Balanoposthitis is characterized by inflammation of the extremeflesh, as well as the glans penis. Pathology can occur in people at any age, but more often there is balanoposthitis in men with an active sex life and boys to five years of age. The main cause of inflammation is infection (infection with viruses, bacteria, fungi).
In adulthood, the pathological processdevelops as a result of non-compliance with the rules of hygiene, infection with infections during sexual intercourse. The presence of candidiasis (thrush) can cause candidiasis balanoposthitis in men. In addition, the pathology can develop against the background of allergic reactions to any substances. Diabetes mellitus, oncological diseases, the use of steroid hormones and antitumor drugs lower immunity, and therefore also predispose to balanopost.
In children, one of the causes of pathology is alsoinadequate hygiene, including due to improper use of diapers (improper size, rare change). Contact dermatitis and allergic reactions can provoke not only the inflammation of the penis head, but also the entire perineum, and even the buttocks. This condition is usually called diaper dermatitis. Most children at a young age have phimosis, a narrowing of the foreskin, which leads to the impossibility of exposing the head of the penis when it is pulled. Because of this, an inflammatory process can begin in the area of the head under the skin. Up to the age of five, in boys, phimosis is a normal phenomenon, not requiring treatment. But if you find signs of balanoposthitis, you need to show the child to the doctor.
In adults, if there is inflammation, the penis head andthe foreskin turn red and swell. On the mucous membranes and skin in this area there is a rash in the form of specks, bubbles or cracks. Itching occurs, when you touch the affected area, there is a burning sensation or pain. During sexual intercourse, painful sensations are present. Out of the foreskin, pus can be secreted with an unpleasant odor. Children have similar symptoms. In addition, the child's anxiety, lack of appetite, bad sleep, capriciousness can be seen.
Therapy consists in strict observance of personalhygiene, administration of antibiotics, antiviral, antiallergic or antifungal agents (depending on the cause of the pathology). Use of external medicines (creams, ointments) is coordinated with the attending physician. Apply them only to pre-washed and dry skin. If balanoposthitis in men is caused by a Candida fungus, antifungal gels and ointments are used as treatment. If the cause of inflammation is a microbial infection (trichomoniasis, gonorrhea, etc.), in addition to ointment, antibiotics are given orally. And with allergic dermatitis can be recommended taking antihistamines. Often, these measures can cure balanoposthitis. Surgical intervention is necessary only if the cause of inflammation in an adult male is phimosis. Then an operation can be performed, consisting in removing the foreskin.
