The glans is the final portion of the corpus spongiosum, which is the smallest of the three columns of erectile tissue found in the penis (the other two are the corpora cavernosa, which are two parallel structures located on top of the penis). When the inflammation also affects the foreskin, it is known as balanoposthitis.
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans, which can be caused by many causes, from poor hygiene to premalignant lesions that progress to penile cancer.
In almost all cases, balanitis produces redness of the glans and foreskin, and other lesions may appear at that level such as blisters, erosions or whitish or grayish spots, depending on the cause that produces it.
When there is inflammation, there is pain in the vast majority of cases, and it may also be associated with itching and burning. The intensity of these symptoms is variable. In addition, it is not uncommon for other alterations to appear, such as the emission of foul-smelling secretions.
Balanitis, the inflammation of the glans, can be caused by multiple causes, the most common being lack of intimate hygiene in uncircumcised patients and the use of soaps, perfumes or condoms that contain chemical substances that irritate the glans. Although there are many other reasons that can cause it, ranging from trivial conditions to more serious premalignant lesions.
The most important causes of the appearance of balanitis are:
infections:
- Fungi (Candida albicans).
- Bacteria of different types (G. vaginalis, group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, T. vaginalis or syphilis).
- Virus: herpes virus, human papillomavirus (HPV).
Dermatological diseases:
- Lichen sclerosus.
- Balanitis circinata.
- Balanitis of Zoon.
- Premalignant lesions, such as erythroplasia of Queyrat or Bowen’s disease.
Other causes of balanitis:
- Irritants (soaps, perfumes, intimate hygiene creams…).
- Lack of hygiene.
- Contact dermatitis (irritation of the glans when coming into contact with different types of products).
- Drugs (fixed drug erythema).
- Trauma.
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
With proper penile hygiene, many cases of balanitis can be avoided. For this, it is necessary to perform a complete washing of it, which includes the retraction of the foreskin to expose the glans, thus being able to clean it comfortably. This prevents the accumulation of dirt in the frenulum and on the glans. Subsequently, the area will be dried as is done with the rest of the body. Excessive washing is not good, as it favors the appearance of irritation.
