Balanoposthitis is characterized by inflammation of the foreskin, as well as the glans penis. Pathology can occur in persons at any age, but balanoposthitis is more common in men with an active sexual life and boys under the age of five. The main cause of inflammation is infection (infection with viruses, bacteria, fungi).
Balanoposthitis in men and boys: causes
In adulthood, the pathological process develops as a result of non-compliance with hygiene rules, infection with infections during sexual contact. The presence of candidiasis (thrush) can cause candidal balanoposthitis in men. In addition, pathology can develop against the background of allergic reactions to any substances. Diabetes mellitus, oncological diseases, taking steroid hormones and anticancer drugs lower immunity, and therefore also predispose to balanoposthitis.
In children, one of the causes of the pathology is also insufficient hygiene, including due to improper use of diapers (wrong size, rare change). contact dermatitis andallergic reactions can provoke not only inflammation of the head of the penis, but also the entire perineum, and even the buttocks. This condition is commonly referred to as diaper dermatitis. In most children at a younger age, phimosis is observed - a narrowing of the foreskin, which makes it impossible to expose the head of the penis when it is pulled back. Because of this, an inflammatory process can begin in the area of \u200b\u200bthe head under the skin. Until the age of five, phimosis in boys is a common phenomenon that does not require treatment. But if you find signs of balanoposthitis, you need to show the child to the doctor.
Balanoposthitis in men and boys: symptoms
In adults, in the presence of inflammation, the head of the penis and the foreskin turn red and swell. On the mucous membranes and skin in this area, a rash appears in the form of spots, vesicles or cracks. Itching occurs, when you touch the affected area, there is a strong burning sensation or pain. There is pain during intercourse. From under the foreskin, pus with an unpleasant odor may be released. Children have similar symptoms. In addition to the above, the child's anxiety, lack of appetite, poor sleep, moodiness may be noticed.
How to treat balanoposthitis in men and boys
Therapy consists in strict personal hygiene, taking antibiotics, antiviral, antiallergic or antifungal agents (depending on the cause of the pathology). Use of external medicines(creams, ointments) is agreed with the attending physician. Apply them only on pre-washed and dry skin. If balanoposthitis in men is caused by a fungus of the genus Candida, antifungal gels and ointments are used as a treatment. If the cause of inflammation is a microbial infection (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, etc.), in addition to applying ointments, oral antibiotics are prescribed. And with allergic dermatitis, antihistamine medications may be recommended. Often these measures can cure balanoposthitis. Surgical intervention is necessary only if the cause of inflammation in an adult male is phimosis. Then an operation can be performed to remove the foreskin.
