| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
| |
|
|
| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Balanitis |
| Alternative Names: |
| Balanoposthitis |
| Treatment: |
Treatment depends on the cause of the balanitis. For example, infectious balanitis may be treated with topical or oral antibiotics. Some balanitis which occurs in association with skin diseases may respond to topical steroid creams. In severe cases, circumcision may be the best option. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Most cases of balanitis can be controlled with topical medication and good hygiene. Surgery is not usually necessary. Outcomes are nearly always positive. |
| Complications: |
| Chronic inflammation can result in scarring and narrowing of the opening of the penis (urethral stricture). Chronic inflammation or infection can also make it difficult and painful to reposition the retracted foreskin to its normal position covering the head of the penis. Inflammation can also cause the retracted foreskin to swell, leading to constriction of the penis and possibly penile injury. |
| Calling your health care provider: |
| Notify your health care provider if you are experiencing any signs of balanitis including swelling of the foreskin or pain. |
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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