Balanitis (ICD-10-GM N48.1: balanoposthitis) is the inflammation of the glans penis (Latin: glans penis; ancient Greek: balanos). Balanitis is often combined with inflammation of the inner preputial leaf (foreskin leaf) (balanoposthitis).
According to the cause, three forms of balanitis can be distinguished:
- Acute infectious balanitis – bacteria (group A and B streptococci, Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobes), viruses, mycoses (Candida balanitis/yeast fungi) and protozoa (unicellular organisms).
- Non-infectious balanitis – for example, due to mechanical irritation (irritation) and degreasing of the glans skin due to too frequent cleaning.
- Chronic non-infectious balanitis – lichen sclerosus (balanitis xerotica obliterans).
One can distinguish numerous forms of balanitis (see below causes).
Frequency peak: With increasing age, the risk of balanitis increases, because in old age, the top layer of skin is thinner.
The prevalence (disease frequency) is 10% of all male patients in a urological practice.
Course and prognosis: With consistent implementation of the recommended pharmacotherapy (drug treatment), the chances of recovery are good. If the balanitis is infectious, the partner should always be treated as well. If chronic balanitis exists, the foreskin may harden as a result. This can lead to phimosis (narrowing of the foreskin). If treatment is started too late, the inflammation can spread from the glans to the urethra and lead to urethritis, cystitis and prostatitis. Epididymitis (inflammation of the epididymis) is also possible.
Balanitis may be recurrent (recurring). In this case, diabetes mellitus should be ruled out. Circumcision (circumcision) may be required if recurrences are frequent. Men who have had their foreskin removed are significantly less likely to develop balanitis.
