Balanitis affects males
and is the inflammation of the end of the penis called
the glans. Many germs live on the skin in small numbers
and do not cause any harm. Sometimes they can multiply
quickly and cause an infection such as candida (or the
balanitis can also be caused by a bacterial infection).
In males, the skin of the glans is particularly sensitive
and may become inflamed if it comes into contact with
certain chemicals or other substances. Indeed, an
infection is even more likely in males who are not
circumcised and/or may have other medical problems.
Symptoms include redness, irritation and soreness
of the end of the penis (the glans).
Sometimes the foreskin can be inflamed at the same
time. There can be a small patch of redness on part
of the skin surface of the glans or the whole glans
can become red, swollen and painful. There is sometimes
a discharge from under the foreskin. This discharge
has the appearance of thick clumps. There may also
be some pain when urinating.
Some of the chemicals and other substances that may
cause irritation are:
* Perfumed soaps and shower gels.
* Overwashing or scrubbing
* The chemicals found in some condoms, spermicides
and lubricants.
* The chemicals which may spill on your hands and
are then spread to the penis when going to the toilet
and
* The residue from some washing powers or fabric softeners
used when washing underwear.
In addition, bad hygiene can cause old skin, urine,
sweat and other matter to collect under the foreskin
of the penis. This in turn may irritate the glans
and lead to inflammation.
Some of the other conditions (including medical conditions)
that can cause an infection to develop are:
* Diabetes – if the diabetic male does not
have his disease well controlled, glucose can pass
out in the urine leaving drops on the foreskin.
* Phimosis – this is a condition in which the
foreskin cannot be pulled back fully over the glans
and therefore washing is more difficult – although
rare in teenage boys and men, it is normal in young
boys up to the age of around five.
* Sexual intercourse with a woman who has vaginal
thrush.
* Taking a course of antibiotics for another medical
condition.
If the balanitis is caused by a bacterial infection
, then you may need a course of antibiotics. If the
balanitis is caused by a candida infection, then it
can be treated in the same way as any other yeast
infection but remember that if your partner has vaginal
thrush, then you both need treatment to avoid re-infecting
each other. Refrain from having sex, or use a condom,
while the infection is being treated. Most cases will
clear up in just a few days.
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