BALANITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE HEAD OF THE PENIS OR THE TIP OF THE PENIS)
- Definition - What are the symptoms?
In children and uncircumcised men Common inflammation of the glans or tip of the penis is called "balanitis". The most common symptom is redness, irritation, discharge and swelling at the glans or tip of the penis.
- What are the causes?
The main cause of balanitis. It is bad hygiene. Poor hygiene leads to overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the area, which can cause infection. Inflammation occurs when the sensitive skin under the foreskin is not washed regularly, causing sweat, debris, dead skin and bacteria to accumulate under the foreskin and cause irritation.
Injuries to the tip of the penis or foreskin can also lead to swelling. Excessive washing of the penis, use of soap and other irritating drugs for cleaning, irritation of the fabric rubbing against the penis, urinary tract infections, cleaning of underwear or chemicals used in its production can be counted as other causes of balanitis. It is not always accompanied by infection. Infectious balanitis can be caused by yeast, fungi, bacteria, or viruses.
Some medications, such as laxatives, sleeping pills, painkillers, and antibiotics, can cause balanitis as a side effect.
- How is treatment done?
It is important to avoid irritants such as perfumed soaps, lotions or powders before applying any treatment options. Treatment depends on the actual cause. If there is an infection, it is treated with appropriate antibiotics or antifungal medication if it is caused by fungi. Warm sitz baths and local pomades are also effective in symptomatic treatment.
- Is urgent circumcision necessary?
The patient needs to be circumcised urgently. However, in case of severe or persistent inflammation, circumcision may be recommended.
- What may happen if left untreated?
Extreme itching, rash, urticaria. and symptoms of allergic dermatitis, such as inflamed skin, can lead to scarring. Scar tissue in the penis opening can cause the opening to narrow. This condition can cause long-term discomfort and difficulty urinating. It may happen. Phimosis may develop as a result of chronic balanitis.
PHYMOSIS:
The opening at the end of the foreskin will make it difficult for the baby to urinate and therefore cause frequent foreskin infections. It is a condition where the foreskin is too narrow. It is typical for the foreskin to balloon during urination. This is a situation that requires intervention. But 96% of newborns have phimosis. While retraction of the foreskin behind the penis is possible in only 50% of boys in the first year of life, this rate increases to 89% by the end of 3 years of age. This is a normal situation. In its treatment, topical steroid or non-steroid creams or circumcision procedure is applied.
PARHAPHYMOSIS:
It is a condition in which the extremely narrow foreskin is pulled to the back of the penis and cannot come back. The tip of the penis becomes compressed and edema may develop. Diagnosis is made by physical examination. It requires urgent intervention. If left untreated, gangrene may occur at the tip of the penis. The skin is usually restored under sedation. When this is not possible, treatment is performed with dorsal slit or circumcision.
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