2. DEFINITION
Balanoposthitis is a condition seen in
uncircumcised males where the glans
penis and the prepuce are inflamed due to
several infections related to the non-
removal of the foreskin.
BALANO POSTH ITIS
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3. CAUSES
Usage of harsh soaps for genital wash
Staphylococcus aureus infection
Candida albicans infection
Uncontrolled diabetes
Improperly rinsing soap off during bathing
Diseases like lichen sclerosis and reactive
arthritis.
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4. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
Upon physical examination, the following signs and
symptoms can be noted:
Red, damp unelevated lesion on the glans and
foreskin
Soreness
Irritation
Redness of the penis
Painful penis and prepuce
Rashes around the penis
Presence of discharge beneath the prepuce
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5. SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS
Tightening of the foreskin or phimosis(stenosis)
Foul smelling discharge
Apparent ulcerations
Unusual enlargement of the lymph nodes over the
groin area
Fatigue
Low back pain
Anxiety
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6. DIAGNOSIS
Laboratory studies
Potassium hydroxide Test: This is done to check
presence of candidial infections. This is also cultured
to know the specific antifungal medication to which
the organism is sensitive.
Serologic Test: This test may be prescribed for
candidial infections, especially in cases where the
infection is unclear.
Skin Biopsy: This procedure is done if the
recommended antifungal therapy does not produce a
good result. This is also done to check for the
malignancy of the affected area and to rule out other
conditions.
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7. TREATMENT
The treatment regimen for balanoposthitis is also dependent on
the cause. If the infection is caused by a bacteria, then
treatment will antibiotics. Treatment may also include steroid
based creams to reduce the inflammation.
Supportive Care: Proper personal hygiene and washing
your hands regularly Exposure of the affected part to air will
help stop the growth of anaerobic microorganism.
Medical Care: Applying topical creams are the treatment
that is widely used for this condition. The aim of this therapy
is to eradicate the different microorganisms and to arrest
inflammation.
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8. TREATMENT
Antifungal Therapy: The means by which this class of
drugs act includes slowing down the conduits of substances
essential for the production of the organisms’ cell membrane
or changing the capacity of cell membrane to let substance
pass through the cell membrane of the fungal cells.
Cotrimazole (Lotrimin, Fomisol 7, Mycelex, Gyne-
Lotrimin): These are drugs with broad spectrum antifungal
action. These are used to remedy infections of the skin,
which results from different varieties of microorganisms
causing skin disorders and yeasts. It slows down the growth
of yeasts by changing the capacity of the cell membrane to
let substance pass through, which results to demise of
fungal cells. 1% cream is usually prescribed.
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9. TREATMENT
Antimicrobial Therapy: The mechanisms by which
these drugs function tend to obliterate the microbes
causing the infection, to arrest their reproduction or
development, or to stop their illness causing actions.
Steroid Creams: This acts by inhibiting the
inflammation of the glans penis and the foreskin.
Surgery: This is indicated in severe cases where the
foreskin can no longer be retracted for cleaning.
Circumcision is probably the best choice in treating
this condition.
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11. COMPLICATIONS
Scarring of the penis’
Phimosis or severe tightening of the prepuce
making it hard to bare the head of the penis
Para-phimosis or the difficulty pushing the
foreskin on top of the end of the penis
Decreased blood supply to the end of the
penis as a result of the narrowed penile orifice
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12. EPIDERMIOLOGY
Japanese 1.5% of 603 uncircumcised
boys of 0-5ys
Hong Kong 1 0f 2149 elementary boys
Italian 16% of 321 boys with
dermatose
Great Britain 35% of 450 men
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13. EPIDERMIOLOGY
Race
Breakdowns of race or ethnic background have not
been performed, although balanoposthitis, because of
its heterogeneous etiology, has been described in
many races and ethnic backgrounds.
Sex
Balanoposthitis only occurs in males.
Age
Although identified over a wide age range, most
studies have centered on the juvenile population (0-5
y) or in sexually active adult males.
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14. REFERENCE LIST
Medical terminology systems(M.E. Wedding, B.A
Gylys)2013, F.A Davis company, chapter 13: male
reproduction system, page 438
Pathologic basis of disease, Robbins and Cotran, (2010,
Saunders Elsevier Inc) page 982, the male genital tract
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1124734-overview
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