Balanitis: Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & FAQs

What is Balanitis?

Balanitis is pain and inflammation – usually manifested as swelling and irritation — of the glans or head of the penis. This condition – typically caused by a yeast infection — is commonly seen in uncircumcised males. Completely treatable using antibiotics, improved personal hygiene and, sometimes, circumcision. The symptoms of Balanitis include pain, redness, swelling, and itchiness on the head of the penis, and a foul-smelling discharge from under the foreskin. Those with Balanitis may also experience pain when urinating or notice bleeding around the foreskin. Although not contagious, it is recommended that you see a doctor if you suspect Balanitis.

What causes Balanitis to develop?

Balanitis — an inflammation of the head of the penis and typically seen in uncircumcised males — is most often caused by bacterial or yeast infections, chronic skin conditions, uncontrolled diabetes, improper hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases, or use of certain antibiotics. The foreskin of the penis tends to trap moisture, making it easy for microorganisms to grow there.

 What are the symptoms of Balanitis?

Symptoms of Balanitis — a condition most commonly seen in uncircumcised males — include pain, soreness, itchiness, redness on the head of the penis, as well as foul-smelling discharge from under the foreskin. Other symptoms include a tightened foreskin, swelling, and pain during urination. Seek medical help if you notice any of these.

What are the types of Balanitis?

Three types of Balanitis include:

• Zoon’s Balanitis: Symptoms include an inflamed, sore, itchy, red glans (penis head). It is commonly seen in middle-aged men.
• Circinate Balanitis: A side effect of reactive arthritis (which develops in response to an infection). Here, small lesions on the glans may appear.
• Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and Micaceous Balanitis: A rare form affecting men above 60 years, scaly warts may form on the glans.

Who is affected by Balanitis?

Balanitis usually affects uncircumcised middle-aged males. Balanitis causes include poor hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, obesity, sensitivity to chemical irritants, though in some cases, it may be due to a sexually transmitted disease. Balanitis is not contagious and is caused by a yeast or bacterial infection.

How is Balanitis diagnosed?

Diagnosing Balanitis involves a physical examination to determine a Balanitis infection. The doctor may swab the hole at the tip of the penis – known as the urethral opening – to send for lab testing. Urine and blood tests may also be necessary to check for diabetes and other infections.

How do I know if I have Balanitis?

Pain, irritation, swelling, itchiness, and redness on the glans are some signs of Balanitis. It most commonly occurs in uncircumcised middle-aged men. Causes can include improper hygiene to diabetes, STDs, antibiotic side effects, reactions to grooming products, reactive arthritis, scabies, eczema, and reactive arthritis.

What are the treatments for Balanitis?

Treatments for Balanitis range from antifungal creams (if a yeast infection causes the condition) and antibiotics (if the cause is an STD). Treatments may also suggest improved hygiene (wash and dry under the foreskin) and diabetes control. Circumcision, though, is usually recommended as this is one of the main causes of the condition.

What are the complications associated with Balanitis?

Balanitis may lead to balanoposthitis (long-term chronic inflammation) if left untreated. Furthermore, it causes Balanitis xerotica obliterans or BXO (when the skin on the glans turns white and hardens, making it impossible for urine and semen to flow through the urethra). It may also cause Phimosis (tightened foreskin).

How can you prevent Balanitis?

Proper hygiene is the first step to Balanitis prevention. Other ways include:

• Pulling back the foreskin and cleaning underneath it when bathing
• Using a condom when having sex to avoid contracting STDs
• Avoiding harsh soaps that can irritate the skin
• Ensuring the area under the foreskin is dried after urinating

Can Balanitis cure itself?

Balanitis is not a serious condition and can be treated with topical medication. The condition usually clears up within five days of starting treatment. Left untreated, it can become more painful and lead to complications such as balanoposthitis (chronic inflammation) and Phimosis (tightened foreskin).

How to tell if Balanitis is fungal or bacterial?

If the inflammation is fungal or caused by a yeast infection, the doctor may prescribe an antifungal or antibiotic medication. Balanitis symptoms include burning and itching around the penis head. If there is a bacterial infection, the doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics like erythromycin. Signs of bacterial infection include lesions in the glans.

How common is Balanitis?

Balanitis — pain and inflammation – of the penis glans and is typically seen in middle-aged men who are uncircumcised. It is known to affect approximately 1 in 30 uncircumcised males at some time in their life. It is not contagious and can be relieved with topical medication.

How to treat Balanitis?

Although Balanitis can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, it is not contagious and can be relieved with topical medication, especially if it is caused due to fungus or yeast. A bacterial infection, though, may need antibiotics. Sometimes, Balanitis requires circumcision.

Is Balanitis dangerous?

Balanitis, though uncomfortable, is not contagious or dangerous. This condition, which results in an inflammation of the head of the penis, can be relieved with topical medication. If left untreated, it may lead to Balanoposthitis (long-term chronic inflammation) or Phimosis (tightened foreskin) conditions. 

Is Balanitis an STD?

Balanitis is not a sexually transmitted disease. It is an inflammation and irritation in the glans of the penis, which is a result of a yeast, fungal or bacterial infection. It usually occurs in middle-aged men who are uncircumcised. Treatment usually involves topical medication.

Is Balanitis curable?

Balanitis, which usually occurs in middle-aged men who are uncircumcised, is a treatable condition. Some causes are improper hygiene, uncontrolled diabetes, scabies, and eczema. Treatment usually involves topical antifungal medication, antibiotics, and, in some cases, circumcision. It is not contagious.

How long does Balanitis last?

Balanitis is usually not a serious condition and can be treated with topical antibiotic medication. Balanitis, an inflammation of the penis head, usually clears up within five days of starting treatment. Left untreated, it may cause further complications. 

Is Balanitis a symptom of HIV?

A rash on the penis is one of the symptoms of HIV. But it is also one of the signs of Balanitis, a non-contagious and treatable inflammation of the penis head, commonly occurring in uncircumcised middle-aged men. It is usually the result of a yeast, fungal or bacterial infection.

Can I have sex if I have Balanitis?

Yes, you can have sex during the treatment of Balanitis as long as an STD does not cause the condition. If it is the result of an STD, there is a risk of passing it on. Balanitis is a treatable inflammation of the penis head, commonly occurring in uncircumcised middle-aged men.

How do people get Balanitis?

Balanitis is a treatable inflammation of the penis head, commonly occurring in uncircumcised middle-aged men. Common causes include poor hygiene, reaction to personal grooming products, genital yeast infection, sexually transmitted diseases, eczema, scabies, antibiotic side effects, reactive arthritis, and uncontrolled diabetes. 

What can I do to help relieve symptoms of Balanitis?

Balanitis treatment usually involves the application of topical antifungal medication, prescription of antibiotics, improved hygiene, diabetes management, and circumcision (recommended for men with a tight foreskin). Proper hygiene is the first step to preventing Balanitis. Relief usually takes three to five days from the time treatment is started.

Yashoda Hospitals is all about quality healthcare. The hospital offers sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic care in virtually every speciality. Contact us if you seek a medical opinion or would like to get in touch with a health specialist.

References:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2050116120302038

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319993#causes-and-risk-factors

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326433/#:~:text=There%20are%20three%20treatment%20options,remove%20the%20foreskin%20(circumcision).

https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=90&ContentID=P03104

Disclaimer:

“The content of this publication has been developed by a third party content providerwho are clinicians and/or medical writers and/or experts. The information contained herein is for educational purpose only and we request you to please consult a Registered Medical Practitioner or Doctor before deciding the appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.”