Learn About Balanitis

What is the definition of Balanitis?

Balanitis is swelling of the foreskin and head of the penis.

What are the alternative names for Balanitis?

Balanoposthitis

What are the causes of Balanitis?

Balanitis is most often caused by poor hygiene in uncircumcised men. Other possible causes include:

  • Diseases, such as reactive arthritis and lichen sclerosus atrophicus
  • Infection
  • Harsh soaps
  • Not rinsing soap off properly while bathing
  • Uncontrolled diabetes
What are the symptoms of Balanitis?

Symptoms include:

  • Redness of foreskin or penis
  • Other rashes on the head of the penis
  • Foul-smelling discharge
  • Painful penis and foreskin
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What are the current treatments for Balanitis?

Treatment depends on the cause of the balanitis.

  • Antibiotic pills or creams are used to treat balanitis that is caused by bacteria.
  • Steroid creams may help balanitis that occurs with skin diseases.
  • Anti-fungal cream will be prescribed if it is due to a fungus.

In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option. If you cannot pull back (retract) the foreskin to clean it, you may need to be circumcised.

Who are the top Balanitis Local Doctors?

Ali'i Health Center

78 -6831 Alii Dr, Suite 328, 
Kailua Kona, HI 
 5.3 mi
Accepting New Patients

Ryan Novak is an Urologist in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. Dr. Novak and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Balanitis. His top areas of expertise are Ochoa Syndrome, Neurogenic Bladder, Urinary Incontinence, Ureteroscopy, and Bladder Reconstruction. Dr. Novak is currently accepting new patients.

Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine

Hawaii Permanente Medical Group Inc

55 Maui Lani Pkwy, 
Wailuku, HI 
 91.7 mi
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Paul Grandon is an Internal Medicine provider in Wailuku, Hawaii. Dr. Grandon and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Balanitis. His top areas of expertise are Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, Familial Hypertension, and Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young. Dr. Grandon is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
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Family Medicine
Family Medicine

Community Clinic Of Maui, Inc.

1881 Nani St, 
Wailuku, HI 
 92.1 mi
Accepting New Patients

Kathleen Kearns is a Family Medicine provider in Wailuku, Hawaii. Dr. Kearns and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Balanitis. Her top areas of expertise are Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young, Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism. Dr. Kearns is currently accepting new patients.

What is the outlook (prognosis) for Balanitis?

Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with medicated creams and good hygiene. Surgery is not needed most of the time.

What are the possible complications of Balanitis?

Long-term swelling or infection can:

  • Scar and narrow the opening of the penis (meatal stricture)
  • Make it difficult and painful to retract the foreskin to expose the tip of the penis (a condition called phimosis)
  • Make it difficult to move the foreskin over the head of the penis (a condition called paraphimosis)
  • Affect the blood supply to the tip of the penis
  • Increase the risk of penile cancer
When should I contact a medical professional for Balanitis?

Tell your provider if you have any signs of balanitis, including swelling of the foreskin or pain.

How do I prevent Balanitis?

Good hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. When you bathe, pull back the foreskin to clean and dry the area under it.

What are the latest Balanitis Clinical Trials?
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Who are the sources who wrote this article ?

Published Date: July 01, 2023
Published By: Kelly L. Stratton, MD, FACS, Associate Professor, Department of Urology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

What are the references for this article ?

Augenbraun MH. Genital skin and mucous membrane lesions. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 106.

McLarney RM, Heymann WR. Balanitis. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Coulson IH, Murrell D, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22.

Virasoro R, Jordan GH, McCammon KA. Surgery for benign disorders of the penis and urethra. In: Partin AW, Domochowski RR, Kavoussi LR, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh-Wein Urology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 82.