Today, our topic for discussion will be balanoposthitis.The above term itself indicates the simultaneous occurrence of two inflammatory processes in the male body - the foreskin (balanitis) plus the glans penis (posthitis).
Symptoms of balanoposthitis
Balanoposthitis is characterized by erythema, itching,swelling, irritation, pain, maceration, phimosis, dysuria (difficulty urinating), and sometimes bleeding.
The disease begins with bladder-pustular lesions that burst, increasing the likelihood of erosion covered with scales. In some cases, shallow ulcers occur.
Causes of balanoposthitis
Balanoposthitis can be caused by several factors and it is rather difficult to single out the root cause. The disease is favored by the tightly fitting structure of the foreskin. As a result of the lack of hygiene, bacteria can accumulate between the leaves of the foreskin and provoke inflammation, and even tissue necrosis. Balanoposthitis can also result from Candida Albicans infection, chlamydial urethritis (chlamydia), trichomoniasis, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis or scabies.
Among other predisposing factors:
- psoriasis;
- lichen planus;
- seborrheic dermatitis;
- Keir erythroplasia (a malignant disease that affects the foreskin and glans penis is a potentially dangerous precancerous form).
Balanoposthitis is a wake-up call for diagnosing diabetes. Thus, the factors favorable to the development of the disease are numerous and diverse: allergies, irritation, infections, metabolic and immunological causes.
Classification of balanoposthitis
Balanoposthitis are classified depending on the provoking factor. Allergic balanoposthitis occurs against contact dermatitis caused by piercing, latex (condoms), cosmetic or pharmaceutical substances that have been applied to the genitals. Even the local use of contraceptive suppositories and partner creams in the vagina can be too aggressive and cause allergic balanoposthitis.
Frequent sex can lead to microtrauma, accompanied by irritation, burning sensation, erythema and itching.
Infectious balanoposthitis covers most sexually transmitted diseases.
How to treat balanoposthitis
Treatment of the disease is aimed at eliminating the causative factor: infectious, inflammatory or allergic. After mycological and bacteriological studies, specialists prescribe appropriate therapy.
As a rule, the use of metronidazole and clotrimazole topical is required, even steroid creams can be useful, especially if contact dermatitis is suspected. When balanoposthitis is difficult to treat, the doctor may recommend circumcision of the patient.
An important condition for the prevention of disease and the prevention of relapse is proper sexual hygiene.