Balanitis is an inflammation of the head (the glans) and foreskin of the penis.
Balanitis generally affects uncircumcised males. These are men who have a foreskin, which is the "hood" of soft skin that partially covers the head of the penis. In balanitis, the head and foreskin become red and inflamed. In circumcised men, who lack a foreskin, these symptoms only affect the tip of the penis. |
The inflammation can be due to infection, harsh soaps, or failure to properly rinse soap off while bathing.
Several other diseases, including reactive arthritis and lichen sclerosis atrophicus, can lead to balanitis.
Men with uncontrolled diabetes are at risk of developing balanitis. |
| Causes of Balanitis / Balanoposthitis / Infected Head of Penis |
The most common causes of balanitis are :
Poor hygiene under the foreskin
Irritation from condoms, spermicides or clothing
STDs (sexual transmitted diseases)
Yeast infection
Bacterial infection |
| Common Pathogens in Balanitis / Balanoposthitis / Infected Head of Penis |
Candida albicans
Trichomonas vaginalis
Chlamydia trachomatis
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Treponema pallidum (syphilis)
Herpes Simplex Virus
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Streptococcus species
Staphylococcus aureus |
| Symptoms of Balanitis / Balanoposthitis / Infected Head of Penis |
Redness of foreskin or penis
Other rashes on the head of the penis
Foul smelling discharge
Painful penis and foreskin |
| Diagnosis of Balanitis / Balanoposthitis / Infected Head of Penis |
| Balanitis is usually diagnosed based on a brief physical examination. The doctor may take a sample of the discharge (if any) to determine the nature of the possible infection. A urine test may be recommended to evaluate glucose (sugar) levels in the urine |
| Complications of Balanitis / Balanoposthitis / Infected Head of Penis |
| Recurrent bouts of balanitis may cause scarring of the preputial orifice; the reduced elasticity may lead to pathologic phimosis. |
| Prevention of Balanitis / Balanoposthitis / Infected Head of Penis |
| Good hygiene can prevent most cases of balanitis. During bathing, the foreskin should be retracted to adequately clean and dry the area beneath it. |
| Homeopathic Treatment of Balanitis / Balanoposthitis / Infected Head of Penis |
Homeopathy medicines have a powerful anti-inflammatory effect which treat the infection from the root, prevent further recurrences, prevent complications and saves you from a surgeon’s knife.
There are various homoeopathy medicines which give great relief in balanitis / balanoposthitis / infected head of penis. However, the correct choice and the resulting relief is a matter of experience and right judgment on the part of the homeopathy doctor. The treatment is decided after thorough case taking of the patient. |
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