Balinitis is a term used for different types of inflammation of the scalp. In this article, we want to get acquainted with its causes, factors, types, and treatment solutions.
What is balinitis?
Balinitis is a term used for various types of scalp inflammation.
What are the causes of clinical manifestations?
Sensitivity: Lack of hygiene and tightness of the foreskin (especially in young boys) leads to skin irritation by the substance secreted under the foreskin. (Only in uncircumcised people.)
Seborrheic dermatitis: An inflammatory rash that has no known cause and usually occurs on the scalp, behind the ears and in the folds of the skin.
Thrush (candidiasis): A type of infection.
Contact allergies: Latex and additives used in some products (such as condoms) may cause allergies. In some cases, skin care products that may be used by the person or the partner’s sexual partner can also lead to allergies.
Lichen sclerosis: This disease primarily affects the foreskin and leads to skin discoloration, sores, foreskin stenosis, and phimosis (inability to retract foreskin in uncircumcised people). And may require circumcision. The disease may affect the urethra (urethra) and cause irritation and burning. To treat this problem, your doctor may prescribe steroid creams, and in some cases surgery may be needed.
Balanitis circinata (balanitis circinata): A skin symptom of Reiter’s syndrome in which the patient often has arthritis (often of the knee), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra in the penis), and conjunctivitis (redness of the eye).
General skin diseases: These skin diseases can also affect the penis: Psoriasis, lichen planus, multiple erythema, erythroplasia (a rare precancerous skin disease)
Balitis in young boys is often associated with foreskin and inability to pull back (phimosis).
Phimosis can lead to decreased public health in this area, constant contact of urine with the skin, and irritation of the skin by a substance secreted under the foreskin.
Occasionally, inflammation and swelling of the head of the penis can be caused by paraphimosis (a condition in which tight skin collects behind the foreskin).
Narrowing of the skin around the head of the penis reduces the amount of blood flow to this area and leads to swelling of the head of the penis, in which case it is almost impossible to pull back the foreskin.
This condition eventually leads to insufficient blood supply to the head of the penis and the infected person should be treated immediately. In most cases, the skin returns to its original, comfortable state, but if this is not successful, the person will need to be circumcised.
What tests are needed?
Swabs may be performed to confirm infection, killing possible bacteria and fungi. This test is usually done when antibiotics do not work in the first place.
If your doctor suspects that you have a urinary tract infection, he or she may order a urine test.
A “patch test” may be performed to confirm the allergy.
In some special cases, a skin biopsy may be done.
Your doctor may order a blood or urine test to diagnose diabetes.
How is balinitis treated?
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Treatment for balinitis usually includes the following:
Treatment of the infection requires the use of certain antibiotics or antifungals. For severe infections or some children, oral antibiotics are prescribed.
In almost all cases, a solution of potassium permanganate is prescribed to wash the penis.
In some cases, steroid creams are prescribed for short-term use.
Phimosis or paraphimosis may in some cases be treated with circumcision.
