Differential Diagnosis for a 10-year-old Boy with Thickened and Erythematous Penis Frenulum
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Balanitis: This condition, characterized by inflammation of the glans penis, can extend to the frenulum, causing thickening and erythema. It's common in uncircumcised males due to poor hygiene, leading to bacterial or fungal infections.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Lichen Sclerosus: A chronic inflammatory skin condition that can affect the genital area, leading to thickening and erythema of the skin, including the frenulum. It's more common in uncircumcised males.
- Psoriasis: Although less common in the genital area, psoriasis can cause erythema and thickening of the skin, potentially involving the frenulum.
- Eczema/Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis or atopic dermatitis can cause skin irritation, leading to erythema and thickening, which might involve the penis frenulum.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Conditions like gonorrhea, syphilis, or herpes simplex virus can cause genital lesions and inflammation, including the frenulum. Although less likely in a 10-year-old, considering the possibility is crucial due to the potential for severe consequences if missed.
- Malignancy: Although extremely rare in children, penile cancer or other malignancies could present with unusual skin changes. Early detection is critical.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Zoon's Balanitis: A rare condition characterized by a chronic, painless, balanitis not associated with hygiene, more commonly seen in older, uncircumcised men, but could be considered in the differential.
- Fixed Drug Eruption: A condition where certain medications cause skin lesions, which could potentially involve the genital area, including the frenulum, upon re-exposure to the offending drug.
- Plasma Cell Balanitis: A rare condition of unknown etiology, characterized by chronic inflammation of the glans penis, which might extend to the frenulum.