From the Guidelines
Balanitis can affect the shaft of the penis, although it more commonly affects the glans penis. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the glans penis, but it can spread to the penile shaft, especially in cases of poor hygiene or when left untreated 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Balanitis is primarily an infection or irritation of the glans penis, but it can extend to the shaft.
- The spread to the shaft is more likely in cases of poor hygiene or when the condition is not properly treated.
- Treatment typically involves keeping the area clean and dry, and using topical antifungal creams or antibiotics depending on the cause of the infection 1.
- For mild cases, gentle cleansing with warm water and avoiding irritants may be sufficient, but if symptoms persist or worsen, medical evaluation is necessary to rule out underlying conditions such as diabetes or sexually transmitted infections.
- The warm, moist environment under the foreskin can create ideal conditions for microorganisms to multiply and spread beyond the glans to the shaft 1.
Management and Treatment
- Treatment depends on the cause of balanitis but generally includes topical antifungal agents for fungal infections or antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- Uncircumcised men should retract the foreskin during cleaning and ensure the area is completely dry afterward to prevent the spread of infection.
- Medical evaluation is necessary if symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days of treatment, worsen, or recur frequently, as this could indicate an underlying condition that needs attention.
From the Research
Definition and Causes of Balanitis
- Balanitis is classically defined as inflammation of the glans penis, often also encompassing the prepuce (balanoposthitis) 2.
- The condition can have numerous complications, including severe pain, urethral stenosis, phimosis, sexual dysfunction, and if untreated, malignancy 2.
- Balanitis can be caused by a range of disparate conditions, including infection, dermatoses, and premalignancy 3.
Affected Areas
- The studies provided do not specifically mention the shaft of the penis as a common area affected by balanitis 2, 4, 5, 3, 6.
- Balanitis is typically associated with inflammation of the glans penis and prepuce 2, 3, 6.
Treatment and Management
- Various treatments are available for balanitis, including topical and oral antifungal medications, such as clotrimazole and fluconazole 4, 5.
- The management of balanoposthitis involves recognizing the symptoms and signs, diagnostic tests, and treatment for selected conditions, including infective balanitis and premalignant conditions 3.