Definition
The glans penis is called glans penis in the technical language. During an erection, the glans is usually completely or at least partially exposed, as the foreskin then retracts. In the non-erect state it is covered by the foreskin in uncircumcised men.
The glans is very sensitive because it is well supplied with nerves. It is therefore one of the most erogenous zones of the male body. It is also equipped with many sebaceous glands.
Furthermore, the urethra runs inside the glans and ends at its tip. If the glans is reddened, there can be various reasons for this. Often it is an inflammation of the glans, a so-called balanitis. Since the foreskin of the glans rests directly on the glans, inflammation can easily spread from the glans to the foreskin, then it is called balanoposthitis. Uncircumcised men are more frequently affected than circumcised men.
Causes
The most common cause of a reddened glans is an inflammation of the glans. This can be caused by infection with a specific pathogen or can have non-infectious causes. For example, mechanical irritation can also cause reddening of the glans and even inflammation.
Excessive cleaning of the glans and the use of disinfectants can also lead to an irritation or inflammation of the glans. However, redness can also occur as an allergic reaction to cleaning agents or certain condoms. Lack of hygiene can also be the cause of a reddened glans.
In this case, the secretion of the sebaceous glands, the smegma, can accumulate and cause an inflammation. In boys, inflammation of the glans is often caused by a narrowing of the foreskin (phimosis) before puberty. The infectious causes of inflammation of the glans include primarily fungal and bacterial infections.
Especially the intestinal bacteria are a frequent cause. Acorn inflammation can also occur in the context of venereal diseases. Herpes viruses, human papilloma viruses (HPV) and chlamydia are mainly responsible for this.
Syphilis and gonorrhea can also be associated with balanitis. If fluid accumulates under the foreskin, for example, as in the case of a narrowing of the foreskin or after surgical removal of the prostate, this can also be the cause of inflammation of the glans. This is known as the so-called zoon disease.
Especially men who suffer from diabetes mellitus are often affected. In addition, various skin diseases can lead to, or at least promote, inflammation of the foreskin. These include psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis.