What is Balanoposthitis?
Balanoposthitis and blanitis both refer to inflammation of the penis. Balanoposthitis is the inflammation of the foreskin, while balanitis refers to the inflammation of the glans – or head – of the penis.
Inflammation can occur as a result of:
Infection: this is usually bacterial or fungal. In adolescents, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could also cause the inflammation.
Irritation: typically due to poor hygiene or even overuse of soaps and bubble baths.
Trauma: usually from forceful retraction of the foreskin, which causes irritation and small tears.
Balanoposthitis is most common in males that are either uncircumcised or have residual foreskin.
Common symptoms of these conditions include:
Pain
Redness and swelling
Itching
Groin rash
Painful urination
Penile (not urethral) discharge
Balanoposthitis and Balanitis Diagnosis and Treatment
To figure out the cause of penile inflammation, your doctor will take a medical history and administer a physical exam. Treatment usually targets root cause(s) of the condition. It may include:
Proper hygiene: clean between the foreskin and glans with a Q-tip and rinse with clean water
Sitz baths: warm water mixed with salt solution, 2-3x/day
Avoid forceful foreskin retraction
Avoid irritants: no bubble baths, no soaps to clean foreskin
Topical antibiotic or anti-fungal medications
Referral to specialist might be needed if:
Scarring occurs, preventing foreskin retraction
Difficulty voiding occurs
Inflammation or infection recurs repeatedly
See a Doctor in Person If…
Your child’s symptoms do not improve or worsen after 5 to 7 days of treatment
Worsening swelling and/or pain
Your child is unable to void