2009-11-02 19:29:35 -
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A condition seen more often in an uncircumcised male and associated with an unretractable foreskin. Balanitis is the inflammation of the head (glans) of the penis and the foreskin.
Causes of Balanitis
Balanitis develops from an infection from bacteria (Borrelia vincentii, streptococci) or fungus (Candida albicans) or an allergy to chemicals in clothing, contraceptive cream, and condom latex. Tight foreskin may cause
the problem, or exacerbate an infection once it occurs.
Signs and Symptoms of Balanitis
Symptoms of Balanitis include pain, redness and itching of the penis. There is swelling of the head of the penis and ulcerations may occur. Swelling and inflammation also occurs in the foreskin. Enlarged lymph glands develop in the groin which may be red and painful. Less commonly, the person develops fever and chills, discharge from the penis and painful urination.
Various germs that live on the skin in small numbers may multiply and cause infection. A common cause of infection is with a yeast called candida. Candida is the same germ that causes vaginal thrush in women. Small numbers of candida commonly live on the skin and can sometimes cause infection.
Some types of bacteria are also a common cause of balanitis. Any man or boy can develop an infection. However, an infection of the glans is more likely to develop if you:
* Already have some inflammation of the penis due to an allergy or irritant (see below).
* Have diabetes. In particular, if your diabetes is not well-controlled and the urine contains sugar. After going to the toilet, drops of urine which contain sugar may remain behind the foreskin and allow germs to multiply easily.
* Have a phimosis. This is a condition where the foreskin does not retract (pull back) over the glans. This is common in young boys. After the age of five years the foreskin will usually retract easily so the glans can be gently cleaned. You are more likely to get a balanitis if you have a phimosis, as sweat, debris and urine may collect under the foreskin. This can irritate directly, or can encourage germs to thrive and cause infection.
Infection - sexually transmitted
Some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can occasionally cause balanitis. In particular, an STI is more likely if you also have urethritis (inflammation of the tube that passes out urine.) Various STIs can cause a urethritis and a balanitis. For example, genital herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhoea. Symptoms of urethritis include pain when you pass urine, and a discharge that comes from the urethra.
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