Balanoposthitis is a fairly common condition, in which there is a visible inflammation of the glans and foreskin. Often caused by a bacterial or yeast infection, this condition can be uncomfortable and painful if ignored for long. Uncircumcised men and people with phimosis are at higher risk to encounter this condition. phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin is too tight to be retracted back on the penis.

What are the different types of Balanoposthitis?

Zoon’s Balanoposthitis: - This is the primary type of Balanoposthitis, which affects uncircumcised, middle-aged to older men. This type includes redness and inflammation of the glans penis.

Circinate Balanoposthitis: - This type of Balanitis is a result of reactive arthritis, caused as a response to an infection in the body. It causes inflammation, followed by tiny sores on the tip of the penis.

Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous Balanoposthitis: - This is a rare type of Balanoposthitis, affecting older men above 60 years old. It causes scaly warts on the glans penis.

Symptoms of Balanoposthitis

The foul stink from the penis
Tight and shiny foreskin
Continuous itch inside the foreskin
Redness and inflammation of the glans penis
Burning sensation and pain during urination
Lumpy white foul discharge from foreskin (smegma)
Swollen glands around the penis
Sores on the tip of the penis
difficulty in retracting the foreskin.

Causes of Balanoposthitis result and complications associated with it!

The most common reason for Balanoposthitis is poor intimate hygiene. It has become merely common amongst middle-aged, uncircumcised men since intimate hygiene is heavily ignored by them.

Few other causes of Balanoposthitis: -

If ignored, bacterial and yeast infections can cause Balanoposthitis, since the germs tend to multiply rapidly under the warm and moist atmosphere of the foreskin.
certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs), can also result in this condition like herpes.

People with medical conditions like diabetes and reactive arthritis have a higher risk of contracting Balanoposthitis
Allergy to lubricants or latex in the condoms can also cause this condition,
Skin infections like Scabies, Psoriasis, Eczema causes Balanoposthitis too
People who are allergic to harsh soaps and sensitive skin are more prone to contracting the condition.

How to prevent Balanoposthitis?

Maintaining good intimate hygiene plays a major role in preventing contracting Balanoposthitis. Apart from the daily shower, it is also necessary to clean the intimates by gently pulling the foreskin back and washing the Smegma and other fluids off the penis.

Excess moisture accumulation needs to be avoided in and around the intimates, the area should be kept dry at all times to avoid itchiness, redness and bacterial growth.

Avoid using harsh soaps, body washes, dyes, perfumes in the intimate areas, as it alters the pH balance of the sensitive skin around, making it more vulnerable to harmful bacteria and germs.
Practising protected sex.

How to cure Balanoposthitis?

Consult a healthcare professional immediately if there is any symptom of this disease. diagnosis usually requires a good clinical examination, rarely another test might be required to substantiate.

Improved intimate hygiene is the basic step to cure Balanoposthitis. Washing and cleaning the intimates and keeping them dry at all times is extremely necessary.

If the condition is caused by a yeast infection, then the doctor will prescribe anti-fungal ointments to apply on the foreskin of the glans penis as prescribed.