Glans inflammation
| Classification according to ICD-10 | |
|---|---|
| N48.1 | Balanitis |
| ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019) | |
In glans inflammation ( Latinized Greek balanitis (Mz. Balanitiden ), colloquially glans tripper ) the glans ( ancient Greek balanos ) of the limb is inflamed . This can lead to a purulent discharge that arises around the neck of the swollen glans of the penis . If the penis foreskin (Greek: pósthe ) is also affected, one speaks of balanoposthitis (glans foreskin inflammation).
Glans inflammation occurs in both children and adults, usually as a result of impurities and accumulation of secretion under the foreskin of the penis. Mutual infections of the sexual partners are quite common (" ping-pong infection ").
causes
Acute infectious balanitis
The causes are usually inadequate genital hygiene , which can be favored by phimosis or by simultaneous diabetes mellitus . Also hindgut bacteria , either through sexual activity or disease processes in the foreskin are trafficked may cause of acute infectious be balanitis. The ideal breeding ground for infectious pathogens is smegma , which collects under the foreskin, e.g. B. for bacteria such as staphylococci , mycobacteria and Gardnerella vaginalis , but also for fungi ( Candida ), some of which are sexually transmitted. Diabetics are particularly at risk.
Non-infectious (chronic) balanitis
It is often caused by excessive cleaning (cleanliness balanitis), which degreases and severely damages the glans skin. The cleanliness balanitis often promotes phimosis , as the excessive washing can harden the foreskin. Another cause of non-infectious balanitis (contact balanitis) is chemicals found in sperm-killing condoms or gels .
In protracted cases of preputial adhesions (foreskin adhesions), after sexual intercourse there may be, mostly marginal, balanitis or balanoposthitis (see above) in the area of the adhesions; The trigger for this is presumably under spillage of the bonded foreskin Vaginal - transudate . The ignition can cause the adhesive bond to loosen, at least partially.
Lichen sclerosus
is the chronic form of non-infectious balanitis. The foreskin is whitish and scarred, shrinks, becomes thinner, constricts and scars form. The urethra can also be affected by the narrowing.
Reiter's disease
can cause inflammation in various parts of the body , which can also affect the genitals in the form of balanitis circinata . A sign of this autoimmune disease can be circular red spots on the penis.
Deck epidemics
can also cause balanitis or balanoposthitis in animals.
Symptoms
An inflammation of the glans shows up as redness, swelling, pain and itching of the glans. Purulent discharge and a blotchy rash can also occur. The symptoms vary in principle depending on the cause.
Diagnosis and therapy
Anamnesis and, above all, microbiological examinations are of crucial importance for the detection of infectious balanitis : Urine examinations and a swab from the glans are indicative. If the balanitis recurs, diabetes should be excluded.
Updated European guidelines are available for diagnostic procedures and treatment. In the case of an infection, local therapy is primarily used, depending on the pathogen, with an ointment containing antibiotics or fungicidal (fungicidal) creams. The patient's sexual partner should always be examined and treated. In the case of non-infectious balanitis, ointments containing cortisone are used. Circumcision may be appropriate in the case of recurrent inflammation . This not only prevents further balanitis, but also secondary narrowing of the foreskin . It should be noted, however, that circumcision seems to significantly increase the risk of inflammation, especially in children under three years of age. If the findings are unclear, a sampling and histological examination should be sought to differentiate between cancer precursors .
See also
Web links
References
- ^ Roche Lexicon Medicine. 4th edition. Munich 1999, p. 155.
- ↑ Martina Sticker: Balanitis. In: Arne Schäffler (Ed.): Health Today. Illness - diagnosis - therapy. Munich 2007, p. 822.
- ^ S. Edwards, C. Bunker et al. a .: 2013 European guideline for the management of balanoposthitis. In: International Journal of STD & AIDS. 25, 2014, p. 615, doi : 10.1177 / 0956462414533099 .
- ^ Robert S. Van Howe: Neonatal Circumcision and Penile Inflammation in Young Boys. In: Clinical Pediatrics. Volume 46 (4), 2007, pp. 329-333.
