Posthitis
A Posthitis is the medical term for an inflammation of the prepuce of the penis.[1] When posthitis occurs with balanitis, it is known as balanoposthitis.
Background
Usually it is a bacterial or fungus-related infection, but posthitis can also be caused by chemical or physical irritation.[2] Often, unprotected sexual intercourse and poor hygiene or comorbidities, such as a foreskin constriction (phimosis) with subsequent limited hygiene, can be the cause.[1]
Candida balanoposthitis causes cracking or fissuring in the foreskin. Candida balanoposthitis is associated with diabetes.[3]
Therapy
Posthitis, like balanitis, has many possible causes, so the cause must be accurately diagnosed before a treatment modality can be selected.
The therapy is basically carried out medicinal and begins with a local therapy. Depending on the pathogenesis, antibiotic or fungicidal ointments are used. In the case of chemical or mechanical irritation, a therapeutic trial with ointments containing glucocorticoid may also be undertaken. For persistent relapses, circumcision may be considered.[1]
Complications
Possible complications include spreading of the infection to the glans (balanitis) as well as further ascending, which can lead to prostatitis or a urinary tract infection.[1]
See also
External links
Eckert K, Janssen N, Franz M, Liedgens P. Die nicht-retrahierbare Vorhaut bei beschwerdefreien Jungen - Eine Indikation zur Zirkumzision? [The non-retractable foreskin in symptom-free boys - An indication for circumcision?] (German). Der Urologe. 16 September 2016; 3/2017 PMID. DOI. Retrieved 23 October 2019.
References
- ↑ a b c d
Posthitis
, DocCheckFlexikon. Retrieved 23 October 2019. - ↑ Edwards S. Balanitis and balanoposthitis: a review. Genitourin Med. 1996; 72: 155-9. PMID. PMC. DOI. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
- ↑ Verma SB, Molina U. Looking through the cracks of diabetic candidal balanoposthitis!. Int J Gen Med. 7 July 2011; 4: 511-3. PMID. PMC. DOI. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
