Balanitis
Motsoahae
Maropo
Thamae
Moneuoa
Lebusa
What is Balanitis?
• Is pain and inflammation (swelling and irritation) of the glans(head) of
the penis.
• It most often occurs in uncircumcised males because the moist,warm
area under the foreskin is the ideal place for yeast and bacteria to
grow.
Types of Balanitis
• Zoon’s balanitis: This chronic (long-lasting) type affects
uncircumcised, middle-aged people and causes an inflamed,
discolored penis head.It accounts for up to 10% of Balanitis cases.
• Circinate Balanitis:This type of Balanitis is a result of reactive
arthritis.Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that develops in
response to an infection in your body.In addition to inflammation and
discoloration, circinate balanitis causes small lesions (sores) on the
head of your penis.
CONT….
• Pseudoepitheliomatous keratotic and micaceous (PKMB):This very
rare form of Balanitis causes scaly warts or bumps on the head of the
penis.It affects people over 60.
Causes of Balanitis
Infections
• Bacterial infections;poor hygiene can lead to bacterial growth under
the foreskin, causing inflammation.
• Fungal infections; Candida(yeast) infections are common,particularly
in those with diabetes or who are immunocompromised.
• Viral infections; certain viruses such as the herpes simplex virus, can
cause balanitis.
CONT….
Poor hygiene
• Accumulation of smegma, a combination of skin cells, oils, and
moisture can irritate the glans if not regularly cleaned.
Skin conditions
Conditions like eczema,psoriasis,or dermatitis can cause inflammation
and irritation of the glans.
CONT….
Irritants:
• Chemical irritants:soaps, lotions or condoms containing allergens or harsh
chemicals can cause an allergic reaction or irritation.
• Mechanical irritants:Prolonged friction from tight clothing or vigourous
sexual activity can irritate the skin.
Underlying health conditions:
• Diabetes;high blood sugar levels can promote fungal growth and infection.
• Phimosis;a condition where the foreskin is too tight to be pulled bact over
and the glans can trap bacteria and other pathogen leading to
inflammation.
CONT….
• Sexually transmitted infections(STIs);such as herpes simplex virus or
syphilis.
Sings and symptoms
• Redness and swelling of the glans
Why this happens
Inflammation causes the glans (head of the penis) to become
red,swollen, and tender due to increased blood flow and irritation.
• Pain or tenderness
Why this happens
The affected area may feel sore or painful especially when touched due
to inflammation or infection.
Cont..
• Itching or irritation
Why this happens
A common symptom caused by fungal or bacterial infections especially
if the discharge has an umpleasant odor.it is often seen in fungal of
bacterial balanitis.
• White or yellowish discharge under foreskin
Why this happens
This may indicate an infection especially if the discharge has an
unpleasant odor. It is often seen in fungal or bacterial balanitis.
Cont…
• Foul odor
Why this happens
Infection or accumulated smegma(a white thick secretion)can cause a
bad smell.
• Pain during urination
Why this happens
Inflammation and swelling can make it painful for urine to pass over the
sensitive and irritated area.
Cont…
• Difficulty retracting the foreskin(in uncircumcised )
Why this happens
If balanitis is severe, swelling and inflammation may make it hard to
pull back the foreskin, a condition known as phimosis.
Pharmacological treatment
• Antibiotics –if bacterial infection is present, e.g mupirocin or oral
antibiotic like amoxicillin.
• Antifungal medications -for fungal infections;clotrimazole or
fluconazole.
• Topical corticosteroids- to reduce inflammation ;hydrocortisone
cream.
• Antiseptics –such as diluted hydrogen peroxide or saline for cleaning.
• Pain relievers –NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain relief.
Basic nursing management
• Educate the patient on proper genital hygiene(gentle washing with
mild soap and water)
• Encourage drying the area completely after washing.
• Advice avoiding irritants such as harsh soaps or scented products.
• If the patient is diabetic, emphasize blood sugar control to prevent
recurrent infections.
• Provide emotional support and education on safe sexual practices if
an STI is suspected.
• Administer prescribed medications and monitor for side effects.
Preventive management
• Keep your penis clean.
• Avoid harsh soaps and other skin irritants
• Practice safe sex to avoid an STI
• Use latex-free condoms if you have a latex allergy
• Do not pull back a child’s foreskin to clean under if it is still fixed.
Complications
• Recurrent infections-may lead to chronic inflammation
• Phimosis-tightening of the foreskin making it difficult to retract.
• Paraphimosis-a medical emergency where the retracted foreskin
cannot return to its original position, leading to swelling and
restricted blood flow.
• Ulceration or scarring- can lead to pain and deformities.
• Increased risk of STIs-due to compromised skin integrity.
• Urinary difficulties- due to swelling or pain.
