Balanitis is an inflammation of the tip of the penis (glans). Often the foreskin also becomes inflamed at the same time as the glans. (The foreskin is the loose skin that covers the glans if it has not been circumcised.)
Balanitis is common and can occur at any age. It most commonly affects boys under 4 years of age and also uncircumcised men. About one in 25 boys and one in 30 uncircumcised men are affected by balanitis at some point in their lives. It is very rare in circumcised men.
The most common symptoms include redness, irritation, and pain at the tip of the penis (glans). It can range from a small patch of redness limited to part of the glans skin surface, to the entire glans being red, swollen and painful. Sometimes there is a thick discharge that comes out from under the foreskin.
It may be impossible to remove the foreskin. You may also experience pain or discomfort when urinating.
There are many different causes for balanitis. Poor hygiene is one of them.
Poor hygiene in this area, combined with a tight foreskin, can cause irritation of the smegma. Smegma is a cheese-like substance that forms under the foreskin if the tip of the penis (the glans) is not cleaned under the foreskin. This is the most common cause of balanitis.
Infection – not sexually transmitted
Various germs (bacteria) that live on the skin in small numbers can multiply and cause infections. A common cause of infection is a yeast called candida. Candida is the same germ that causes vaginal candidiasis in women. A small amount of candida commonly lives on the skin and can sometimes cause an infection.
Some types of bacteria are also a common cause of balanitis. Any man or boy can develop an infection. However, a glans infection is more likely to develop if:
You already have some inflammation of the penis due to an allergy or irritation. Having diabetes Particularly if your diabetes is not well controlled and your urine contains sugar. After going to the bathroom, drops of urine containing sugar can remain behind the foreskin and allow germs to multiply easily. have phimosis This is a condition in which the foreskin does not roll up (retract) over the glans. This is common in children. After the age of 5, the foreskin usually retracts easily so that the glans can be carefully cleaned. You are more likely to develop balanitis if you have phimosis, as sweat, debris, and urine can collect under the foreskin. This can directly irritate or encourage bacteria to grow and cause infection.
