Posthitis

A Posthitis is the medical term for an inflammation of the prepuce of the penis.

Contents

Background

Usually it is a bacterial or fungus-related infection, but posthitis can also be caused by chemical or physical irritation. Often, unprotected sexual intercourse and poor hygiene or comorbidities, such as a foreskin constriction (phimosis) with subsequent limited hygiene, can be the cause.

Therapy

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.

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.

See also

• Balanitis

External links

• Eckert, Dr. K., Janssen, N., Franz, Prof. Dr. M., Liedgens, Dr. 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 Retrieved 23 October 2019.