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Balanitis

Inflammation Affecting Head of the Penis and Foreskin

From About.com

Updated: January 02, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Balanitis is an inflammation that affects the head of the penis and/or the foreskin.

Most common in men over 40 years old, Balanitis is a condition affecting about 11% of adult men and 3% of children. Balanitis is characterized by shiny red to orange plaque (area). It can also present as a yellow hue with red pinpoint spotting.

Signs Symptoms of Balanitis
Occurring only in uncircumcised men, balanitis causes the following symptoms:

  • Tenderness

  • Discharge from the penis

  • Impotence

  • Swelling

  • Difficulty with passing urine

  • Inability to retract the foreskin
  • Causes of Balanitis
    The causes of balanitis are not known for sure but include:

  • Friction

  • Poor hygiene

  • Response to infection. Various viruses and organisms can cause balanitis. These include HPV (human papilloma virus)

  • Chemical irritants (ie condoms) an allergic reaction
  • In overweight and obese men

  • Penis cancer

  • Diabetes
  • Complications of Balanitis
    The most common serious complication of balanitis is phimosis, an inability to retract the foreskin from the glans penis.

    Click here for image of balanitis
    Article Sources Include:
    National Guideline Clearinghouse
    Balanitis Web MD

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