Although it can be uncomfortable and occasionally painful, balanitis, which is an inflammation of the glans or the head of the penis brought on by an infection or another factor, is typically not serious.
Boys under the age of four are most likely to develop it, and although uncircumcised men are most at risk, it can occur at any age.
As the term “balanitis” is used to describe an inflammation of the clitoris, women can also experience it.
SYMPTOMS OF BALANITIS
- Glans skin that is taut and shiny
- Redness around the glans
- glans that are inflamed, sore, itchy, or otherwise irritated
- an under-the-skin discharge that is thick and lumpy
- An unpleasant smell
- inability to pull back a tight foreskin
- Painful urination
- A penis-close cluster of swollen glands
- Sores on the glans
2 to 3 days after having sex, there may be soreness, irritability, and discharge under the foreskin.
TYPES OF BALANITIS
Balanitis comes in three different forms:
Zoon’s balanitis :Men who are middle-aged to older and who have not had their navels cut often experience foreskin and penis head inflammation.
Circinate balanitis :is typically brought on by reactive arthritis.
Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous balanitis:skin lesions on the penis head that are scaly and wart-like in appearance.
CAUSES OF BALANITIS
Candida, a fungus that causes thrush, is most frequently contracted through infection with Candida albicans.
Balanitis may also result from the following infections:
- Under the foreskin’s moist, warm environment, bacteria can quickly multiply.
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)-Chlamydia, syphilis, and the Herpes simplex virus are some examples.
SKIN CONDITIONSmall, itchy, pink or purple spots on the arms or legs are symptoms of the skin condition lichen planus.
- Skin conditions like eczema, which can cause dry, cracked, and itchy skin, can be chronic or long-lasting.
- a skin condition that causes dry, scaly skin
- Dermatitis is an allergic reaction or direct contact-related skin inflammation.
Balanitis and skin cancer have very infrequently been connected.
Irritationinflammation of the glans’ skin is possible.
Irritants include:
- spermicides, lubricants, and chemicals used in condoms
- Fabric conditioners, detergents, and washing powders that haven’t been thoroughly rinsed
- Shower gels and soaps with fragrance
Daily washing helps lower the risk, but excessive genital soap-washing may make the condition worse. Carefully drying the penis after each wash helps ensure that there is no moisture left under the foreskin.
Diabetes-increases the risk of infections, particularly if blood sugar levels are not properly managed. If glucose is present in urine, some of it may remain on the foreskin.
Phimosis-Phimosis, which is uncommon in teenage and adult males, occurs when the foreskin is too tight, making it difficult or impossible to retract it or pull it back fully over the glans. Sweat, urine, and other substances can accumulate under the foreskin, causing irritation and allowing germs to multiply.
A woman with vaginal thrush can infect a man, increasing the risk of developing balanitis. Other risk factors include unprotected sex, bad hygiene, and using a urinary catheter.
COMPLICATIONS OF BALANITIS
Although complications are rare, balanitis is a simple condition to treat.
These may include:
- a penis opening scarred by scarring
- insufficient blood flow to the penis
- It hurts when you retract your foreskin.
Balanitis that has gone untreated for a long time can cause the foreskin to not retract.
The prognosis will be better if treatment is sought out earlier.
PREVENTION OF BALANITIS
Daily washing, with special focus on cleaning the penis, is imperative in order to prevent infections, as should the foreskin and head of the penis.
Here are some recommendations for good hygiene:
- The glans should be visible by pulling back the foreskin.
- Soap should not be used as it may irritate the area and should only be used to thoroughly and gently wash the area.
- Any neutral non-soap cleanser, including aqueous creams, may be used, but it must be thoroughly rinsed off.
- The glans must be completely dry before the foreskin is replaced.
- After having sex, men who frequently experience balanitis should wash their penis.
- Each day, clean your penis.
- Anything that might irritate the skin shouldn’t be used, including soap and bubble bath.
- Gently pat the foreskin dry after urinating.
Avoiding irritants
There are condoms for sensitive skin that can be used if symptoms seem to be caused by lubricants or condom-related chemicals.
People who work with chemicals or have traces of potential irritants on their hands should wash them before using the restroom. It is best to use non-biological washing powder for underwear and to ensure that all the detergent is rinsed out.
HOMOEOPATHIC MEDICINE FOR BALANITIS
APIS MEL :Given for inflamed foreskin accompanied by intense burning and stinging pains, there may be a thin discharge under the foreskin, and it is useful for balanitis with marked inflammation and swelling of the glans. It is also useful for painful urination with thin discharge.
CALADIUM :Very helpful for foreskin that is swollen and sore, especially along the margins. There is biting pain while urinating. Given in cases of balanitis with marked redness of glans. Glans covered in reddish spots and there is marked dryness.
MERC SOL :Useful for balanitis, which causes the glans and the prepuce to swell noticeably and become painfully sensitive. There may be small vesicles present on the glans and the prepuce, and these vesicles may ooze fluid while burning is also experienced.
RHUSTOX :Useful for balanitis, which causes a dark red swelling of the glans and prepuce that is accompanied by intense pain. The prepuce also tingles and itches, and the medication is also given for moist vesicles.
CINNABARIS :useful for balanitis, which is characterized by fetid, yellow-green discharge under the prepuce and itching accompanied by redness and swelling of the glans and prepuce.
SULPHUR :Also helpful for offensive sweat that is typically present around the genitals. There is copious secretion of fetid smegma may be present. Useful for balanitis where there is marked itching and burning on the glans and prepuce, as well as swelling and redness with discharge of fetid pus.
NITRIC ACID :It is given for inflamed and swollen with soreness. There may be burning, sticking, or tearing pains in the foreskin as well as the presence of itchy vesicles. Balanitis causes reddish spots to appear on the glans along with moisture. There is foul-smelling moisture from the glans.
RHODODENDRON :Very helpful for cases of balanitis along with the shooting, throbbing pain under the glans. There is crushing pain felt in the glans penis, which is swollen and noticeably distended like a bladder. There is a slight discharge from the glans.
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