Acorn inflammation - find a doctor and information

Glans inflammation, also known as balanitis, is often responsible for pain and itching on the penis in the glans area. The glans can not only be painful, but also itchy, affected by a rash or swollen. If treatment is carried out without complications, it is possible to heal without any consequences.

You can find out which doctor treats glans inflammation and further information about the treatment here.

What exactly is balanitis?

Balanitis refers to inflammatory processes on the glans, which can also affect the foreskin. The man usually feels pain or itching with this clinical picture. A distinction is made between infectious and non-infectious causes of inflammation of the glans.

In many cases, the inflammation of the glans also spreads to the foreskin. In this case, it is referred to as balanoposthitis. Uncircumcised men are generally more likely to suffer from glans inflammation.

Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the glans and foreskin

What causes glans inflammation?

Glans inflammation can have various causes:

• Lack of intimate hygiene: so-called "smegma" - a mixture of bacteria, sebum deposits and skin flakes - forms on the glans and under the foreskin. This can promote balanitis.
• Cleaning the glans and foreskintoo aggressively: Anyone who uses irritating washing lotions, for example, or overdoes it with the frequency of intimate hygiene, can irritate the glans to such an extent that these inflammatory processes occur.
• Allergic reactions to detergents, lotions or condoms can trigger the clinical picture.

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

• Skin fungi, which are usually transmitted through sexual intercourse
• Certain viruses, such as the herpes virus or papillomaviruses (HPV)
• Gonococci or Treponema pallidum (the causative agent of syphilis)
• Skin diseases, such as psoriasis
• Reiter's disease, which causes inflammatory processes all over the body - usually after intestinal or urethral infections
• Diabetes mellitus - the sugary urine may be a trigger

Especially when papillomaviruses are involved, acorn inflammation can be persistent and long-lasting.

How is glans inflammation diagnosed?

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

If infectious balanitis is suspected, the doctor can take a smear and examine it under a microscope. The swab can be taken from the glans, foreskin and the entrance to the urethra. This allows certain fungal cultures to be detected very well so that treatment can be adapted accordingly.

If a malignant cause is suspected, which is very rarely the case, the urologist can also arrange for a biopsy.

How is glans inflammation treated?

Targeted treatment first requires a thorough diagnosis. Clarifying the cause of glans inflammation is of the utmost importance.

If, for example, fungal infections are responsible, the causes and symptoms can be alleviated by applying an ointment. If there is mechanical irritation, ointments containing cortisone can curb the inflammatory process and reduce the symptoms. If balanitis is caused by a serious underlying disease such as diabetes mellitus, treatment can also take the form of tablets.

As circumcised men are statistically less at risk of developing balanitis, circumcision is also a possible treatment option for frequently recurring conditions.

Treatment methods for balanitis:

• Sitz baths
• Anti-inflammatory ointments or tinctures
• Ointments to combat a fungal infection
• Administering tablets

Prognosis and possible dangers

As a rule, balanitis heals without consequences if diagnosed in good time and treated appropriately. In most cases, improved intimate hygiene and the application of ointments will help.

If treatment is delayed - or not provided at all - the inflammation can spread to the urinary tract. Those affected should therefore consult a urologist as soon as the first signs appear in order to prevent the disease from spreading.