Balanitis
Balanitis is inflammation of the glans penis. When the foreskin is also affected, the proper term is balanoposthitis. Balanitis on boys still in diapers must be distinguished from redness caused by ammoniacal dermatitis. The word balanitis is from the Greek βάλανος , literally meaning 'acorn', used because of the similarity in shape to the glans penis. Signs and symptoms Small red erosions on the glans (first sign) Redness of the foreskin Redness of the penis Other rashes on the head of the penis Foul smelling discharge Painful foreskin and penis Complications Recurrent bouts of balanitis may cause scarring of the preputial orifice; the reduced elasticity may lead to pathologic phimosis. Further complications may include: Stricture of urinary meatus Phimosis Paraphimosis Cause Inflammation has many possible causes, including irritation by environmental substances, certain medications, physical trauma, and infection such as bacterial, viral, or fungal. Some of these infections are sexually transmitted diseases. It is less common among people who are circumcised, as in many cases, a dysfunction of the foreskin is a causal or contributing factor. Both not enough cleaning and too much cleaning can cause problems. Diagnosis Diagnosis may include careful identification of the cause with the aid of a