Foreskin thick and swollen. Foreskin Swelling: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained

05.08.202313.06.2023 by alexxlab

What causes a swollen foreskin. How to recognize symptoms of foreskin inflammation. When should you seek medical help for penile swelling. What are effective treatments for foreskin problems.

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Common Causes of Penile and Foreskin Swelling

Penile and foreskin swelling can be caused by various conditions, ranging from minor irritations to more serious medical issues. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for proper treatment and prevention. Let’s explore some of the most common reasons for foreskin swelling and related penile issues.

Balanitis: Inflammation of the Glans

Balanitis is a frequent cause of penile swelling, particularly affecting the glans (head of the penis). This condition is more common in uncircumcised males and those with poor hygiene practices. What are the key symptoms of balanitis?

Redness and inflammation of the glans
Shiny, thickened skin
Itching and discomfort
Foul odor
Pain during urination
Presence of sores
Swollen lymph nodes in the groin area
Smegma buildup (thick white discharge under the foreskin)

Balanitis often results from an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast naturally present on the body. In some cases, bacterial infections, particularly those caused by Streptococcus species, can also lead to balanitis. While not classified as a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the microorganisms responsible for balanitis can be transferred through physical contact.

Allergic Reactions and Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is another common cause of penile swelling, resulting from allergic or non-allergic reactions to irritating substances. What are some common triggers for contact dermatitis affecting the penis?

Latex condoms
Lubricants containing propylene glycol
Spermicides
Harsh chemicals in soaps or lotions
Chlorine from swimming pools

In addition to swelling, contact dermatitis may cause redness, itching, dryness, bumps, blisters, and a burning sensation. If you suspect an allergy or sensitivity to a particular substance, it’s crucial to discontinue its use immediately and consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Urethritis: Understanding Inflammation of the Urethra

Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, can lead to penile swelling and discomfort. This condition affects approximately 4 million people in the United States annually. What are the primary causes of urethritis?

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
Bacterial infections (both gonococcal and non-gonococcal)
Irritation from chemicals
Injury from urinary catheters

Symptoms of urethritis may include painful urination, a burning sensation during urination, increased urge to urinate, and whitish-yellow discharge from the penis. If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment, as untreated urethritis can lead to more severe complications.

Priapism: A Medical Emergency Requiring Immediate Attention

Priapism is a serious condition characterized by a prolonged erection that persists without sexual stimulation. This painful condition can occur even after sexual activity has ended. What are the key indicators of priapism?

An erection lasting more than four hours without sexual stimulation
Progressive pain in the penis
Erection without full rigidity
Fully rigid penis with a soft glans

Priapism is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate attention. Individuals with sickle cell disease are at higher risk for priapism, as are those who use intracavernosal drugs for erectile dysfunction or engage in heavy alcohol or drug use. If you experience an erection lasting longer than four hours or accompanied by severe pain, seek emergency medical care without delay.

Peyronie’s Disease: Plaque Buildup and Penile Curvature

Peyronie’s disease is a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the corpora spongiosa of the penis, leading to curvature and potential swelling. How common is Peyronie’s disease, and who is most at risk?

Approximately 6 out of 100 males between the ages of 40 and 70 are estimated to have Peyronie’s disease. However, it can also affect younger men in their 30s. The exact cause of Peyronie’s disease remains unclear, but it has been associated with factors such as penile injury, autoimmune disorders, connective tissue diseases, and the aging process.

What are the primary symptoms of Peyronie’s disease?

Penile curvature or bend during erections
Inflammation and swelling
Painful erections
Soft or incomplete erections
Presence of lumps or hard plaques in the penis
Pain during sexual intercourse
Erectile dysfunction

If you notice any of these symptoms, particularly a change in the shape or curvature of your penis, it’s important to consult a urologist for proper evaluation and treatment options.

Posthitis and Balanoposthitis: Foreskin-Specific Inflammation

Posthitis refers to inflammation specifically affecting the foreskin. This condition is often caused by an overgrowth of fungus and can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. What are the key indicators of posthitis?

Soreness and tenderness of the foreskin
Redness and irritation
Tightness or difficulty retracting the foreskin
Buildup of smegma (a cheesy-looking substance under the foreskin)

Balanoposthitis is a condition where both the glans (balanitis) and the foreskin (posthitis) are inflamed simultaneously. This combined inflammation affects approximately 6 percent of uncircumcised males. What symptoms should you look out for if you suspect balanoposthitis?

Swelling of both the glans and foreskin
Redness and irritation
Pain or discomfort
Foul-smelling discharge
Intense itching

Proper hygiene and regular cleaning of the genital area can help prevent these conditions. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to seek medical advice for appropriate treatment.

Paraphimosis: A Urological Emergency

Paraphimosis is a serious condition that occurs when the foreskin becomes trapped behind the glans and cannot be returned to its normal position. This can lead to severe swelling and potential complications if left untreated. What are the key characteristics of paraphimosis?

Inability to retract the foreskin back over the glans
Severe swelling of the foreskin and glans
Pain and discomfort in the affected area
Discoloration of the glans due to restricted blood flow

Paraphimosis is considered a urological emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If you experience these symptoms, seek help from a healthcare professional as soon as possible to prevent potential tissue damage or necrosis.

Diagnostic Approaches and Treatment Options

When dealing with penile or foreskin swelling, proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. How do healthcare providers typically diagnose these conditions?

Physical examination of the affected area
Review of medical history and symptoms
Swab tests to identify potential infections
Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
Imaging studies (in some cases) to assess structural abnormalities

Treatment options vary depending on the underlying cause of the swelling. What are some common approaches to managing penile and foreskin issues?

Topical antifungal or antibiotic medications for infections
Oral antibiotics for more severe bacterial infections
Steroid creams to reduce inflammation
Improved hygiene practices to prevent recurrence
Avoiding irritants and potential allergens
In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary (e.g., circumcision for recurrent balanitis)

It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and complete any prescribed treatments to ensure full recovery and prevent complications.

Prevention Strategies and Lifestyle Modifications

While not all cases of penile and foreskin swelling can be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing these conditions. What are some effective prevention strategies?

Maintain proper genital hygiene, including regular cleaning of the penis and foreskin
Use mild, unscented soaps and avoid harsh chemicals in the genital area
Dry the penis thoroughly after bathing or swimming
Wear breathable, cotton underwear to reduce moisture buildup
Practice safe sex and get regular STI screenings
Manage underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, that may increase your risk
Avoid using products you know you’re allergic or sensitive to

By implementing these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing penile and foreskin swelling and related complications.

When to Seek Medical Help: Recognizing Urgent Situations

While some cases of penile swelling may resolve on their own or with home care, certain situations require immediate medical attention. How can you determine when it’s time to seek professional help?

Severe pain or discomfort that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments
Prolonged erections lasting more than four hours (priapism)
Inability to retract the foreskin or urinate (paraphimosis)
Signs of infection, such as fever, chills, or spreading redness
Sudden onset of severe swelling or discoloration
Persistent symptoms that don’t improve after a few days
Any concerning changes in the appearance or function of your penis

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your health. If you’re unsure about the severity of your symptoms or have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

Long-term Management and Follow-up Care

For individuals who experience recurrent episodes of penile or foreskin swelling, long-term management strategies may be necessary. What are some approaches to managing chronic or recurring conditions?

Regular check-ups with a urologist or primary care physician
Ongoing monitoring of underlying health conditions that may contribute to swelling
Adherence to prescribed medication regimens
Lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors
Education on early symptom recognition and prompt treatment
Consideration of long-term preventive measures, such as circumcision in severe recurrent cases

By working closely with your healthcare provider and following a comprehensive management plan, you can minimize the impact of penile and foreskin swelling on your overall health and quality of life.

Understanding the various causes, symptoms, and treatment options for penile and foreskin swelling is crucial for maintaining good genital health. By staying informed, practicing proper hygiene, and seeking timely medical attention when needed, you can effectively manage these conditions and prevent potential complications. Remember, your healthcare provider is your best resource for personalized advice and treatment tailored to your specific situation.

Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Many things can cause a swollen penis. If you have penile swelling, your penis may look red and irritated. The area might feel sore or itchy.

The swelling can occur with or without unusual discharge, foul odor, or bumps. These symptoms could make it difficult to urinate or have sexual intercourse.

Since there are many causes for a swollen penis, it’s important to pay attention to other symptoms. This will help your doctor determine the underlying cause.

In rare cases, a swollen penis is a medical emergency. Conditions like priapism or paraphimosis require immediate help.

Read on to learn the common causes of penile swelling and what to do to treat it.

Penile swelling is a symptom of a health condition rather than a condition itself. It usually shows up with other symptoms, which can range from mild to severe.

Possible underlying causes include:

Balanitis

Balanitis is a common cause of penile swelling. It occurs when the penis head, also called the glans, is inflamed.

About 3 to 11 percent of males will experience balanitis in their lifetime. The condition usually affects uncircumcised males with poor hygiene habits.

Recurring balanitis is associated with poorly managed diabetes and immunodeficiency.

Common symptoms include:

redness
shiny, thick skin
itchiness
foul odor
painful urination
sores
swollen lymph nodes in the groin
smegma (thick white discharge under foreskin)

Most cases are a result of an overgrowth of Candida albicans, a type of yeast that naturally occurs on the body. The second most common cause of balanitis is bacterial, due to a Streptococcus species.

While the condition isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the microorganisms that cause it can be physically transferred.

Allergic or irritant reaction

Another cause of penile swelling is contact dermatitis. This involves an allergic or nonallergic reaction to an irritating substance, such as:

latex condoms
propylene glycol in lubricants
spermicides
chemicals in soaps or lotions
chlorine

In addition to swelling, you may have:

redness
itching
dryness
bumps
blisters
burning

If you think you’re allergic or sensitive to something, stop using it immediately.

Urethritis

Inflammation of the urethra, known as urethritis, can cause penile swelling. The urethra carries urine from your bladder to your penis.

In the United States, urethritis affects 4 million people every year.

Typically, urethritis is a result of an STI. Neisseria gonorrhoeae (gonococcal urethritis) bacteria as well as nongonococcal bacteria can cause it.

Less common causes include irritating chemicals or injury from a urinary catheter.

Other symptoms include:

painful urination
burning during urination
increased urge to urinate
whitish-yellow discharge

Priapism

A swollen penis might be a symptom of priapism. This condition is a prolonged erection that continues without sexual stimulation. In some cases, it can happen after sexual stimulation has occurred.

You may have:

an erection that lasts for more than four hours (without sexual stimulation)
progressive pain
erection without a fully rigid penis
fully rigid penis with soft head

Medical emergency
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you have an erection that’s painful, lasts longer than four hours, or any of the following apply:
You have sickle cell disease (a common cause).
You take intracavernosal drugs for erectile dysfunction.
You heavily use alcohol or drugs.

Peyronie’s disease

Peyronie’s disease happens when plaque builds up in the corpora spongiosa of the penis, below the skin. Blood can’t fill the areas where the plaque is located so the penis bends at that point during an erection.

Most Peyronie’s is first noticed as a bend or curvature with no other symptoms. Over time, the swelling can turn into a hard scar.

Other symptoms of Peyronie’s disease include:

inflammation with swelling
painful erections
soft erections
lumps
painful sexual intercourse
erectile dysfunction

The cause of Peyronie’s disease isn’t clear. However, it’s associated with:

penis injury
autoimmune disease
connective tissue disorder
aging

Doctors estimate 6 out of 100 males between 40 and 70 years old have Peyronie’s disease. It can also affect younger men in their 30s.

Posthitis

If only your foreskin is swollen, you might have what’s called posthitis. Posthitis is inflammation of the foreskin. An overgrowth of fungus often causes it.

Posthitis often develops with balanitis.

Foreskin symptoms may include:

soreness
redness
tightness
smegma buildup

Balanoposthitis

Typically, balanitis and posthitis occur together. This is known as balanoposthitis. It’s inflammation of both the glans and foreskin.

Compared to balanitis, balanoposthitis is less common. It affects 6 percent of uncircumcised males.

Balanoposthitis causes penile swelling along with:

redness
pain
smelly discharge
itching

Paraphimosis

Paraphimosis is another cause of penile swelling that only affects uncircumcised males. It happens when the foreskin is stuck just behind the glans, causing constriction.

Additional symptoms include:

pain
discomfort
redness
tenderness
trouble urinating

Paraphimosis may result from:

forgetting to pull the foreskin back down
infection
injury
incorrect circumcision
diabetes-related inflammation

Paraphimosis isn’t common. It affects about 1 percent of uncircumcised males over 16 years old.

If the foreskin can’t be pulled back, it can cut off blood flow and lead to tissue death in the glans.

Medical emergency
Paraphimosis is a medical emergency. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room if you’re having any of the symptoms mentioned above.

Penile cancer

In rare cases, penile swelling might indicate penile cancer.

Typically, skin changes are the first sign of penile cancer. Other symptoms may include:

skin thickening
redness
lump or ulcer
flat, blue-brown bumps
foul-smelling discharge under the foreskin
bleeding under the foreskin

You’re more likely to develop penile cancer if you:

are 60 or older
have poor personal hygiene
have phimosis
use tobacco products
have HPV

Penile cancer is extremely rare. In North America and Europe, less than 1 in 100,000 men are diagnosed with penile cancer. Circumcision in childhood or adolescence has been shown to lower the risk of developing penile cancer, while circumcision as an adult has no effect.

If you have minor penile swelling, home remedies might provide relief. These include:

soaking in a warm bath
applying gentle pressure to your penis
applying an ice pack wrapped in cloth to your penis

It’s also best to avoid harsh soaps, lotions, and other potentially irritating substances.

The best treatment depends on your symptoms and cause of swelling. Medical treatments include:

antifungal cream
steroid cream
oral antifungal medicine
oral antibiotics
intravenous antibiotics
dorsal slit (surgically widening the foreskin)
circumcision

Your doctor might also prescribe a pain-relieving medication to help control pain.

If you have penile swelling that gets worse or doesn’t go away, visit your doctor. Also see your doctor after a penis injury.

Depending on your symptoms, your doctor might refer you to a urologist.

Your doctor might use the following to help diagnose your condition:

Medical history. They’ll ask about your sexual history, hygiene habits, and overall health.
Physical exam. In most cases, they can make a diagnosis by simply looking at your penis.
Swab test. If you have unusual discharge, they may send a sample of it to a lab. This will help determine what microorganisms are causing your symptoms.
Imaging tests. They might order an ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. These imaging tests produce detailed images of the soft tissues in your penis.
Biopsy. If they suspect penile cancer, they’ll request a biopsy. A piece of tissue from your penis will be sent to a lab for examination.

Penile swelling is a sign of an underlying medical condition. Depending on the cause, you might also have redness, itchiness, unusual discharge, or bumps.

There are many causes of penile swelling, so see your doctor if it gets worse or doesn’t go away. Many conditions can be diagnosed with a basic physical exam.

If you have an erection that lasts for more than four hours or the foreskin of your penis gets trapped behind the head, get emergency help.

Paraphimosis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

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Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA — By Mary Ellen Ellis — Updated on July 9, 2017

Paraphimosis is a condition that only affects uncircumcised males. It develops when the foreskin can no longer be pulled forward over the tip of the penis. Contact your doctor or go to the hospital immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms.

What Is Paraphimosis?

Paraphimosis is a condition that only affects uncircumcised males. It develops when the foreskin can no longer be pulled forward over the tip of the penis. This causes the foreskin to become swollen and stuck, which may slow or stop the flow of blood to the tip of the penis. The condition can lead to serious complications if it isn’t treated.

Paraphimosis most often occurs when a healthcare provider handles the foreskin improperly. They may not return the foreskin back to its normal position after a physical exam or medical procedure.

Paraphimosis shouldn’t be confused with phimosis. Phimosis is a condition in which the foreskin can no longer be pulled back from the tip of the penis. It typically occurs in younger children, and it usually isn’t a serious condition. Paraphimosis, however, is an emergency condition. Contact your doctor or go the hospital immediately if you’re experiencing symptoms of paraphimosis.

The main symptom of paraphimosis is the inability to return the foreskin back to its normal position over the tip of the penis. The foreskin and the tip of the penis may be swollen and painful. The tip of the penis may also be dark red or blue due to a lack of blood flow.

Call your doctor right away if you discover any of these symptoms.

Paraphimosis most commonly occurs when a healthcare professional forgets to pull the foreskin back to its normal position after a medical examination or procedure.

Other causes of paraphimosis include:

having an infection
experiencing physical trauma to the genital area
pulling the foreskin back too forcefully
having a foreskin that’s tighter than normal
having a foreskin that has been pulled back for an extended period

Your doctor can diagnose paraphimosis by simply performing a physical examination and inspecting the penis. They’ll also ask you about your symptoms and any other problems you may be experiencing with the penis or foreskin.

Treatment will vary depending on your age and the severity of your condition. In general, the first step in treating paraphimosis is to reduce the swelling. Your doctor may do the following:

apply ice to the area
wrap a bandage tightly around the penis
use needles to drain pus or blood
inject hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that helps reduce swelling

Your doctor may also make a small incision to relieve tension, but they’ll only do this in severe cases.

Once the swelling is reduced, your doctor will move the foreskin back into position. This can be very painful, so you’ll likely be given painkillers before the procedure starts. Painkillers might include an anesthetic, a nerve block, or an oral narcotic. During the procedure, your doctor will first lubricate the penis and foreskin. They’ll then gently squeeze the tip of the penis while also pulling down on the foreskin.

A complete circumcision, or removal of the foreskin, may be necessary in very severe cases of paraphimosis. This will also prevent the condition from happening again.

Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully after either procedure and to take any prescribed medications. Your doctor will teach you how to clean and care for the tip of the penis after treatment.

Call your doctor right away if you develop a high fever and if you’re still experiencing pain after treatment. These symptoms may indicate an infection, which must be treated with antibiotics.

Paraphimosis may lead to serious complications if it isn’t treated quickly.The condition can cause reduced blood flow in the penis, which deprives the tissues of oxygen. When this happens, paraphimosis can result in:

a severe infection
damage to the tip of the penis
gangrene, or tissue death, resulting in the loss of the tip of the penis

The chances of a full recovery are high when paraphimosis is treated right away. Once the swelling is reduced and the foreskin is returned to its normal position, most people recover without complications.

A complete circumcision can prevent paraphimosis. If you aren’t circumcised, paraphimosis can be prevented by:

practicing good hygiene and cleaning the tip of the penis regularly
always placing the foreskin back over the tip of the penis after it has been pulled back for cleaning, sexual intercourse, or urination
making sure that a healthcare provider has pulled the foreskin back to its normal position after an exam or procedure
never leaving the foreskin behind the tip of the penis for extended periods of time

Last medically reviewed on January 11, 2016

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Familydoctor.org Editorial Staff. (2014, April). Paraphimosis
familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/paraphimosis.html
Paraphimosis. (2013, March 11)
sw.org/HealthLibrary?page=Paraphimosis
Phimosis and paraphimosis. (n.d.). Retrieved from
lpch.org/DiseaseHealthInfo/HealthLibrary/urology/pandp.html
Shenot, P. J. (2015, May). Phimosis and paraphimosis
merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary-disorders/penile-and-scrotal-disorders/phimosis-and-paraphimosis

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Jul 9, 2017

Written By

Mary Ellen Ellis

Edited By

Judy Lee

Jan 11, 2016

Medically Reviewed By

George Krucik, MD, MBA

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Medically reviewed by George Krucik, MD, MBA — By Mary Ellen Ellis — Updated on July 9, 2017

Balanoposthitis – causes, symptoms, treatment

Balanoposthitis is an inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin in boys and men. In men
Balanoposthitis can develop as a result of various infectious and non-infectious diseases: herpes, syphilis, psoriasis, as a complication of diabetes, with allergies, and also after a penile injury.

Causes of balanoposthitis in boys

In boys, balanoposthitis most often occurs before the age of five. The reason is physiological phimosis, which is normal for boys up to 3-5 years old, but makes spontaneous cleaning of the head difficult due to the fact that the foreskin above it is narrowed and cannot be completely exposed. As a result, a yellowish-white preputial secret, smegma, accumulates under the foreskin, and microbes that cause inflammation actively develop in it. Sometimes parents try to open the head of the child’s penis themselves, while injuring the foreskin and introducing an infection.

IMPORTANT! Information from the article cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-treatment! Only a doctor can prescribe the necessary examinations, establish a diagnosis and draw up a treatment plan for a consultation!

A little about us

Eurpomed Kids are two children’s clinics (in the north and south of the city), each of which employs all the necessary specialists, including pediatric dentists, as well as its own laboratories and field service pediatricians. In order for children to grow up healthy, we work seven days a week from 9until 22:00! Read more about why Euromed Kids clinics are the best here 🙂

Risk factors

Infrequent diaper changes, poor penis and testicular hygiene. However, too frequent washing with soap and detergents can also provoke balanoposthitis, as soap irritates the head and foreskin, making them more vulnerable to inflammation.

Symptoms of acute balanoposthitis in boys

Crying during urination in infants, complaints of painful urination in older children.
Swelling and redness of the foreskin and glans.
Smegma has an unpleasant odor and may contain pus.
Intertrigo, erosion, desquamation of the skin on the child’s genitals.
General malaise, lack of appetite.
Temperature rise to 37-38.

Make an appointment with a urologist if your child has any of these symptoms.

Treatment of balanoposthitis

If balanoposthitis is suspected in a boy, it is necessary to clean the preputial cavity of smegma and clean the head and foreskin. If you cannot expose the head on your own, you should contact a pediatric surgeon. Having previously anesthetized the foreskin with an ointment, the surgeon makes a small incision on it (this is called the separation of synechia, i.e. adhesions of the foreskin), exposes the head and cleans it. Then, an anti-inflammatory ointment is placed in the preputial sac. For a complete cure, baths with an antiseptic (potassium permanganate, furatsilin) are carried out.

Circumcisio (circumcision) is used extremely rarely, only with prolonged chronic balanoposthitis with constant exacerbations.

If left untreated, acute balanoposthitis can become chronic. As a result, rough scars form on the foreskin, pathological phimosis occurs, and the penis is deformed. As a result of urinary retention, chronic urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra, can develop.

Prevention of balanoposthitis

Proper hygiene of the penis in a child and adolescent: daily shower (without soap), removal of accumulated smegma, timely diaper change, daily linen. Prevention of chronic balanoposthitis is very important for the future reproductive health of the child!

How to make an appointment?

The fastest and most convenient way is to book online. It is available 24 hours a day and takes no more than 5 minutes!
You can also just call us on +7 812 331 00 00

Balanoposthitis in children – causes, symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment of balanoposthitis in the “SM-Clinic” for children and adolescents

The urologist deals with the treatment of this disease

general information
Classification: types of balanoposthitis in children
Symptoms of balanoposthitis in boys
Causes of balanoposthitis in children
Diagnosis of balanoposthitis in children
Treatment of balanoposthitis in boys
Expert opinion of a doctor
Prevention of balanoposthitis in children
Question answer

General information

Balanoposthitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the head of the penis and foreskin. The condition is accompanied by swelling, redness and the appearance of discharge from the preputial sac. Children’s urologists at SM-Clinic in Moscow diagnose and treat balanoposthitis in boys of any age, eliminating unpleasant symptoms as quickly as possible.

Balanoposthitis is a common problem in pediatric practice. Almost every boy has experienced this disease. It is manifested by simultaneous inflammation of the foreskin and the head of the penis. Most often, pathology develops in violation of the rules of hygiene of the intimate zone. Therefore, statistically, the disease occurs mainly at the age of 12-14 years.

Directly a local inflammatory process does not pose a direct threat to the child’s health. However, the danger lies in the complications that arise against the background of the transition of an acute process into a chronic one. In the absence of targeted and timely treatment, adhesions form between the foreskin and the glans penis – phimosis develops.

Classification: types of balanoposthitis in children

Depending on the clinical manifestations, balanoposthitis in children is divided into 3 forms:

Catarrhal. This variant of the disease occurs in 70-80% of cases. It is characterized by moderate severity of symptoms and responds well to treatment.
Erosive. A more severe form of the disease. Tissue defects form on the head of the penis. Infection penetrates into these areas more easily, causing the development of complications.
Gangrenous. A particularly severe form of the disease, which is characterized by a sharp deterioration in the child’s condition.

Balanoposthitis can be acute or chronic. The first option is more favorable, since it can be cured fairly quickly. The main thing is not to delay a visit to the doctor when identifying the characteristic symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of balanoposthitis in boys

The clinical picture of the disease is due to the formation of a local focus of inflammation in the penis. The severity of symptoms of balanoposthitis in children depends on the form of the disease, its neglect, as well as the individual characteristics of the boy’s body.

The main signs of pathology include:

reddening of the foreskin area;
swelling of tissues around the head of the penis;
itching and pain aggravated by touching the penis or urinating;
moodiness, sleep disturbance, which are the result of constant discomfort;
enlarged inguinal lymph nodes;
increase in body temperature up to 38 degrees.

It should be noted that in 80% of cases the general condition of the child changes slightly. He continues to play actively, eats normally. The severity of fever may vary depending on the intensity of the body’s defenses and the activity of the inflammatory process.

The chronic form of balanoposthitis is characterized by alternating episodes of exacerbation and remission. Discomfort in the head of the penis, swelling and redness are not so pronounced. In the zone of the preputial sac, white secretions (smegma) are formed, which are a favorable environment for the development of bacteria, followed by the formation of adhesions.

Causes of balanoposthitis in children

The pathogenic basis of balanoposthitis is local inflammation provoked by the penetration of bacteria. These are staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli. These microorganisms trigger a cascade of biochemical reactions that are responsible for the development of a characteristic clinical picture.

There are many reasons that can provoke the development of acute or chronic balanoposthitis in a child.

Long-term non-change diaper wear in newborns and infants. Due to the accumulation of urine, favorable conditions arise for the development of bacteria in the preputial zone.
Poor hygiene of the genital organs in preschool and adolescence. It is important for boys to explain that while taking a shower or bath, you need to push back the foreskin and rinse the area of the preputial sac. Otherwise, the natural secretion of the glands stagnates in this area, which over time also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.
Traumatic injuries. In case of violation of the integrity of the skin in the area of the foreskin and insufficient treatment with antiseptics, bacteria and fungi can penetrate there.
Wearing underwear that is too tight. Violation of microcirculation causes a decrease in local immunity.
Allergic to washing powder or certain food products. The developing immune imbalance creates conditions for injury to the skin and mucous membranes, followed by the penetration of pathogens.

Some authors point to the connection of balanoposthitis with frequent masturbation of boys in adolescence.

Diagnosis of balanoposthitis in children

Diagnosis of balanoposthitis in children is based on the analysis of the patient’s complaints, history taking and examination of the external genital organs. In 95% of cases, a pediatric urologist correctly establishes the cause of the characteristic symptoms even at the first consultation.

To confirm the diagnosis and exclude other possible diseases, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive examination:

complete blood count;
biochemical blood test;
general urinalysis;
bacteriological examination of discharge from the preputial sac;
blood test for infections (HIV, syphilis, viral hepatitis B, C).

If necessary, the child is examined by related specialists (pediatrician, gastroenterologist) to rule out somatic diseases.

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Treatment of balanoposthitis in boys

The choice of treatment for balanoposthitis in children depends on the age of the child, the form of the disease and its course (acute or chronic), the severity of the main symptoms and signs, as well as the individual characteristics of the body. In most cases, conservative therapy is sufficient, however, when the pathology becomes chronic with the formation of adhesions between the head of the penis and the foreskin, surgery may be necessary.

Conservative treatment

The essence of therapy is to suppress the focus of local inflammation and the destruction of pathogenic microorganisms. For this purpose, the pediatric urologist prescribes:

antibacterial ointments that are injected into the preputial sac;
baths with antiseptics – a light solution of potassium permanganate, chamomile, furatsilin;
antipyretic drugs for fever.

In 70-85% of cases of catarrhal forms of balanoposthitis, symptoms can be eliminated with the help of such therapy within 2-3 days. The doctor teaches the child and parents the rules for caring for the genitals, points out the importance of choosing free underwear.

In case of erosive and gangrenous form of the disease, healing ointments and systemic antibiotics are additionally prescribed. The selection of medicines is carried out individually, depending on the characteristics of the clinical case.

Surgical treatment

In the chronic form of balanoposthitis, dense bands (adhesions) form between the tissues of the penis and the foreskin, which make it impossible to release the head. Conservative therapy in this case does not help. To eliminate the problem, the patient is recommended to perform circumcision of the foreskin. The operation contributes to the complete release of the glans penis and is the best method for preventing future relapses. If the foreskin is excised, the risk of bacterial accumulation in the area of the preputial sac is eliminated.

The intervention is performed under general anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is up to 30 minutes. Postoperative recovery takes 1-2 weeks.

Doctor’s expert opinion

Balanoposthitis in children is a common problem in pediatrics. The disease is not dangerous and does not threaten the health of the child. However, if clinical signs are ignored, banal discomfort in the groin area can cause serious problems for a boy in adulthood. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the help of a specialist in identifying redness and itching in the area of the foreskin.

Prevention of balanoposthitis in children

Prevention of balanoposthitis is based on the observance of the rules of intimate hygiene. Parents should teach the boy how and when to wash. It is recommended to avoid wearing too tight underwear.

In adolescence, it is important to talk about the need to avoid chaotic sex and the correct use of condoms.

It is important for parents of boys to know what balanoposthitis looks like in children and, when the first signs of the disease appear, not to delay contacting a doctor. Timely assistance will help to quickly remove all unpleasant symptoms and prevent the development of complications. Experienced doctors of the children’s department of “SM-Clinic” will help to resolve a delicate issue quickly.

Q&A

diagnostics and medical care for balanoposthitis is provided by a pediatric urologist.

In 90% of cases, the disease can be managed with the help of conservative therapy. An exception is chronic forms, when adhesions form between the head of the penis and the foreskin with the development of phimosis. In this case, circumcision is shown.

Various decoctions of plants with antiseptic action can be used as baths for inflammation of the foreskin and glans penis. However, this approach is justified only after the child has been examined by a doctor. Otherwise, parents may miss the moment of active progression of the disease and allow it to become chronic and develop complications.

Sometimes, with frequent episodes of acute balanoposthitis, pediatric urologists recommend circumcision to prevent recurrence of the disease. In this way, the preputial sac is removed, which is a container for the secretion of the glands in the head of the penis. With the help of planned intervention, you can permanently eliminate the risk of re-inflammation. However, the choice in this case remains with the patient and parents.

Sources

Tarusin D.I. Risk factors for reproductive disorders in boys and adolescents: Abstract of the thesis. diss. … doc. honey. Sciences. M., 2005.

Douglas Gairdner. The fate of the foreskin. BMJ. 1949; 12:1433–1437.

Operative urology. ON THE. Lopatkin, I.P. Shevtsov, ed. Leningrad: Medicine, 1986: 479.