine may be a trigger

Especially when human papillomaviruses are involved, balanitis can be persistent and protracted.

If symptoms such as pain, itching, or changes in the appearance of the skin on the glans and foreskin occur, you should see a urologist. During the consultation, the urologist will first ask about your symptoms and how long they have persisted.

If infectious balanitis is suspected, the doctor may take a swab and examine it under a microscope. The swab can be taken from the glans, the foreskin, and the opening of the urethra. This allows for the reliable detection of certain fungal cultures, enabling the treatment to be adjusted accordingly.

If a malignant cause is suspected—which is, however, very rare—the urologist may also order a biopsy.

Effective treatment first requires a thorough diagnosis. Identifying the cause of the glans inflammation is of the utmost importance.

If, for example, fungal infections are responsible, the underlying causes and symptoms can be alleviated simply by applying an ointment. If mechanical irritation is the cause, corticosteroid-containing ointments can curb the inflammatory process and reduce symptoms. If balanitis is caused by a serious underlying condition such as diabetes mellitus, treatment may also involve oral medication.

Since circumcised men are statistically less likely to develop balanitis, circumcision is also a possible treatment option for frequently recurring cases.

Treatment methods for balanitis:

• Sitz baths
• Anti-inflammatory ointments or tinctures
• Ointments to treat fungal infections
• Oral medication

Balanitis usually heals without complications if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. In most cases, improved genital hygiene and the application of ointments are sufficient.

If treatment is delayed—or not sought at all—the inflammation can spread to the urinary tract. Therefore, those affected should see a urologist at the first signs of the condition to prevent it from spreading.