Infectious and non-infectious balanitis
The glans is the most sensitive of a man’s erogenous zones. Therefore, when it becomes inflamed, the discomfort can be significant. This inflammation of the glans is medically known as balanitis. Often, the inner surface of the foreskin (the part facing the glans) is also affected. This condition is called balanoposthitis but is commonly referred to as balanitis in medical terminology. It can be recognized by a reddened and swollen glans, which may also itch, burn, be painful, and exude discharge. A patchy rash on the glans and purulent discharge from the urethra are also possible.
There are two types of balanitis: infectious and non-infectious:
The most common cause of infectious balanitis is poor intimate hygiene, where smegma is not regularly removed from between the glans and foreskin. Smegma provides an ideal environment for pathogens of all kinds. Phimosis (tightening of the foreskin) complicates intimate hygiene, increasing the risk of infectious balanitis.
Men with diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of developing balanitis. Their immune systems are weakened, and they excrete more glucose (grape sugar) in their urine, which promotes bacterial growth around the glans. Additionally, diabetes mellitus can lead to phimosis.
Not only pathogens in smegma but also intestinal bacteria can cause balanitis if they reach the glans through sexual activity or inadequate intimate and anal hygiene.
Excessive intimate hygiene is often the cause of non-infectious balanitis (“hygiene balanitis”). Washing too frequently with regular soaps or shower gels, and prolonged exposure to water, strips the delicate skin of the glans of its natural oils. Mechanical stress from rubbing dry with a towel or during sexual intercourse can also irritate the glans.
Other causes of non-infectious balanitis include allergic reactions or skin irritations (known as contact balanitis) triggered by latex in condoms, spermicidal gels used for contraception, and ingredients (e.g., fragrances, preservatives) in shower gels, body lotions, and intimate sprays.
Balanitis is also a symptom of Reiter’s syndrome (Reiter’s disease) and lichen sclerosus. Non-infectious balanitis can easily develop into infectious balanitis because the skin barrier of the glans is damaged, weakening its defense function. As a result, it becomes susceptible to fungi and bacteria (facultative pathogenic germs), which are naturally present in large numbers between the glans and foreskin. The accumulation of smegma promotes the transition to infectious balanitis.
Phimosis increases the risk of balanitis
If a man has not undergone circumcision, the foreskin covers the flaccid penis. If the foreskin cannot be retracted or can only be retracted with difficulty and pain, this condition is known as phimosis. Phimosis can cause problems with erection or make it impossible. It also increases the risk of recurrent infectious balanitis. Severe phimosis can make urination difficult and, if left untreated, can lead to paraphimosis.
There are various causes of phimosis in adolescence or adulthood. It can be due to untreated congenital phimosis or develop later in life, often as a result of a chronic condition such as lichen sclerosus, Reiter’s disease, or diabetes mellitus.
Phimosis promotes balanitis and vice versa
Balanitis can leave scars and harden the foreskin, promoting the development or progression of phimosis. This can create a vicious cycle, as phimosis, in turn, increases the risk of developing balanitis.
The treatment of phimosis is usually handled by a urologist. In cases of recurrent balanitis, erection problems, and difficulty urinating, circumcision is often recommended, which is generally considered a low-risk procedure. In some cases, applying an ointment may alleviate phimosis, but this should only be done under medical supervision. Improper or forceful retraction of the foreskin can cause small tears and scarring, which further worsens the phimosis.
In cases of infectious balanitis, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic (for bacterial infections) or an antifungal (for fungal infections), depending on the pathogen. Non-infectious balanitis usually resolves once the trigger is avoided.
Lastly, if a chronic condition is the underlying cause of balanitis and/or phimosis, this condition must also be treated.
A thin film of fat protects the glans and foreskin
Many men find relief by applying Deumavan Protective Ointment to the glans and tip of the penis. The thin film of fat moisturizes the stressed and dry intimate skin. Additionally, it shields the skin from external irritants (such as mechanical stress and urine) and pathogens. The protective fat film can help prevent the development of balanitis and the transition from non-infectious to infectious balanitis. With its rich formula, Deumavan Protective Ointment regenerates the stressed intimate skin, helping it become healthy and resilient again. Deumavan Protective Ointment also helps prevent scarring and hardening of the foreskin, which can result from balanitis. However, Deumavan Protective Ointment should not be used during an active infectious balanitis. It is beneficial for post-treatment to rebuild the intimate skin damaged by the infection.
For gentle cleansing of the intimate area, Deumavan Cleansing Lotion is recommended. During balanitis, it is advisable for men to refrain from sexual intercourse. If this is not possible, using a condom is recommended to protect the glans and foreskin and prevent infection of the partner. Deumavan Protective Ointment should only be used with condoms made of polyurethane or AT-10.
Neurodermatitis and Psoriasis in the male intimate area
In addition to balanitis and phimosis, chronic skin conditions can cause discomfort in the intimate area, particularly dry and itchy skin. Well-known examples include neurodermatitis and psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune disease. Psoriasis typically presents as round, sharply defined, and intensely red patches on the skin, often accompanied by itching. These patches are covered by large, silvery-white scales caused by abnormally rapid renewal of the epidermis. When psoriasis occurs in the male genital area, it primarily affects the very thin skin of the penile root and scrotum. This skin tends to bleed easily when pruritus (itching) is relieved by scratching or rubbing.
