genitourinary disorders
Balanitis, Posthitis, and Balanoposthitis
Introduction
Balanitisis inflammation of the glans penis,posthitisis inflammation of the prepuce, andbalanoposthitisis inflammation of both. Inflammation of the head of the penis most commonly occurs in people with poor hygiene. It has both infectious and noninfectious causes (see table). Often, no cause can be found. Balanitis usually leads to posthitis except in circumcised patients. The following conditions predispose to balanoposthitis: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) None Phimosis (tight, nonretractable prepuce) Phimosis interferes with adequate hygiene. Subpreputial secretions may become infected with anaerobic bacteria, resulting in inflammation. Chronic balanoposthitis increases the risk of Balanitis xerotica obliterans None Phimosis and Paraphimosis None Phimosis and Paraphimosis None Carcinoma in situ None 