What is balanitis, how to deal with such an inflammatory disease. Symptoms and treatment of all types of balanitis Ring-shaped balanitis
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Balanitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the glans penis. Inflammation usually also extends to foreskin , and then the disease is called balanoposthitis. It is a very common inflammatory condition in men and can occur with some skin conditions (eg, ), as well as due to traumatic causes, for example, irritation with urine, smegma, clothing, or various bacteria, viruses, against the background of a decrease in immunity, diabetes, and also when hygiene standards are not observed as a prevention of balanitis.
There are several types of balanitis:
- traumatic balanitis manifests itself in the formation of cracks, redness and swelling, after coital or other trauma;
- balanitis, which arose as a result of irritation from the accumulation of smegma, urine, exposure to detergents, is manifested by swelling of the glans penis and its redness;
- infectious balanitis.
The latter type, in turn, is divided into several types depending on the infection:
- candidal is a manifestation of the urogenital in men, and occurs as a result of sexual intercourse with an infected partner, however, it can also occur as a result of taking antibiotics, as well as in patients suffering from diabetes , cachexia . It is characterized by swelling and redness of the glans penis, with slight peeling, spots of various sizes may form. There are curdled discharge with an unpleasant odor, burning and itching of the head and foreskin of the penis;
- chlamydial which usually accompanies chlamydial urethritis ;
- mycoplasma most often develops simultaneously with mycoplasmal urethritis ;
- trichomonas usually occurs in men who have a long foreskin, and manifests itself in the form of erosion and erythema of the glans penis;
- circinary balanoposthitis manifests itself in the formation of large smooth bright red spots on the head of the penis, and often accompanies chlamydial infection ;
- xerotic balanitis it is also a manifestation of chlamydial infection, as well as, and is characterized by peeling of the head and its increased dryness, as well as itching;
- anaerobic balanitis(gardnerella-associated balanoposthitis), caused by anaerobic gram-negative bacteria, manifests itself in the form of erosion and swelling of the foreskin, a sticky coating on the head and an unpleasant odor;
- herpetic balanitis manifested in the formation of a herpetic rash on the glans penis.
Special mention should be made allergic balanoposthitis, which are manifestations of genital allergies. They are characterized by the appearance of swelling and itching of the skin, spots, rashes. Often occur after use, local.
Causes of balanitis
The causes of balanitis, in general, are not diverse. The main reason for the onset and development of the inflammatory process is the accumulation of smegma under the foreskin, where the infection develops.
Local factors of balanoposthitis include:
- at urethritis or other infectious diseases, pus is released from the urethra, which leads to inflammatory processes and balanitis;
- non-observance of hygiene rules, which leads to the accumulation of smegma under the foreskin, in which the infection develops;
- chronic irritation of the glans penis with urine, which is typical for patients with diabetes mellitus;
- coital or other injury excessive masturbation (traumatic balanitis);
- skin exposure due to radiation therapy.
The infectious factors for the occurrence of balanitis include various viruses , mushrooms , bacteria , for example, yeast fungi, mycoplasmas, streptococci, staphylococci and others. Often balanoposthitis is the result of a complication -, gonorrhea , . Also, the cause of balanoposthitis are skin diseases such as, psoriasis , contact dermatitis , erythroplasia of Queira that appear on the skin of the penis. In addition, among the causes of balanitis, doctors distinguish genetic and autoimmune factors.
Symptoms of balanitis
The symptoms of balanoposthitis are very diverse, and depend on the type of the disease itself. Local symptoms of balanitis are as follows:
- swelling and redness of the glans penis;
- erythema of the foreskin;
- burning and itching;
- purulent discharge from the opening of the foreskin with an unpleasant odor;
- dryness and irritation;
- the appearance of ulcers, erosions on the head of the penis;
- nodular rash;
- the appearance of cracks and crusts;
- pain when opening the head and during intercourse;
Common symptoms of balanitis are:
- general malaise, weakness;
- increase, including in the groin;
- rashes in the oral mucosa.
If you delay the treatment of balanitis, then ulcers may appear, which are accompanied by painful sensations when walking and urinating. As complications of balanitis, inflammation of the lymph nodes of the penis can develop, as well as penis.
Diagnosis of balanitis
The diagnosis of "balanitis" is made on the basis of laboratory and clinical tests. The doctor prescribes tests for diseases that are sexually transmitted. Externally, balanitis is detected without difficulties, it is more difficult to find out the cause of its occurrence. To do this, the patient undergoes a serological test for syphilis, a bacterioscopic examination for trichomoniasis and gonorrhea, an examination for, PCR for fungi that cause candidiasis, and for anaerobic flora. In addition, a consultation with an allergist and a blood test for sugar levels are prescribed.
Treatment of balanitis
Treatment depends on the cause and stage of the disease and is carried out under the supervision of a urologist. Mandatory activities are daily washing with warm water and soap of the penis. Creams may be used to reduce irritation during intercourse. If the diagnosis of balanitis reveals the cause, then the efforts of doctors are aimed at treating the underlying disease and the symptoms of balanitis. Usually, the treatment of balanitis is limited to twenty-minute cool baths with a solution and potassium permanganate
, or with saline, which are carried out 2-3 times a day. After the bath, the glans penis and the foreskin are lubricated, garamycin
, as well as preparations containing fish fat
. Anaerobic balanitis treated, with mycoplasmal balanoposthitis large doses are prescribed tetracycline
. Treated with corticosteroid ointments xerotic balanitis. At the same time, a course of antifungal or antibacterial drugs is prescribed.
If the cause of the disease is phimosis, then surgical treatment of balanitis is performed, namely, circumcision of the foreskin of the penis.
Also appointed physiotherapy procedures, namely: ozone therapy, heliotherapy, thermomagnetotherapy, electropheresis, infrared laser therapy, UHF inductothermy of the penis, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and help eliminate inflammation.
The doctors
Medications
Prevention of balanitis
The main preventive measures are strict adherence to hygiene rules and the treatment of phimosis and other diseases that can lead to balanitis. The penis should be washed 2 times a day, as well as before and after sexual intercourse, with warm water, opening the head and cleaning it. Preventive measures also include the treatment of diabetes, protected sex, proper treatment. When the first signs of the disease are detected, an urgent need to contact a urologist.
Complications of balanitis
Complications of balanitis can be phimosis and myatal stenosis, which manifests itself in the narrowing of the external opening of the urethra, which leads to urination disorders, as well as to,. Also, if balanoposthitis is not treated, then a decrease in the sensitivity of the penis is possible, which leads to a decrease in the quality of sexual life. In the case of the transition of the inflammatory process to the urethra, urethritis may begin. Some forms of balanitis lead to necrosis of the head of the penis.
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What is this disease?
Balanitis- This is an inflammatory disease, manifested by pain and intense itching in the area of the glans penis. The cause of the disease is pathogenic microorganisms or mechanical trauma to the head. Pathogenic flora can settle on the penis due to a violation of hygiene rules; and mechanical trauma can occur due to wearing tight and uncomfortable underwear. Another, less common factor in the development of the disease is the use of chemicals externally in the head of the penis that irritates the skin.Balanitis and balanoposthitis are also typical for children, and not only for adults, since the children's anatomy is somewhat different from the adult - in boys, the head of the penis is completely covered by the foreskin, and this is often aggravated by phimosis - narrowing of the foreskin. The secondary development of the disease occurs after the spread of microbes that were previously in the urethra. This occurs against the background of diseases such as urethritis, for example. Urethritis has a different nature ( syphilitic, gonorrheal, trichomonas, purulent). In the pathogenesis of the disease, the role of the allergic component cannot be denied ( with hives or eczema), immunodeficiency states and diabetes mellitus.
Causes of balanitis and balanoposthitis
Diseases are classified into:1. Specific ( when the type of pathogen is determined).
2. Non-specific ( pathogen type not specified).
3. Allergic.
4. Those that arise as a result of dermatological diseases.
In clinical practice, there are isolated cases of ulcerative lesions of the penis with cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus.
Clinical manifestations
Clinical signs of the disease appear individually, there are not so many typical manifestations - in particular, the most typical include pain localized in the head of the penis and severe itching there. Sometimes a person may not observe any alarming signs for a long time. Such an asymptomatic, atypical course of the disease is also not uncommon in the practice of andrologists and urologists.In the vast majority of cases, swelling of the head and hyperemia of the skin are observed ( purpleness or blueness), erosive and ulcerative lesions, erythematous spots, plaque in the coronal sulcus and on the very head of the penis, nodular rash. Rarely, there is an increase in the lymph nodes in the groin.
Full symptomatic picture:
- General malaise.
- Soreness.
- Bad smell.
- Discharge under the foreskin smegma).
- Discharges on the head.
- papules.
- Redness.
- Lymphadenitis inguinal.
- Erosions and ulcerations.
- Cracks.
- Corky.
- Peeling.
- Phimosis.
- General lymphadenitis.
- Meatal stenosis ( narrowing of the urethra after surgery).
- Rash on other parts of the body.
- Eruptions on the mucosa lining the mouth.
- malignant transformation.
Complications of the disease
Phimosis and paraphimosis developing after the acute stage of the disease can become a complication. In some cases, the development of malignant tumors begins.
The most frequently developing complications after balanitis are phimosis and meatal stenosis.
Diseases such as erythroplasia of Queira or Bowen's disease , are harbingers of cancerous tumors. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (in which erythemal blisters form on the mucous membrane of the throat, eyes, mouth, genitals) - threatens with necrosis of the head of the penis.
phimosis - a disease that is typical for boys and, less often, adult men. It consists in the impossibility of exposing the head of the penis due to the narrowing of the circumference of the foreskin. A mild degree of phimosis does not bring unpleasant subjective sensations to the patient. However, with severe phimosis, problems with urination begin. Moreover, drops of urine accumulate in the preputial sac, causing irritation. If the cause of phimosis is balanoposthitis, then smegma accumulates along with drops of urine, which leads to a pronounced inflammatory reaction. Relative phimosis is also distinguished - it is noticeable only when the penis is in an erect state and looks like a kind of constriction of the penis in its upper third.
Meatal stenosis is the narrowing of the urethra, and as a consequence of this, a violation of urination. This disease is not very common. It is more typical for boys under the age of 7-8 years. Normally, urine leaves the body without any obstacles through the external opening of the urethra. But if, as a result of surgical manipulation, the foreskin was excised and it began to heal, then the urethra becomes narrowed. Urination becomes not only painful, but also difficult. The child cannot get a stream of urine evenly, the stream itself is intermittent, sometimes urination is dripping. Therefore, the bladder is emptied slowly and with great difficulty.
Morphology of varieties
Erosive circular balanitis: looks like purple or cyanotic round erosive elements located around the circumference of the head. Doctors differentiate such skin elements from the manifestation of a soft chancre with syphilis, which, in its clinical signs, may resemble gangrenous and ulcerative forms of balanitis. If this is really a soft chancre, then it is quite difficult to identify its direct pathogen.The diphtheria that occurs on the genitals gives manifestations similar to the symptoms of balanitis. This infection is not so common in boys, but it cannot be discounted.
Gangrenous balanitis: is a common form of the above-described erosive circular balanitis. This type of disease is characterized by the occurrence of multiple ulcers of various depths, on the surface of which a purulent plaque is released. This form of inflammation is often accompanied by intoxication, fever, weakness, lethargy, lymphadenitis. In some cases, high temperature is not observed. It cannot be said that this is a favorable symptom, because persistent subfebrile temperature does not mean at all that the general manifestations will be less intense. Subfebrile temperature patients sometimes endure worse than high. An unfavorable prognosis for this form of the disease: gangrene of the head and preputial sac.
In a laboratory study, in a detachable scraping from an erosive surface, spirochetes, anaerobic microorganisms, and various cocci are found. Sometimes, with the gangrenous form, bleeding develops, which are formed due to the entry of large vessels into the localization of inflammation; and also there is a deformation of the head of the penis after treatment.
This form of balanitis should be differentiated from soft and hard chancre ( the gangrenous process in this case captures absolutely the entire area of the head and surrounding tissues). It is also necessary to distinguish the gangrenous form of balanitis from fulminant gangrene of Fournier . This disease is rare, but differentiation is necessary to prescribe effective therapy, which differs in these two diseases.
Ulcerative-pustular balanitis: differs in that on the epidermis of the head of the penis there are small purulent pustules, gradually turning into deep ulcerations with a purulent coating. The course of this form of balanitis is extremely acute, with the development of a tendency to frequent relapses, which are difficult to cure. As in other forms of the disease, diagnostic differentiation is first carried out from herpesvirus infection and from pale treponema. It is believed that the main etiological cause of ulcerative-pustular balanitis is coccal infection, but this has not yet been confirmed.
Candida balanitis- this is a common manifestation in men of such a disease as urogenital candidiasis. It is characterized by severe swelling of the head; hyperemia; spots of different sizes and shapes; white discharge, with an accompanying sour unpleasant odor; burning sensation and itching. The second name of the disease is male thrush.
Circinary balanitis refers to specific forms of the disease and is characterized by the presence of clearly defined spots on the head of the penis. Is a manifestation Reiter's syndrome (a disease that combines the manifestation of allergies and infections). It often occurs in patients diagnosed with chlamydial infection. Tellingly, there are no subjective symptoms.
Xerotic balanitis also refers to manifestations of Reiter's syndrome and chlamydial infection. It is characterized by dryness of the head of the penis and small exfoliations. The disease is accompanied by burning and itching of varying intensity. Occasionally, this type of balanitis can be accompanied by skin diseases.
Allergic balanitis is a consequence of the development of genital allergies. Its symptoms are similar to those of erosive balanitis. The allergen is latex. The patient cannot use latex condoms. Occasionally, there are cases of an allergic reaction localized to the genitals, and formed after oral use of the allergen ( e.g. erythema sulfa). In this case, these allergens are sulfa drugs.
Anaerobic balanitis: caused by microorganisms such as Gardnerella vaginalis. These microbes are anaerobic, that is, they do not use oxygen to carry out life processes. This type of disease is characterized by erythema of the head and foreskin, as well as sticky and slippery, unpleasantly smelling plaque in the coronary sulcus. It is characteristic that this form of the disease can heal itself. It often occurs in boys.
Balanoposthitis in women
Candida fungi in men are the cause of the development of candidal balanitis ( or male thrush). In women, these same fungi, when transmitted sexually, cause the development of vulvovaginal candidiasis. This is one of the most common gynecological female problems.Symptoms resemble the manifestations of balanoposthitis in men.
- Burning on labia.
- Thick discharge with an unpleasant odor.
- Pain during intercourse.
Advanced cases of the disease require appropriate "heavy artillery" in the form of a long course of local and general antibiotics.
In chronic forms of inflammation, medications are already ineffective. Therefore, in such cases, surgical intervention is indicated.
Surgical manipulation consists in dissecting the foreskin and circumcising it after the clinical manifestations subside. It is especially important to remember this for those patients who have been diagnosed with concomitant infectious diseases and predisposing conditions ( immunodeficiency states, allergic dermatitis).
In severe forms of the disease ( for example, with erosive round-shaped balanitis The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is recommended. If a secondary infection is attached, then doctors in their therapeutic tactics combine antibiotics with sulfanilamide drugs. Washes with antiseptic solutions and herbal infusions are prescribed as local agents.
In the gangrenous form of the disease, it is advisable, in addition to a combination of sulfa drugs and antibiotics, the local use of acidic antiseptics: oxygen water, potassium permanganate, silver nitrate; as well as various healing ointments ( solcoderm and pantoderm, for example).
In such cases, it is also advisable to organize epidemiological surveillance of the patient. This is especially important in cases where a double infection is diagnosed ( e.g. syphilis). The organization of epidemiological surveillance consists in careful monitoring of laboratory tests and in conducting a survey of the patient's sexual partner for infection with sexually transmitted diseases.
During the acute stage of inflammation, you can not have sexual intercourse; if balanitis has arisen due to phimosis, you should not try to open the head of the penis on your own, as this threatens to infringe the head with a narrowed foreskin, and circulatory disorders. The consequence of this may be the development of gangrene of the penis. Treatment is carried out on an outpatient or inpatient basis, occasionally at home.
Treatment methods at home
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- Constant observance of hygiene ( washing the penis with soapy water, treating the head with furatsilin, peroxide; baths with a weak solution of potassium permanganate). In this case, if possible, open the head and clean it of accumulated smegma.
- Treatment of the area affected by inflammation with ointments and creams as prescribed by the doctor.
- Strengthening the immune system, hardening, physical activity, a balanced and vitamin-rich diet.
Of course, the main thing in home treatment is the constant control of the doctor over the course of the disease. If necessary, the doctor will adjust the prescribed treatment.
Alternative treatment
The most popular treatment for balanitis and balanoposthitis ( as you know, these two diseases in most cases initiate the development of each other, which is why they rarely occur separately) is the application of an aloe leaf to the affected area. The aloe leaf is washed and cleaned of thorns, then the top layer of the skin is cut off. After these preparations, the cleaned side of the sheet can be applied to the head of the penis. The procedure is carried out twice a day until the patient feels relief.The second way is the preparation of sage infusion. Sage can be bought at any pharmacy kiosk. Two tablespoons of sage pour 500 ml of boiling water. After the infusion has cooled, it is filtered and allowed to brew. An infusion is used for local treatment: a gauze compress is moistened in an infusion and applied to the affected area.
For the treatment of erosions and ulcers, an infusion of calendula and olive oil is used: a third of a glass of oil and one tablespoon of calendula flowers. However, this method is very time consuming. This mixture is infused for a week in the sun under the lid. After filtering, you need to lubricate the erosion several times a day.
An effective result is shown by the use of baths from a decoction of St. John's wort. The decoction is made in proportion: a spoonful of St. John's wort per glass of water.
Bandages on a sore spot from plantain well draw out inflammation. Before use, plantain leaves should be washed and mashed a little so that juice appears on the surface of the leaf. It is advisable to do such dressings at least 3 times a day, and if you can do it more often, this will speed up recovery. A bandage with plantain is applied for half an hour; for each following dressings use new leaves.
One of the effective methods of home therapy is carried out with the help of oak root decoction. To do this, you need a small amount of crushed young oak bark, which should be poured into 250 ml of boiling water and boiled over a fire for about 20 minutes. The decoction should be infused for at least 30 minutes. Washing or bathing with oak broth is carried out for a week, or, if necessary, longer.
All of the above remedies against the disease, when used systematically, are very effective. But besides, individual intolerance to any of the above components should be taken into account. Another condition for effective home treatment is an uncomplicated form of the disease. For severe symptoms, only a doctor can help.
Sexual life for a man is one of the important areas. The stronger sex is more concerned about the situations that happen to him in the intimate sphere than the weak one, although two people take part in the process.
If a man has various troubles, it greatly upsets him, because in this case he becomes unable to realize himself in the sexual sphere. One of these problems can be balanitis, which rarely manifests itself without balanoposthitis. You will learn everything about balanitis and balanoposthitis on the website
What is balanitis?
Balanitis is an inflammatory process that occurs on the glans penis. Quite rarely, the inflammatory process affects only the head, without affecting the foreskin, which is called balanoposthitis.
But within the limits of this article we will confine ourselves to balanitis. The causative agent penetrates the skin of the penis and causes an inflammatory process, which manifests itself in symptoms depending on the type of disease.
A fairly common cause of this disease is a man's neglect of his own genitals, poor hygiene, as well as promiscuity.
It all starts with itching and burning in the genitals, swelling of the head and detachment of the skin. Further, single or multiple ulcers and erosions appear. With a purulent form, ulcers are painful. Pathological development captures the edge of the flesh, under which bacteria begin to multiply, provoking purulent discharge.
Kinds
Below we list all possible types of balanitis:
- Traumatic - occurs after an injury, resulting in swelling, redness and cracks;
- Catarrhal (balanoposthitis) - swelling of the head, redness, mucous, white discharge during urination;
- Erosive-catarrhal - in addition to redness, erosion appears on the head;
- Candidiasis - transmitted from an infected partner, is sometimes caused by taking antibiotics and manifests itself in patients with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by redness, curd discharge with an unpleasant odor, itching, swelling, burning;
- Anaerobic - defeat by anaerobic gram-negative bacteria. It is characterized by a sticky coating of an unpleasant odor;
- Obliterating - a chronic independent disease, the causes have not been clarified;
- Xerotic - characterized by whitish spots and wrinkled skin, dryness of the head;
- Herpetic - characterized by a rash of herpes on the head;
- Circinal - caused by a microbial infection, which provokes the appearance of red, well-defined spots;
- Allergic - manifests itself in an allergic reaction (itching, swelling, rashes, erosion) to condoms and local contraceptives;
- Balanitis Zoona;
- Mycoplasma;
- Ulcerative - the appearance of ulcers on the head;
- Chlamydial;
- Pseudoerythroplastic (limited plasma-cellular) - characterized by the appearance of smooth plaques that do not merge with each other, and red spots;
- Erosive - the appearance of erosions and ulcers against the background of swelling of the skin. Accompanied by trichomoniasis, strepto-staphylococcal infection.
Forms
Balanitis is divided into two forms:
- Acute superficial - pain, itching, unpleasant odor, erosion and abrasions;
- Chronic - redness, phimosis.
For two streams:
- Long;
- Recurrent.
This inflammation is also divided by pathogens:
- Fungal;
- Chlamydial;
- Bacterial;
- Mechanical;
- Thermal;
- Ray.
For reasons:
- Primary balanitis;
- Secondary balanitis.
For complications:
- Complicated;
- Uncomplicated.
By stages:
- Simple balanitis;
- Erosive balanitis;
- Gangrenous balanitis.
Causes of inflammation
What determines the causes of inflammation of the head of the penis?
- Accumulation of lubricant (segma) under the foreskin, in which bacteria begin to multiply;
- phimosis;
- Injuries;
- Various viruses, bacteria and fungi;
- Infectious diseases of the urethra (urethritis);
- Lack of hygiene of the genital organs;
- Complications of sexually transmitted diseases: gonorrhea, syphilis, trichomoniasis;
- skin diseases;
- Diabetes;
- Frequent masturbation;
- Irradiation during radiation therapy.
At-risk groups
Men are at risk:
- Sexually active, leading a promiscuous intimate life, which is at risk of contracting infections or candida;
- Suffering from somatic disorders, which reduces immunity;
- Non-hygienic genitals.
Symptoms and signs
Symptoms and signs of balanitis of the head of the penis are very diverse, it all depends on the type of disease. Common signs are:
- Enlarged lymph nodes;
- Weakness;
- Pain in the joints;
- Rashes on the oral mucosa;
- Malaise;
- Arthritis;
- Rash in other parts of the body;
- Conjunctivitis.
Local symptoms
Local symptoms are:
- Redness of the foreskin;
- Dryness, itching;
- soreness;
- Irritation, burning;
- The appearance of cracks and crusts;
- papules;
- Peeling;
- nodular rash;
- Swelling of the head of the penis;
- Purulent discharge with a sharp and unpleasant odor;
- premature ejaculation;
- Erosions and ulcers on the head of the penis;
- Pain when opening the head of the penis.
Balanitis in adults
Since we are talking about the head of the penis, this disease occurs in men. But can women get sick with balanitis? This disease has a different name in women, who can be affected by the same infection as men - vulvovaginal candidiasis.
The infection is the same, but the names of the diseases are different for men and women. In women, it manifests itself:
- in itching and burning in the genital area;
- in thick opaque whitish discharge;
- in pain during urination.
During the illness, you should not have sex so that the infection is not transmitted from one partner to another.
Balanitis in children
Can balanitis be observed in children? Doctors note such cases. They arise due to congenital phimosis, when in the first 5 years of life in boys the foreskin is not pulled back, exposing the head. With phimosis, bacteria multiply in an enclosed space.
It can also be observed in children when lubrication accumulates around the head, where bacteria multiply. This disease can be caused by pinworm fungi.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of balanitis is aimed at identifying the cause of the disease, since symptoms are obvious (general examination). Laboratory studies are carried out here:
- Cultural research;
- Serological testing for infectious diseases;
- skin tests;
- Blood test for sugar;
- Analysis of urine.
Treatment
If the treatment of balanitis is not carried out, then the inflammatory process can cause ulcers that will give pain when walking and urinating. A severe form of balanitis can lead to gangrene of the penis. How to treat inflammation of the head of the penis?
- Treatment of an uncomplicated form is carried out thanks to antiseptic and anti-inflammatory drugs. Hygiene must be observed: wash the head of the penis with warm water and soap, and then wipe it with a towel. The procedure is carried out every 4 hours. In parallel, the head is washed with antiseptics, a solution of potassium permanganate and hydrogen peroxide. After the hygiene procedure, an anti-inflammatory ointment is applied to the head three times a day.
- Medicines in the form of antibiotics are intensively used in a complicated form of the disease, when the lymph nodes become inflamed and ulcers appear. The course of treatment is often up to two weeks.
- Candida balanitis is treated with an antifungal ointment. Diflucan is being taken. Here is the diet:
- Juices, carbonated water, sweets are excluded;
- Light carbohydrates are used.
- Mycoplasmal balanitis is treated with tetracycline.
- The xerotic obliterating form is treated:
- Corticosteroid hormones;
- Aevit;
- Beams Bucca;
- Ointment testosterone propionate;
- softening ointments;
- Circumcision.
If complications are detected (phimosis and recurrent form), surgery is performed - excision of the foreskin.
At home, the most important thing is hygiene, which must be carried out throughout life. Folk remedies also help well if the disease is not purulent:
- 2 tbsp dill roots pour boiling water, boil for 10 minutes. This tincture is used as a poultice;
- 2 tbsp sage is poured with a glass of boiling water, boiled for no more than 10 minutes, filtered. Wash the head of the penis. Relieves itching and inflammation;
- Fennel root is boiled in wine and used as a poultice.
Any folk remedies should be discussed with the doctor so that he gives his approval, otherwise the situation can be aggravated.
life forecast
How long does a person live with balanitis? This disease does not affect the duration. The prognosis of life worsens only in its quality. A person is not able to have full sexual contacts, which is so important for men. Complications occur if not treated. Complications are:
- phimosis;
- malignant transformation;
- paraphimosis;
- Miatal stenosis;
- Decreased sensitivity of the penis.
These diseases are more severe, less pleasant and very painful. They won't go away on their own without surgery.
Balanitis is an inflammation of the glans penis. This area is characterized by increased sensitivity and a low degree of protection against pathogens, so polymicrobial etiology balanitis can occur in men of any age, regardless of the presence of intimate relationships in their lives.
Types of balanitis depending on the origin
Balanit in ICD 10 is assigned code 48.6. In men, this disease can be triggered by a wide range of factors:
- weakened immunity, the inability of the body to control the growth of colonies of microorganisms;
- narrowed or too long foreskin, a short frenulum that does not allow to completely expose the head;
- propensity to allergies (unpredictable reaction of the epithelium of the head to intimate lubricants or contact contraceptives);
- systemic, sexually transmitted diseases, against which inflammation of the head occurs.
Balanitis often precedes fasting (inflammation of the foreskin) or is its consequence. Synchronous damage to the foreskin and head is called.
Primary balanitis occurs as a reaction to the multiplication of infection from the preputial sac or microorganisms entering from outside, and secondary- a consequence of existing diseases.
Infectious balanitis
Infectious balanitis develops mainly due to insufficient hygiene of the penis. In the preputial sac, formed by the foreskin around the head, smegma, a light gray substance, constantly accumulates. It is formed mainly by the secretions of the sebaceous glands of the foreskin, as well as cells of dead epithelium, urine salts. All this is a favorable environment for the development of bacteria.
The preputial sac is naturally endowed with its conditionally pathogenic microflora: microorganisms such as staphylococcus, propionic bacteria (causing acne on the skin), rod-shaped cells (bacteroids) Melaninogenicus (live in the intestines, gum pockets, oral cavity, on the genital mucosa). Excessive multiplication of bacteria in the accumulated smegma causes inflammation of the head.
Frequent washing of the preputial sac with antiseptic agents can lead to an imbalance in the microflora and give impetus to the reproduction of pathogens.
In second place in terms of frequency of development is candidal (fungal) balanitis. Candida mushrooms are part of the opportunistic microflora, but their peculiarity is that uncontrolled reproduction can begin suddenly: due to stress, hypothermia, excessive alcohol, colds or antibiotics. To provoke candidal balanitis is capable of abuse of sweets, sexual contact (moreover, a woman's tests may be normal). Fungal inflammation is easily distinguished from other types by the presence of white cheesy lumps and flakes on the head, in the region of the coronal groove, at the mouth of the urethra. They emit a characteristic sour smell. The fungus often joins an existing balanitis of a different etiology.
Balanitis can occur against the background of diseases that are predominantly sexually transmitted, for example:
- . Chlamydia provoke the development of circinar gobalanitis, in which red oval spots with clear boundaries are observed on the head;
- . Trichomonas balanitis usually occurs with an elongated foreskin. A frequent clinical sign is extensive erosion on the head, yellowish frothy purulent discharge from the prepuce;
- gardnerella urethritis. Against its background, balanitis is manifested by gray discharge from the urethra and prepuce. With strong immunity, symptoms from the side of the head almost do not appear and are suppressed within 2-3 days;
- mycoplasmal urethritis. Mycoplasmal balanitis is similar in manifestation to chlamydial;
- . A (deep ulcer) may appear on the head, as well as a rash forming erosive foci;
- (gonorrhea). Gonorrheal balanitis is accompanied by purulent discharge, fever, redness, swelling of the head;
- . Viral balanitis caused by a herpes infection begins with a slight itching, redness, swelling of the head, then clusters of bubbles with liquid form on its surface. After their opening, extensive surface erosions remain (erythematous form of balanitis).
Almost any of the genital infections can cause inflammation of the head, and opportunistic microflora leads to balanitis under favorable development conditions.
Non-infectious balanitis
In some cases, inflammation of the head of the penis occurs without the intervention of a third-party microorganism. Balanitis of non-infectious origin can be caused by damage to the epithelium with frequent masturbation, active sex life, wearing too tight underwear. This is especially true for men with sensitive skin.
Sometimes there is drug-induced balanitis: with long-term antibiotic therapy (sulfonamides, tetracyclines), as well as when taking salicylates, phenolphthalein, phenacetin, and some sleeping pills.
Allergic balanitis likely not only when using contact contraceptives, lubricants and condoms. Inflammation can also develop on the types of fabrics from which the underwear is sewn. In some men, glans irritation is caused by female vaginal discharge and even their own semen.
Balanitis is often a companion of systemic diseases caused by autoimmune disorders. The causes of such pathologies lie in the malfunctioning of the immune system, which destroys the body's own tissues, which is why chronic dermatoses progress.
Inflammation of the head often occurs with the following diseases:
- vitiligo;
- systemic lupus erythematosus;
- scleroderma;
- psoriasis;
- pemphigus;
- alopecia.
Characteristic for these pathologies, the violation of the processes of formation, renewal and regeneration of the skin, the decrease in its protective barriers, the failure in metabolic processes affects all types of epithelium, including the head of the penis. It is no coincidence that balanitis recurs in 80% of men with diabetes: urine with a high concentration of glucose constantly irritates the head, and the barrier function of the epithelium is reduced. Characterized by increased bleeding when touched, the appearance of multiple cracks and ulcers.
Symptoms and forms of balanitis
Forms of manifestation of balanitis are not always determined by their etiology, largely depending on the general state of health of the patient.
The first symptom of incipient inflammation is a slight burning sensation and itching of the head, accompanied by minor redness and swelling. You can find weeping thinned areas of the epithelium. Gradually, single and grouped red spots appear. This form is called catarrhal(irritative). Treatment started at this stage is usually effective and fast.
Not all men at the first sign of balanitis turn to a urologist, so the catarrhal stage often flows into erosive when weeping areas turn into swollen whitish formations from dead epithelium. Later, ulcers that deepen over time remain in their place. Pathogens from the external environment are easily introduced into damaged skin and begin to actively develop, causing purulent balanitis. At this stage, the man feels a strong burning sensation of the head, pain. Often there are purulent discharge from the urethra, general weakness, fever, enlarged inguinal lymph nodes.
Ulcerative balanitis can accept obliterating form(obliteration - narrowing, sealing of vessels and cavities), in which ulcers begin to scar. At the same time, the head of the penis turns pale, becomes bumpy due to atrophied areas, there is a feeling of tightness, especially when urinating.
Erosive foci, ulcers and pustules (vesicles with inflammatory contents) during relapses can be replaced by atrophied epithelium ( atrophic balanitis). The head is covered with whitish spots.
According to clinical manifestations, there are also xerotic form of balanitis, in which hollow nodules (papules) are formed on the head, covered with crusts or scales on top.
Lack of treatment can lead to the transition of inflammation to gangrenous form: ulcerated tissues of the head begin to die off gradually. At this stage, there is already a threat to the whole organism, in some cases, amputation of the penis is necessary.
Acute and chronic balanitis
Acute balanitis develops quickly, showing all the main signs: itching, redness, swelling of the head, probably fever, increased sweating. After a short time, rashes or ulcers appear on the skin of the head, their suppuration is possible. In acute balanitis, urgent medical intervention is necessary.
IN chronic form the disease may pass due to incorrect or incomplete treatment. A sluggish course with periodic relapses is characteristic. Such an outcome is not uncommon for chlamydial and candidal types of inflammation. In some cases, the acute phase is absent, the symptoms are constant. For example, chronic hypertrophic balanitis manifested by multiple small non-healing ulcerations on the head of the penis, gradually changing its shape.
Rare types of balanitis
Rare forms of damage to the head of the penis usually occur against the background of immune diseases that cause pathological changes in the skin. They are characterized by slow development and chronic course.
Xerotic obliterans
This type of balanitis, also called "lichen sclerosus", develops in the presence of lichen sclerosus or Reiter's syndrome. The first symptoms are itching and dryness in the area of the foreskin (elasticity is lost, breaks are frequent during sexual intercourse). Gradually, a grayish sclerotic ring appears around the head, formed by atrophied tissues of the foreskin. From it, the "bridges" of the connective tissue pass to the head and, gradually growing, give it a white-blue tint. Over time, irreversible atrophy of the skin of the head occurs.
This type of balanitis is fraught with serious complications:
- narrowing of the foreskin and urethra, difficulty urinating;
- the appearance of cracks on the head, its wrinkling (indurative form of balanitis);
- transformation into a malignant form.
Timely applied treatment scheme allows you to stop the process.
Zuna's balanitis
The exact cause of Zoon's balanitis is still unknown. Occurs in men over 50 years of age. Symptoms: clearly defined glossy orange-red and brownish plaques appear on the head, pain is absent at first, but burning and pain appear over time.
Behçet's disease
In Behcet's disease, the vascular walls are destroyed. The process proceeds in the form of a chronic ulcerative lesion not only of the head of the penis, but also of the scrotum and mucous tissues of the oral cavity. Irregularly shaped ulcers tend to merge, forming extensive painful foci.
Erythroplasia of Queira
This disease causes precancerous lesions of the epithelium. On the head of the penis, from 1 to 3 knots of cherry color are formed. Their surface looks "velvet" or glossy, the boundaries are clear. There is itching, discomfort, sometimes urination is difficult. The danger lies in the high probability of degeneration of formations into squamous cell carcinoma. At the same time, erosion, growths, and blood crusts appear on the head.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis begins with a visual examination, then tests are prescribed to assess the general condition of the body and identify the pathogen:
- general analysis of urine and blood;
- urine culture;
- scraping and smear from the erosive surfaces of the head of the penis, a smear from the urethra for bacterioscopic and bacteriological examination.
You can accurately determine the type of viral infection using PCR diagnostics (polymerase chain reaction). A blood test for organ-specific antibodies helps to establish the autoimmune nature of balanitis (systemic dermatoses).
If there is a suspicion of a malignant course of the disease, then a small piece of tissue is taken for histology (cellular analysis). Histological examination of the biomaterial also makes it possible to determine the type of cell damage and establish the presence of systemic pathology, including xerotic obliterating balanitis.
Treatment
Treatment for balanitis includes topical exposure, oral medication, injections, physical therapy, and in some cases surgery. The doctor prescribes the scheme individually based on the results of the examination.
At home, baths with antiseptics will be useful to alleviate the condition:
- furatsilin. You can purchase it as a ready-made solution or prepare it yourself: 2 tablets in a glass of warm water;
- potassium permanganate(a pale pink solution is used);
- medicinal herbs: chamomile, oak bark, sage, plantain, string. Infusion recipe: pour 1-2 tablespoons of any of the herbs with a glass of boiling water, wait for it to cool;
- chlorophyllipt.
Baths and washings are an addition to the main therapy prescribed by the doctor.
A universal remedy for various forms of balanitis is the ointment " Triderm”, which has an antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory effect on the affected scalp due to a combination of gentamicin, clotrimazole and betamethasone. The ointment " Levomekol"(lefomecetin + methyluracil): a strong antibiotic and at the same time effective restoration of damaged tissues.
For the treatment of candidal balanitis, agents with antifungal activity are used: creams " clotrimazole», « Miconazole» topically, capsules or injections « Fluconazole". If an allergy to imidazoles occurs, Nystatin is prescribed.
The complex of therapy for balanitis includes broad-spectrum antibiotics: Cefazolin, Azithromycin, Ceftriaxone. When affected by anaerobic bacteria (for example, Melaninogenicus), it helps well Metronidazole, and Co-amoxiclav. The choice of drugs against aerobic bacteria (streptococcus, gardnerella, staphylococcus) depends on the result of the analysis for sensitivity to antibiotics.
With gonorrheal balanitis prescribe Cefixime, Ofloxacin, Ciprofloxacin. Trichomonas treat Metrogilom, Trichopolum. With herpes, antiviral drugs with acyclovir are prescribed: Acivir, Virolex, Zovirax. Effective against the circinary form of balanitis hydrocortisone cream 1%.
With severe itching, inflammation, as well as with autoimmune forms of balanitis, ointments "Lorinden", "Lokakorten", "Lokoid", prednisolone ointment.
In the treatment of Zun's balanitis, steroid preparations are used, if they are ineffective, a 2% fusidic acid cream is applied to the head for 8-16 weeks.
Self-administration of antibiotics or antifungal agents can aggravate the course of the disease and complicate diagnosis, and the uncontrolled use of hormonal ointments will cause complications from the endocrine system.
Surgical methods
Surgical methods for balanitis are used infrequently, mainly circumcision operations are performed - circumcision of the foreskin. Indications are various pathologies of the preputial sac (too long, narrow), frequent recurrences of head inflammation, and the presence of systemic diseases. Removing the foreskin solves the problem of smegma accumulation and bacterial growth.
For the treatment of balanitis obliterans, topical steroid preparations are used: clobetasol propionate or betamethasone valerate. If necessary, surgical intervention is applied:
- restoration of the physiological lumen of the urethra (myatoplasty);
- restoration of normal patency of the urethra with cicatricial narrowing of the urethra (urethroplasty);
- laser vaporization (cauterization) of damaged areas of the head.
With Keyra's erythroplasia, in unopened cases, one can confine oneself to laser excision of the affected areas of the epithelium, the use of cytostatic ointments.
Complications
Balanitis is most often complicated by phimosis and paraphimosis (narrowing of the foreskin and its infringement). It is also possible narrowing of the urethra, loss of sensitivity and cicatricial deformity of the head, perforation of the foreskin.
Complicated gangrenous form of balanitis can lead to amputation of the penis with subsequent removal of the urethra.
Prevention
To prevent the development of most types of balanitis, it is enough to observe intimate hygiene, use barrier contraceptives during sexual intercourse, and sanitize infectious foci in the body in a timely manner. After unprotected sex with an unverified partner, it is better to play it safe by flushing the preputial sac, head and urethra Chlorhexidine.
With redness of the skin of the head, you can take measures at home:
- rinse the head and preputial sac;
- immerse the penis in a bath with an antiseptic solution;
- lubricate the head with vaseline-based cream;
- change underwear.
Most types of balanitis are successfully treated in a few days if the patient consults a doctor in a timely manner. Modern medicine allows you to effectively deal with the manifestations of systemic diseases, provided that the patient clearly follows the prescribed treatment regimen. However, even an initially simple form of balanitis can lead to serious consequences if treatment is not given due attention.
is an infectious pathology, accompanied by severe negative symptoms and a deterioration in the quality of life. After all, the inflammatory process, in the absence of proper treatment, can capture not only the tissues of the head of the penis, but the entire penis of a man. The causes of the disease can be both external factors - the penetration of pathogens from the outside, and internal - the movement of infectious agents from internal organs. Men of reproductive age who lead an active sex life are especially prone to the disease.
Causes
As the main etiological factor that determines the formation of the inflammatory process in the tissues of the head of the penis, experts indicate the presence of smegma. In fact, it is a mixture of epithelial cells, the secretion of sebaceous structures, as well as urine crystals and sweat drops. With the prolonged presence of smegma - a nutrient medium for pathogens, and there is balanitis and balanoposthitis.
Main reasons acute balanitis:
- congenital phimosis, characterized by the narrowness of the foreskin, which leads to the impossibility of complete intimate hygiene;
- wearing tight underwear made of low-quality fabrics;
- mechanical damage to the head of the penis;
- allergic conditions provoked by the use of aggressive detergents or means for sexual games;
- course of diabetes;
- lesions of the folds of the foreskin with infectious, as well as fungal microflora - fungal balanitis;
- significant weakening of both local and general immunity;
- avitaminosis;
- chronic urological pathologies leading to infection with purulent secretions coming from the urethra;
- non-compliance with hygiene measures.
less often balanitis in men, photo which can be found on the Internet, can be triggered by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Various dermatological diseases, for example, psoriasis, can also serve as a background for the onset of symptoms of inflammation of the head of the penis.
Classification
Defining what is balanitis in men, specialists, as a rule, rely on the classification given below:
By the nature of the flow:
- complicated - with the formation of severe consequences;
- uncomplicated - flowing without any consequences.
According to the formation mechanism:
- primary - manifested as an independent pathology;
- secondary - as a result of an infectious disease already existing in a man.
According to the stage of the disease:
- simple - minimal inflammatory manifestations;
- erosive balanitis- with the formation of erosive defects on the head of the penis;
- gangrenous - proceeds with the death of the affected tissues.
By etiology:
- thermal - due to a burn of the folds of the foreskin of the head of the penis;
- radiation - due to radiation therapy in the groin;
- allergic balanitis- due to the formation of allergic reactions to products or chemicals;
- mechanical - a consequence of injuries, rough mechanical influences;
- anaerobic - damage by anaerobic flora;
- herpetic - a consequence of the attack of a herpes infection;
- candidal - candidal balanitis in men often occurs due to contact with a partner infected with fungal microorganisms;
- chlamydial balanitis.
Carrying out a differential diagnosis of the focus of inflammation in the penis, a specialist can rely not only on the above classification, but also add his own observations to it. Eg, balanitis obliterans, provoked by a narrowing of the lumen of the vessels that deliver blood to the penis due to the deposition of cholesterol plaques.
Symptoms of the acute stage of balanitis
Balanitis, ICD code 10: N48.6 is always the appearance of a local or diffuse focus of inflammation in the tissues of the penis of men. Therefore, the general symptoms of the pathology are characteristic of the course of the inflammatory process.
So, a man begins to notice that a focus of hyperemia is forming on the head of his penis - local redness and swelling. Gradually increasing in size, it can gradually occupy the entire area of the penis - balanoposthitis. Subsequently, in addition to hyperemia, peeling and peculiar crusts, papules and cracks appear on the integumentary tissues.
The inflammatory process is accompanied by intense itching and burning, discomfort in the groin area when moving, walking a man. Throughout the day or late in the evening, the temperature rises - from subfebrile numbers to 38.5-39 degrees.
The inguinal lymph nodes are then involved in the inflammatory process and infectious agents spread further throughout the body, provoking an exacerbation of diseases of the urological organs. So, Trichomonas balanitis may be the root cause of urethritis and cystitis in men already infected with Trichomonas.
That is why for balanitis symptoms may be latent and manifest not by hyperemia and swelling of the head of the penis, but by pains at the time of urination and difficulty in removing the urine stream. The specialist must take into account when balanitis in men symptoms both local and general - weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, discomfort in large joints, rashes on integumentary tissues.
The course of chronic balanitis
In the absence of adequate pharmacotherapy for acute balanitis, treatment turned out to be ineffective or not carried out at all, the process can go into its chronic course. At the time of remission, negative symptoms are either not observed at all, or are hidden, latent.
Whereas chronic balanitis, at the time of exacerbation, clinically resembles the course of the acute form of the disease:
- periodic increase in temperature - hyperthermia;
- swelling, as well as redness of the folds on the head of the penis - hyperemia;
- discomfort and soreness in the penis - during hygiene procedures, sexual intercourse or physical activity;
- general inflammatory symptoms also make themselves felt - weakness, sweating, fatigue, loss of appetite and fatigue.
Most often provoking factors of chronic course balanitis - what is it pathogens are gardnerella, HPV, as well as herpetic agents and ureaplasma. That's why treatment of balanitis in men should be carried out by a highly qualified specialist - taking into account precisely the provoking factors.
In chronic course balanitis home treatment will not be effective - without affecting the etiological factor. Only by eliminating infectious agents from the body of a man can a stable remission and even complete recovery be achieved.
Symptoms of candidal balanitis
It is yeast-like fungi that are responsible for the formation candidal balanitis, photo which can often be found on the Internet. As a rule, experts do not attribute this form of the disease to the infectious variant of the course of the disease.
After all, in every healthy person, fungal microflora is present, only in a minimal amount. It begins to actively multiply and spread only with a significant decrease in immune barriers, which leads to a focus of inflammation in the head of the penis.
Conditional pathogenicity of fungal microorganisms - candidal balanitis treatment, as a rule, does not require a mild form of the disease. It is enough just to increase the body's own defenses of a man, for example, by taking immunomodulators. Whereas in a severe course of the disease, the use of systemic antimycotics is required - both local and general effects.
Provoking factors candidiasis balanitis in men, treatment which is the prerogative of a specialist, most often other inflammatory diseases transferred to him, as well as non-compliance with the rules of intimate hygiene, act. Uncontrolled medication, the course of diabetes, and promiscuity in sexual intercourse can also provoke pathology. Therefore, every man who cares about his health is recommended to be more attentive to all the events in his life.
The itchy red skin of the penis, which is subsequently covered with a white coating and curdled discharge from the urethra, will signal precisely the fungal form of balanitis. The terms of treatment, as well as the absence of complications, directly depend on the timeliness of the man's request for medical help.
Symptoms and treatment of xerotic balanitis
Xerotic balanitis characterized by the formation of whitish spots on the penis, as well as hyperkeratic foci. Without proper medical procedures, these defects lead to wrinkling of the tissues of the head of the penis. In some cases, to conduct a differential diagnosis, a histological examination of cells from xerotic foci is required.
The etiology of the obliterating xerotic variant of balanitis has not been finally elucidated by specialists. Provoking factors can be not only genetic or infectious, but also hormonal or autoimmune in nature.
The main clinical signs of this form of the disease:
- the presence of bright spots and bubbles on the head of the penis;
- the formation of sclerotic plaques;
- microcracks and tears on fold defects;
- severe difficulty with urination, since the urine stream is thin, sluggish, men have to strain, which also provokes further injury to the penis.
With xerotic balanitis in men treatment consists in the first stage of the disease in the circumcision of the tissues of the foreskin of the head. If stage 2 is already diagnosed, in which there is a pronounced narrowing of the urethra, surgical intervention consists in carrying out a meatotomy. At stage 3–4 of sclerotic balanitis, reconstructive plastic surgery of the urethra is already required.
Symptoms and treatment of circinary balanitis
Circinal form balanitis is a specific course of the inflammatory process in the tissues of the penis, in which superficial erosive defects with a bright red color are formed on the integumentary tissues of the penis. Erosions tend to merge, so lesions can form huge foci with clear boundaries.
With this form of balanitis, burning and itching in the urethra rarely appear, as well as discomfort during urination. In the absence of adequate medical procedures, circinary balanitis turns into a chronic course. Erosive defects turn into white-gray spots, swelling persists. The result may be tissue gangrene.
The etiological factor in this case is a microbial infection - fungi, bacteria, or even chlamydia. Most often, non-compliance with hygiene standards by a man will provoke the occurrence of an inflammatory focus.
How to treat balanitis in men, the specialist will decide in each case individually - in direct proportion to which infectious agent was identified. So, with a bacterial or fungal nature of balanitis, antibacterial antimycotic agents are prescribed. If the problem is the lack of proper intimate hygiene, then the doctor conducts an explanatory conversation, and the treatment of erosive defects with antiseptic solutions is prescribed.
Allergic form of balanitis
Over the past couple of centuries, the ecological situation has deteriorated many times over. Therefore, an increased allergic predisposition is present in almost every person. Food, medicines, hygiene products - everything that surrounds a man can provoke an allergization of the body in him.
The main manifestation of the allergic form of balanitis will be burning and intense itching of the tissues of the penis. Spots and redness can be observed in a minimal amount, and purulent discharge from the urethra is not at all characteristic. Unpleasant symptoms appear periodically or persist for a long period if a man does not seek medical help in a timely manner.
The tactics of treatment will be to identify and eliminate provoking factors. In addition, local therapy is necessarily carried out - baths with antiseptic agents or decoctions of medicinal plants. Can be used ointments for balanitis- with antihistamine, antibacterial activity. The duration of therapy can range from several days to several months - in direct proportion to the diagnosed etiological factor. However, it will be necessary to refrain from sexual contact for this period.
Symptoms and tactics of treatment of erosive balanitis
One of the most unpleasant symptomatology forms of balanitis, of course, is its erosive variant of the course. It is characterized by the appearance of a focus of inflammation on the head of the penis, on the hyperemic surface of which white convex spots form. Subsequently, they exfoliate and erosion with a reddish surface remains in their place.
All stages of the disease are accompanied by severe pain impulses in the penis, as well as intense burning and itching. The temperature may rise - up to subfebrile figures. General inflammatory symptoms are also observed - headaches, loss of appetite, weakness and increased fatigue.
The provoking factors are both the penetration of infectious microorganisms, and the anatomical features of the penis or the course of pathologies of the urinary structures.
Treatment balanitis in men with drugs local exposure will consist in the implementation of trays with antiseptic solutions, as well as the application of corticosteroid ointments. They have the ability to stop inflammatory processes, accelerate tissue regeneration, reduce the severity of itching and burning. If complications of balanitis are already diagnosed, then the treatment tactics will be different - powerful antibiotic therapy and even surgery.
Symptoms and treatment of chlamydial balanitis
Not so bright clinical picture at an early stage of its occurrence is characterized by chlamydial balanitis on the head in men, photo which many try to find on the Internet. The provoking factor, of course, is sexual contact with an already infected partner.
The first symptoms will be hyperemia and swelling of the skin folds of the head of the penis. Later, intense itching and burning appear both during urination and during intimate contacts. With the progression of the pathology, negative symptoms will disturb the man even at rest, for example, at night.
Infectious agents can penetrate not only during sexual intimacy, but also from surrounding objects, for example, due to a man’s failure to comply with proper hygiene measures - using someone else’s bath towel, washcloth, or aggressive detergents.
Treatment of balanitis in men at home in this case is absolutely not allowed. Be sure to consult a specialist who will select the optimal scheme of pharmacotherapy. You will need to use not only a special balanitis ointment- with anti-inflammatory and antihistamine effect, but also systemic drugs - to suppress the activity of the pathogen. In addition, a man is prescribed courses of vitamin therapy and immunomodulators - to raise his own defenses. In this case, recovery will come faster and negative symptoms will disappear.
Diagnostics
Adequate differential diagnosis of balanitis is the key to the success of further therapeutic measures. To establish the true cause of the deteriorating condition of a man in the intimate sphere, modern laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods help:
- bacteriological examination of discharge from the urethra - in order to identify the infectious agent;
- tests for the establishment of sexually transmitted pathologies;
- general and biochemical blood tests - for example, anemia can lead to chronic atrophic balanitis;
- Ultrasound of the reproductive organs;
- cystoscopy - examination of the tissues of the urethra and bladder;
- on demand - CT, MRI.
Only the fullness of the information obtained from the above laboratory and instrumental diagnostic methods allows the specialist to understand why balanitis has formed and decide how to treat balanitis in men. Self-diagnosis will only aggravate the situation - if balanitis ointment treatment should only be prescribed by a doctor.
Medical therapy
Uncomplicated forms of the inflammatory process in the tissues of the penis may well be treated on an outpatient basis. However, self-treatment hello only to the appearance of complications. Therefore, in any form balanitis, home treatment for men must be selected by a specialist.
Principles of therapy:
- daily thorough hygiene procedures - with the removal of skin folds from the head of the penis and their treatment with antiseptic solutions;
- the affected areas are then treated with pharmaceutical ointments - with antibacterial, antihistamine, corticosteroid activity, they will be prescribed by the doctor in each case strictly individually;
- if a fungal microflora is detected as a provoking factor, then pharmacotherapy will consist in the use of antimycotic drugs - ointments, as well as tablets;
- ulcerative and erosive defects must be treated with antiseptic solutions, followed by the application of local remedies - ointments;
- if tissue gangrene has formed, they are surgically excised.
Simultaneously with anti-inflammatory therapy, the attending physician will recommend treatment aimed at stopping the intoxication of the body - vitamin therapy, immunomodulators. To reduce the severity of unpleasant itching and burning, antihistamines can be taken in a short course.
It is by no means possible to interrupt treatment if the symptoms have decreased and ceased to disturb the man. All activities must be carried out for at least 7-10 more days. Otherwise, a relapse of the disease may occur.
Prevention
The truth is widely known, then the best treatment tactic is prevention, it also applies to the case of balanitis. Preventive measures consist in the careful observance of personal hygiene measures by a man - the mandatory daily washing of the penis, the use of barrier contraception and sexual contacts.
In addition, so that the infectious processes that occur in the urinary tract do not move to the folds of the tissue of the head of the penis, they must be treated in a timely manner. In the case of congenital or acquired phimosis, it is also necessary to seek medical help in a timely manner.
Balanitis can be quite successfully prevented if a man periodically uses traditional medicine recipes - baths with decoctions of medicinal herbs. Chamomile, yarrow, calendula proved to be excellent. They have both antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, they help to reduce the area of \u200b\u200bthe inflammatory focus, relieve itching.
If a man carefully monitors his health, he is not threatened by any of the above forms of balanitis.