The term "balanitis" in medicine refers to an inflammatory process that is localized on the head of the penis. In parallel with it, inflammation develops on the inner sheet of the foreskin. Balanoposthitis in a child, according to doctors, is quite common. It is also necessary to mention such a disease as phimosis - it is impossible to expose the head of the penis with it. It is observed in almost all babies: according to statistical studies, only four percent of newborns are born with a moving foreskin; by age three, that number rises to 90 percent.
Possible causes
Balanoposthitis in a child can develop under the influence of several factors. Firstly, if hygiene rules are not followed. Secondly, from irritation with underwear (for example, a baby may be allergic to synthetics). Thirdly, trauma to the genital organs often becomes the cause.
Predisposition
First of all, you should pay close attention to hygiene measures. This is very important, since the secretions of the sex and sebaceous glands, droplets of urine and dead skin particles form a curdled mass that accumulates inpreputial sac and creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and microbes. In addition, balanoposthitis in a child can be the result of phimosis, which greatly complicates the process of cleansing the penis.
What are the causes of phimosis?
What can trigger phimosis? First of all, the trauma of the penis, which led to the formation of scar tissue and narrowing of the foreskin. Phimosis often ends with inflammation of the foreskin - that is, balanoposthitis in a child. Doctors note that there is also a possibility of a genetic predisposition: at the same time, a lack of connective tissue (more precisely, its elastic component) is observed in the baby's body.
Symptomatics
Which symptoms should I look out for first? Monitor the condition of the baby's foreskin: with balanitis, it turns red and swells. At the same time, the penis sharply increases in volume and hurts. Burning and itching during urination, whitish discharge from the head, plaque - all these signs indicate chronic balanoposthitis. As for adults, their disease is more severe: the general condition worsens, the temperature rises sharply, every trip to the toilet becomes a real problem.
Complications
The disease is dangerous mainly because the inflammatory process from the foreskin can spread to the urethra. A sluggish disease often leads to the fact that the receptor apparatus completely atrophies;the sensitivity of the head is sharply reduced, which cannot but affect the intensity and quality of sexual life. Over time, the head of the penis becomes covered with small sores that cause acute pain.
Balanitis and balanoposthitis: treatment
What can you do? On my own, nothing. At the first signs of the disease, consult a doctor - he will determine the area of \u200b\u200bdamage and prescribe treatment. If phimosis is advanced, surgery may be required. In addition to taking medications, you will have to carefully monitor hygiene. Wash your head several times a day and do not neglect the regular change of underwear.
