The inflammation of the penis tip or Balanitis is common among men and can occur from different causes, including infection, allergies or irritation, particularly in those who are not circumcised.
This can cause the accumulation of bacteria build-up from daily routine such as the use of lotion or soap. Another major cause is an infection of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
If you come across any abnormal symptom at the penis tip or suspect an inflamed penis tip, it’s advisable to see a doctor for a thorough male genital check-up to indicate the cause and undergo the right medication
What You Should Know About Balanitis (Penis Tip Inflammation):
Balanitis or Penis tip inflammation occurs when there is an inflammation or infection of penis tip or the foreskin. Potential causes are from certain agents, including bacteria, fungi or viruses.
There are many reasons of penis tip inflammation. Risk group is male who haven’t been circumcised or have excessive foreskin or those who are at risk for STDs. Common causes of penis tip inflammation include:
Bacterial infections: This common cause is found in men with uncircumcised penis or those with excessive foreskin, as well as those with poor hygiene.
Fungal infections: The cause is very common among older men with diabetes or moist intimate areas.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as syphilis, herpes, HPV, trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea.
Non-infectious causes, such as eczema, allergies or irritation from chemicals or soaps, and cancer.
Diagnosis of the causes in each patient requires a detailed background, physical check-up and further lab tests. Therefore, medication can vary according to the cause
The most common symptoms found in patients with bacterial infections or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are pain, swelling, redness, rash or discharge at the tip of the penis.
In case of fungal infection and allergies, common symptoms found are itching, dry, irritated skin, rashes and bumps on the penis. Some might encounter a burning sensation.
Maintain good genital hygiene. Be aware of moisture buildup in intimate parts.
Patients with excess foreskin or those who can’t retract the foreskin readily should consider circumcision.
Always use a condom, particularly if you're at risk for STDs.
Check out existing cleaning products to ensure they don’t irritate the intimate area.
Unfortunately, the disease can be transmitted to male and female partners, as well as transgender partners if the disease is caused by STDs, such as syphilis, Herpes virus, (Humanpapilloma virus: HPV), Trichomoniasis, and gonorrhea.
However, if the disease stems from other causes, including bacterial and fungal infections, which are not linked to STDs, it would not be transmitted to the partner, but in certain cases it might cause irritation in the partner's vaginal area.
Circumcision involves the removal of excess foreskin, which enables a better routine cleaning of penis tip and thus helps to reduce moisture that often encourages infections.
If you encounter abnormal symptoms of penis tip inflammation, it’s advisable to see a doctor for accurate diagnosis and medication for inflamed penis tip. The doctor will examine the genital area, or conduct a male internal check-up, or might suggest blood and urine tests.
References
2022 European Guideline for the Management of Balanoposthitis, Sarah K. Edwards, Christopher B. Bunker, Eric M. van der Snoek, Willem I. van der Meijden.
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Compiled by Nattawadee Sriborisut,MD
Last Update : 25/09/2024
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