A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

BALANITIS

What is Balanitis ?

Boys have a hood of skin over the end of the penis called the foreskin. The area at the top of the penis underneath this is called the glans. In the middle of the glans is the end of the tube from the bladder called the urethra, through which urine comes. Balanitis refers to soreness of this glans area. The foreskin may also be sore in this condition. The penis may appear swollen and the child may complain of soreness. He may also complain of pain when passing urine.

How does Balanitis occur ?

In early childhood, the balanitis may just be an extension of nappy rash. Germs such as bacteria and yeast can multiply on the glans and cause the balanitis.

Why does Balanitis occur ?

Nappy rash or poor hygiene (inadequate washing of the penis) can be causes of balanitis. In diabetes, yeast germs such as candida (thrush) are more likely to grow, and balanitis can be the first sign of diabetes in children. A foreskin which is too tight can lead to soreness and infection. Balanitis is less common in children who have been circumcised.

Treatment Involved for Balanitis

Simple bathing may clear many cases. If possible the foreskin should be retracted and gentle cleaning of the glans should be carried out. The doctor may send off swabs from the skin to see what sort of germ is growing. Creams or antibiotics may be prescribed. The sort of creams that will be advised will be those which are active against candida yeast infections. Other antibiotics may depend on what germ is found. If the balanitis is due to a foreskin that is too tight, the doctor may recommend an operation to remove the foreskin (circumcision). This is a very safe procedure. It would not interfere with any aspects of the child's function in the future.

During Treatment for Balanitis

With the treatment described above, the condition should improve rapidly. If not, the child should be taken straight back to the doctor.

After Treatment for Balanitis

Usually there are no complications after balanitis. Rarely, the small hole in the glans penis through which urine comes can become scarred and narrowed by balanitis and cause difficulty in passing urine. This is called a urethral stricture. For this reason, if the balanitis should ever recur, it is best to treat it early to prevent this complication, which might require a small operation.

If Balanitis is Left Untreated

Untreated, the infection could spread up the skin of the penis and cause a nasty general skin infection called cellulitis. This would have to be treated with high doses of antibiotics and may require admission to hospital.

Effects on Family of Balanitis

It is best, if possible, to prevent such cases happening. Ensure that the nappy is changed frequently and the nappy area properly cleaned. The child's penis should be carefully washed and bathed.