Inflammation of the glans

General information

An inflammation of the glans is called balanitis. It usually occurs in combination with inflammation of the inner side of the foreskin and is then called balanoposthitis. The inflammation of the glans can occur both as an isolated event, for example after infection with a bacterial pathogen, and as a partial symptom in complex systemic diseases. The disease occurs in both adults and children, but has slightly different causes. All in all, uncircumcised men are far more frequently affected by an inflammation of the glans than those after circumcision.

Causes of an inflamed glans

The cause of balanitis can be pathogens that have settled under the foreskin. But also an unspecific irritation of the glans can lead to an inflammation. This is often the case, for example, in the phase immediately after phimosis surgery.

An allergy to cosmetic products, clothing, latex or medication can also manifest itself in the form of an inflammation of the glans. In many skin diseases, the genital area may also be involved. For example, psoriasis or pemphigugs vulgaris.

Too well-meant genital hygiene can disturb the sensitive skin barrier of the glans and thus trigger balanitis. This also applies to any kind of mechanical irritation, including sexual intercourse. Often, however, an inflammation of the glans is also based on a lack of hygiene on the opposite side.

If the skin is not cleaned sufficiently, scabbed off epithelial cells get stuck under the foreskin and thus form the so-called smegma, a white, greasy coating. Bacteria and other pathogens can accumulate in this layer and cause an inflammation of the glans. Among the frequent triggers here are yeast fungi, but also the classic venereal diseases, such as syphilis.

But also herpes viruses, HPV or mites can cause an inflammation of the glans. Also genital warts can lead to an inflammatory reaction in the area of the glans due to irritation. Last but not least, inflammation of the urethra can also spread to the glans through the resulting discharge.

Men with existing urinary incontinence are particularly at risk here. Due to the permanently moist urine-containing environment under the foreskin, the conditions for the corresponding germs are particularly good here. A similar problem exists with diabetics, since the increased sugar content in the urine promotes growth, especially of fungal infections.