Frequency
As mentioned above, inflammation of the glans occurs mainly in uncircumcised men. About 3% of them suffer from balanitis during their life. With age, the risk is additionally increased in diabetics and existing incontinence. Also strong predominance, disease Crohn and Colitis Ulcerosa are considered as risk factors. But sexual behavior with its influence on the risk of infection with sexually transmitted diseases also plays a role.
Inflammation of the glans after phimosis surgery
In principle, phimosis surgery, or the removal of the foreskin in general, tends to reduce the risk of developing inflammation of the glans. However, the skin layer in the area of the glans is very thin and, since it is actually protected by the foreskin, it is not used to mechanical irritation. In this respect, it is easy to understand that an inflammation of the glans can easily develop immediately after circumcision.Firstly, the sensitive skin comes into direct contact with the underwear for the first time, and secondly, the tissue is still irritated by the operation anyway and has an increased risk of infection through the wound.
To avoid such an inflammation of the glans after circumcision, it usually helps to minimize the mechanical irritation. This includes, for example, wearing more underwear. In addition, it is possible to store the penis after the operation in a yoghurt cup or similar inside the underwear so that it does not come into direct contact with the textiles. In addition, it is a good idea to cream the penis with bepanthen ointment, oils or other fat creams to prevent it from drying out too much and further friction. Sitting baths with camomile extract or disinfectant additives are recommended for anti-inflammatory and cleansing purposes.
Inflammation of the glans in the child
The most common cause of inflammation of the glans in small children is an existing narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis). The most common pathogen here is candida albicans, a yeast fungus that is also responsible for the diaper smell. Phimosis makes it very difficult or impossible to push the foreskin back over the glans.
As a result, an increased number of dead skin cells can accumulate under the foreskin and become inflamed in the further course of the disease. This leads to the smegma described above and even to purulent discharge. This is intensified by the fact that children often play around with the itchy foreskin, even with often not completely clean hands, and thus further intensify the problem.
Especially with children, adequate hygiene is therefore important. Whether the existing phimosis needs to be operated depends on the individual case. Especially in the case of frequently recurring inflammation of the glans, surgery should at least be considered.
The frequent inflammations are not only unpleasant, they also lead to further sticking of the foreskin. In many children, however, the phimosis expands by itself over time, so that surgery can be avoided. If a direct cleaning of the glans is not possible, or if this is not tolerated by the child, sitz baths can also be helpful here.
A damp diaper can also increase the irritation of the glans or hinder healing. To prevent rubbing of the glans against underwear, diapers etc., e.g. Bepanthen ointment can be applied. Also caring oils or simple olive oil can help to cover the inflamed skin and thus prevent further irritation through contact with urine. Fat cream is also available in combination with disinfectant components and thus has a double effect, such as the Mirfulan cream used in the buttocks area.
